Del Gue

I've got a CEL that according to AUTOZONE, says my downstream o2 sensor might be bad. I don't have the CEL # with me right now, but it also mentions "heated" concerning the sensor. There is an off brand (APWI AP4246) available on ROCKAUTO that notes that it works with either California and non-California ESV. I don't need the California emmisions, but my dilemma is that I would like to stick with oe parts which is the Denso sensor, but the Denso only features California emmisions. To the question finally: Would the California o2 sensor hurt my car or cause any wierdness? My sensor connector is orange like the one pictured on Rockauto. Hope this is comprehendable. Thanks.

My 99 OBS only has 84,000 on it. Everything I've read says that a CAI increases HP. I thought that everyone likes a little boost, but I guess not. As for an MAF; I didn't realize the OBS has one! It does have an "air intake temp sensor, but if someone knows where the MAF is, then let me know, because it probably needs to be cleaned. I've never seen it. This is the 99 OBS...it isn't a WRX or an STI, and I never said it was.

I'm considering installing a "weapon r secret weapon" cold air intake on my 99 OBS. From looking at it online, it doesn't appear to have a port for the air intake temp sensor. I am wondering if a CAI is worth the trouble for the resulting output that it gives, and would it cause a problem without the air temp sensor to have a port to go into? Thanks for any input.

I have some check engine light codes that just popped up; PO325 knock sensor malfunction, and PO113 IAT intake air temp sensor. I know where the IAT is, and what both parts look like by checking on ROCKAUTO, but I'm not sure where the knock sensor is located. Can anyone point me in the general direction? Also, I find it curious that both of these went "bad" at the same time. I had to pull my right font drive axle last week and unplugged a couple of wire harnesses to get better access. I didn't disconnect the battery first, and wonder if the unplugging and plugging might have fried them. I re-checked the connections and everything is together. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts about it. Thanks.

I thought I might be able to get some needed info out of this entire thread. What is the IAC and where is it located? Thanks.

Thanks folks. That was fast, thorough and appreciated!

Does anyone here have a practical "rule of thumb" for setting the proper drivebelt (not timing) tension? I do not have any type of gauge for it. Thanks for any advice.

As I've mentioned before, the underneath of my wagon looks how the Titantic looks today! I have some bad exhaust gaskets that I need to change out. Yesterday, I warmed the car to operating temp and applied candle wax to all four studs. I also carefully hit them with a hammer, trying to break them free. All four of the nuts and studs are completely rusted and deformed, and I figured not even a torch would help. I twisted the first one off, and the other 3 are not budging. I had to do a helicoil several years ago on my 83 GL exhaust studs, so I'm not completely terrified of the process. I just need some ideas on getting the other 3 stud/nuts off/out, and the size of new studs to get and how far can I safely drill towards the head? This is such a pain. Thanks for any help.

I posted last week that my front wipers had convienently failed to work during a rainstorm. The rear washer which had normally worked had failed too, so I figured it had to be the switch arm. I was able to replace it with an exact match from a 98 Forester and solved the problem. Three screws to remove the steering column shroud, and two screws holding the arm to its connector...very easy fix. Thanks for all the info.

My OBS has 81,000 on it. Last week, the front wipers would occasionally "slap" fairly hard on the downward stroke (uhhh....huhhuhuuhuh), but as I say, only occasionally. Last night during a fairly heavy rainstorm, they didn't work at all. How perfect! The fuse was blown, so I decided to waste another fuse, and did. I don't have any electrical meters, and just want to know if this sounds like a bad wiper motor? The rear wiper has never worked since I've owned the car, but I'm pretty sure that the rear squirter did, though it is not now. Any ideas as to why the fuse might be blowing? Thanks for all the help. I sort of need my front wipers!

I have several questions about mufflers only, not the entire exhaust system. Is their main purpose for noise suppression? Other than disturbing the peace, are there any negative effects to the engine without one? Are they necessary for proper engine operation and for maximum fuel effeciency? I saw a youtube video of someone's OBS with just a straight pipe, and it sounded damned cool. Just curious about these questions and welcome your opinions. Thanks.

I cleared the code this past weekend and have driven more than 40 miles or so, and the CEL has not come back on, so I do believe that you diagnosed it correctly. I filled the tank completely full, and now see where the raw gas smell is coming from. Do these OBSs have two fuel tanks? The one on the driver side has raw gas dripping down onto the tank from where it connects to the car. As I've mentioned before, this car looks like the Titanic underneath, with major rust issues. When it is only half full, there is no dripping issue and the fumes are not nearly as bad. I will run it close to empty and then put it up on some stands to see if this is fixable. Otherwise, I might have to keep it under half full for the rest of the time. Thanks everyone for your help!

