Vent control solenoid and CEL

[Mike V]

The CEL on my 97 Legacy wagon is on and the code is P0446 which apparantly means the "vent control solenoid" is faulty. The car spent a couple of hours in the dealer's shop recently (Long story. Suffice it to say that it was the first time since I've owned this car and it will hopefully be the last) and the mechanic told me he tested the solenoid and the resistance was high so I guess that verifies the problem. Anyway, the dealer wants over $100.00 for the part. My questions are:

1. Is this a good candidate for finding a used one at a salvage yard?

 

2. Any suggestions for a source for a good price on a new one?

 

3. Any comments on this problem, in general?

 

Thanks for any advice!

[NOMAD327]

there was a post on the endwrench site about this happening to impreza's that had recently had a trailer hitch added. Something about the hose above the vent canister being disconnected and very hard to see it had been dislodged. Does anything like that apply to your situation?

[Mike V]

there was a post on the endwrench site about this happening to impreza's that had recently had a trailer hitch added. Something about the hose above the vent canister being disconnected and very hard to see it had been dislodged. Does anything like that apply to your situation?

I don't think so. Like I said, the mechanic at the dealership (who I trust -it's just the management that I cannot abide) tested the solenoid and found it bad. I also did ask him specifically if it could be a wiring issue and he said that it was not. Thanks for the comment anyway!

[NOMAD327]

A lot of people on the site get their parts from Liberty Subaru in NJ. they are quick and have a nice discount, and near perfect for someone in the Allentown area. You don't have the sales tax, and no big delay on shipping. I normally use the toll free number, here is a link to their website.

 

 

http://www.libertysubaru.com/en_US/f_HomePage_1.chtml

 

The number is 1-888-782-9493, only issue is if you are having a dealer do the work, they may not like you showing up with your own parts. hope this helps.

[Mike V]

Thanks for the comments Nomad. I appreciate you trying to help. To be brutally honest, I find this message board a bit disappointing compared to others I participate on. I have not been able to get much useful advice here. Last time I raised a question here someone suggested just taking the car to a dealer or Subaru specialist and avoid the work. Why would one bother to post a question and give dthe details of the problem if they were going to pay someone to do the work anyway?

 

I checked the price of the vent control solenoid at 1st Subaru Parts.com and then at Liberty Subaru. Same price both places! I ordered it from Liberty. I enjoyed the coincidence that Liberty is located in my home town. Haven't lived there in almost 30 years! Had a nice chat with the parts guy.

 

Thanks again. I hope I did not offend anyone with my comment above. Just reporting my experience. I won't give up. I know there's some folks who know their Subarus around here.

 

Mike V.