tbolt1003 Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Hi all. I've owned my 95 Impreza wagon for about 3 years now and love the car. She has the 2.2 and auto trans. I inherited the car and, aside from some regular maintenance items which had been neglected, she runs like a champ. When I got the car, the CEL was flashing at a rapid pace, about 3 flashes/second. I had it scanned, but nothing came back. I've been told this is a very common thing with the early Imprezas, some glitch with the computer that has absolutely no effect on the car whatsoever. I've learned to live with the flashing light. Even the service center I take the car to for annual inspection passes the car because they are aware of this glitch and know there is nothing wrong with the car. Now, after all this time, my curiosity is getting the best of me. Does anyone know what this glitch is? If I remove the bulb so I don't see it flashing all the time, will not having the bulb in the circuit affect anything? Like I said, I'm used to the bulb flashing constantly, just a little curious. Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 I have never read of this. waiting for the gurus to explain it...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Are the test or read connectors plugged in? Green 2 pole connector and black single pole connector under steering column? If both are hooked up this is "clear" mode. If there are no codes to output, it flashes to tell you "I'm Reset, unplug the connectors now!" If it isn'[t this.....I'd be worried about driving the car.......Flashing CEL on newer models means misfire, and "stop driving! there's a problem that could damage the cat or engine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 If there's any chance this is an OBD1 car (I don't remember if they switched the Impreza to OBD2 in 95 or 96), they could have left the black connectors under the dash plugged in, and the car would still run fine. The green connectors on the OBD2 cars will cause driveability problems if left plugged in. It will also set the radiator fan(s) to cycle on and off and all of the relays and solenoids in the car and under the hood to click on and off every half second or so with the key turned to the On position. Either way, its fairly easy to check for with a flashlight, just look up under the dash on the drivers side near the steering column. The black and green test connectors are small and have one wire each. Make sure they are UNplugged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 If BOTH are connected then it's in "clear" mode. Won't cycle fans and pump just flashes after it deems conditions to be "okay" to reset. Even if it's OBD II (95 automatics), it will still have the old fashioned "clear" mode. They didn't do away with the "read" black connector until 99 IIRC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 (edited) ah, I only considered the green connectors and rejected that as he didn't have relays and fans activating... bet that's what it is. probably masking an evap code! Edited February 13, 2014 by 1 Lucky Texan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbolt1003 Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 Thanks for the replies. I'll look at those plugs when I have a chance. I am fairly certain this is an OBD1 car, as I remember my service station say that the newer code readers won't work on my Impreza due to the OBD conflict. The car runs strong and just got me up a driveway with a fresh 14" of snow. Amazing what this little car can do with a set of snow tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbolt1003 Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 You are truly amazing individuals. This website rocks!!! I located a green connector, but not a black one. I unplugged the green connector and no more flashing CEL light!!! Thank you all, so much, for the help. Guess the "glitch" I was told about isn't true afterall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Glas to hear it was the connectors! Sorry you had to wait three years with the light blinking in your face to find that out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbolt1003 Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yeah, it is kinda amusing...LOL. Thanks again for your help, Fairtax!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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