Yes, I tend to do this frequently (Above). Is there a method to clear out this code and to see what happens from there? Thanks for everyone's input. I am going to look into everyone's suggestions!

By saying "that's the part", you mean "that's what the part looks like", right? Because this part is for an 03 Forester, not a 99 OBS. The car has had a strong raw gas smell since I've owned it for the past year and a half, but it was just last week when the P0440 CEL came on, so I want to go this route first. The car is a complete rust bucket underneath...looks like the Titanic! Anyway, looks like Dealer time, because Subaru Parts For You does'nt have it and no yards around have a 99-01. Thanks for all the help though.

I just got this code yesterday. Can anyone tell me if the "purge solenoid" is the same thing as a "vapor canister purge valve", that I found on Rockauto? Otherwise, I'll have to go to the dealer, which is hard for me to stomach. Thanks for any info.

I recently put in new rear brake kits on my 99 OBS. It has drums. Do the brakes automatically adjust while in reverse, or do you manually set them? Of course there are adjusters in there, but I'm not sure of the process for adjusting them. Fuel injectors. My vehicle has 80,000 on it. When should fuel injectors be replaced; how difficult is the job and what are the expected benefits of new ones? Thanks for all the help.

My 99 OBS sounds pretty whimpy. I don't have the cash for a full custom exhaust, but would like to change the muffler for a sportier sound. Anyone have any affordable suggestions in the under $100 range? Thanks for the help.

Does anyone know what the correct plug gap is on new plugs for the 99 OBS? Thanks.

I will be installing a new 02 sensor on my 99 Outback Sport this weekend. Afterwards, does the CEL turn off on its own, or is there a procedure to have to go through? Thanks for the help.

The car runs very good. The gas mileage is not the best, but it is hard for me to determine how good the mileage is as I have only had the car back on the road for a bit more than a month.

My 99 Outback Sport just turned over 80,000 miles a couple of weeks ago and right about that time, a CEL came on. Autozone diagnosed it, and it read, "2 codes"...P1130...definition: front 02 sensor (AF) circuit malfunction (open circuit). Probable cause: 1. open or short circuit condition. 2. Poor electrical connection. 3. Failed O2 sensor." My question is, why would it say "2 Codes", yet no other code number or diagnosis come up? I figure it is most likely the front 02 sensor, as right around the same time as the CEL, I started hearing what sounds like an exhaust leak or rusty pipe in the same area. Anyone else ever experience this? Thanks for any help.

My 99 Outback Sport runs so smooth and quiet, that it is sometimes hard to tell if it's running or not (ha-ha). I also have a used 03 WRX wagon (which I'm selling soon) that came with a BBP custom exhaust that I love the sound of (thing sounds like a race car). I am wondering if a similar exhaust system can be put onto my Sport? I spoke with a muffler guy last year and he said it is best to cut out the catalytic converter for better gas mileage!!! Is that information correct? Any advice on a cool sounding exhaust, average cost and how the job should be done is really appreciated. Thanks

I recently did my front disc brakes, but the rears are drum and looks more complicated than my old 83 GL. Does the ABS ring/lug ring come off, or is it easier to just work around it? Also, once finished, what is the final adjustment through the slot on the backing plate, and is there an adjustment tool for purchase that fits in that slot? Thanks for all of the help on this. I need a damned manual!!!

I've not been here in quite awhile, as I've owned a WRX for the past year and a half and use a different site. I recently picked up a 99 Impreza Outback Sport wagon with 78,000 miles...strong engine, strong cluth...great interior/exterior...but underneath looks almost like the TITANIC!!!! I didn't really check underneath as good as I should have. I need lots of parts (maybe even a gas tank). When I go to the salvage yard, I need to know what years of the Impreza will work with the 99? I've already found that regular OUTBACK parts really don't fit. I feel like I'm in way over my head on this one, and it's sort of weighing me down. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.

I drove an 83 GL wagon for eighteen years, up until last year, when I got an 08 Honda Fit. The Fit is a great little car, but just not for me. Anyway, as of yesterday, I picked an 03 WRX wagon. (must be going through a mid-life crisis.) It seems to be in pretty good shape for having 94,000 on it...very clean interior, clean engine, doors close smoothly and the clutch feels pretty good. I don't recognize much in the engine compartment, though. I must admit that I'm a bit intimidated about the whole thing. I'm very excited about the having the car, and I'm very glad this site is here for when I have to work on it! Can anyone recommend a general maintenance manual that focuses on the 03 WRX? thanks for all the help.