95 Subaru impreza wagon 1.8L Sweet Caroline.

[This Guy]

Nice seeing a group of fellow subaru lovers. Had mine for 10 years now and she is getting a bit old and tired. 220000 on her. Recently the check engine light kept blinking on and off randomly for about 2 weeks, and in the last 2 days has now become permanent. She is starting really hard, (which she always has when it rains and she sits for more than 6 hours and acts just like that, kinda skippy thing goin on.) BUT This is different in that as soon as you turn the key on a cold start, the fans come on now. Think that might be part of the sensor system, but not sure. But not having a code reader or time to take it to the garage this week was just curious if this could be the temperature sensor going? Just my guess, was hoping someone more versed in this than I might have already conquered this problem. Thanks for all the help!

[Fairtax4me]

Probably a failed temp sensor.

95 Impreza was still OBD1 if I remember right. Which means you don't need a code reader to check codes. Plug some connectors together under the dash and turn the key and the CEL blinks any codes.

Search google for Subaru obd1 codes or somethin like that and you'll find plenty of info.

 

Other than that. How old are the Spark plugs and wires? They make a difference. Especially in the rain/wet weather, old plug wires can allow arcing which will hinder starting.

[This Guy]

Replaced the plugs and wires 2 years ago. That didn't change anything. I have always thought that might be the coil pack, but no idea. As for the codes, I keep getting mixed signals... I have read more than 3 different places that 95 is obd1 or ob2. No one seems to be certain on that... It is the odd year. LOL But I am hoping it is just a temp sensor...

 

According to this site my car is obd2... http://www.troublecodes.net/subaru/

The funny thing is that it says 96 and later are obd2, but down just a little bit, it says that 95 impreza are obd2...

 

Like I said it must be the odd year out. LOL

Edited September 10, 2015 by This Guy

[Fairtax4me]

The OBD2 determiner is usually the 16 pin OBD2 plug in the lower corner of the dash. No plug, no OBD2.

[idosubaru]

Those motors are awesome.  With minimal work and $100 in parts that car would probably run another 100,000 miles with few issues.

 

Check codes - they will tell you what is wrong.  Look for the plug connector he is talking about.  Lower left of steering column usually.

 

Blinking indicates multiple cylinder misfires:

 

1.  plugs - best to use OEM NGK

2. wires - best to use OEM, NGK, or quality wires.

 

These engines are not forgiving of cheap or non-OEM igniion components.  I've seen brand new wires throw a check engine light for cylinder misfire, including in a 1997 Impreza wagon, though nearly all EJ engines are like this.

 

More obscure things could be happening but those are so common they need to be checked first....and I'm sort of guessing the codes anyway.

 

A full on timing belt kit would be nice for reliability - they're like $100 on Amazon for all new pulleys and the belt and can be installed in an hour or two.

[idosubaru]

google search shows others asking and it seems most 1995 impreza's are OBDI.

there are some reports of OBDII possibly in 2.2 engines and LX models.

 

OBDII connector at lower left where they usually are in other impreza's.

two oxygen sensors indicates OBDII as OBDI only has one.

 

OBDI you can get to flash the code by connecting some connectors under the dash.

 

actually can't you retrieve codes this way in some newer OBDII Subaru's, i've seen a procedure before, but maybe it's much newer ones, like 2005 or something?

[AdventureSubaru]

Engine code should point you in the right direction. Get that code or codes and post back.

 

Start with new plugs and wires. The fact that it's different during rain/wet tells you it's electrical in nature.

 

If the problem persists could be failing mass air flow, knock sensor, coil or o2 sensors. A few other things like coolant temperature sensor can make it run rough.

 

But yes, at 220,000 unless you're getting metal shavings in your oil or severe overheating or rod knock, this motor should have lots of life left. EJ18 was not the most powerful motor subaru made but certainly one of, if not the most dependable. Seen a few over 400,000 myself. Worth doing a little work to keep a dependable car on the road.

[This Guy]

Ok the car is obd1. Said coolant temp. sensor and oxy sensor. Replaced the temp sensor and cleared the codes today. Took me a minute to find the damn thing. Temp sensor hidden under a bunch of wires. Found my pcv valve that I have been carrying in my car for 2 years in the midst of moving the wires and hoses to remove the thing. (2 birds, 1 stone.) (couldn't get the socket on the temp sensor without removing the hose.)  As for the car, I think the body will fall apart before the engine dies. Live up in pa/ny, so winters are eating her a bit. But no knock, no metal shavings. Runs like a top 99% of the time. Put lucas in her every oil change since I've owned her. I treat her good now that I am older. HAHA So far so good, will report back. Thanks for all the help guys.

[lstevens76]

For anyone else searching '95 was a crossover year.  There are both OBD1 and OBD2 Subaru's from '95.  I've actually seen both and one of them was a '95 coupe w/ a 1.8L so it isn't limited to the 2.2L either.

 

It may be a production date thing as to which system the cars came with, but it is possible to be either or in '95.