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Believe it or NOT - "Check Engine" light (CEL) demystified somewhat


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OK, i started the engine with the green connectors unplugged. I then unplugged the coolant temp sensor. The ecs light came up, and the computer started flashsing code 33 as expected. I then turned the car off, and plugged the temp sensor back in.

I then plugged the green connectors in and turned the ingnition to the on position (engine off). Code 33 did not flash, just 11 & 12 (they always flash with the ign on and engine off). :confused:

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I'm still unable to get stored codes from the ecs. There should definitely be some in there, but they dont show up when the green connectors are conected. What is the problem here?

Hey Skip---Hey Naru---Any ideas?

 

Hey Ross---I can only wonder if your model does have a memory connector that needs to be found. But I gather you already looked under both sides of the dash, both sides of engine compartment, but haven't found a set of probably black connectors. But at this point I'd take any color.:-\

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I'm still unable to get stored codes from the ecs. There should definitely be some in there, but they dont show up when the green connectors are conected. What is the problem here?

 

I``m pretty sure the rudimentry pre-85 computers have no capability to store historic trouble codes.

ie-if you fix the problem the code is instantly gone

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I``m pretty sure the rudimentry pre-85 computers have no capability to store historic trouble codes.

ie-if you fix the problem the code is instantly gone

Thanks Naru.

Hey Ross---If this is the case then rerun the coolant temp sensor test but leave it disconnected until after you check for codes with the key on, engine off, with green connnectors connected. :cool:

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  • 4 weeks later...

Skip,

 

I have the chilton subaru manual, it tells me how to test most of the sensors and there circuits, the wastegate solenoid is not in the manual anywhere.

 

Would you happen to know how i test this unit?

What is its resting state, is it normaly closed or normally open?

I get a short across the poles 0.02ohms. 13.47vdc at the connector with engine running.

 

I am testing the units because I recieved several error codes all at once, thinking it may be a common ground causing the errors.

 

thanks for any help.

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The WGS is a solenoid valve,

the valve part is NO (Normaly Open)

 

The resistance reading you are getting is too

low, the FSM says 17 to 21 ohms.

 

But if the coil were shorted it wouldn't

show the ground point connection you mention.

 

I will assume you checked the coil to see if it is

internaly shorted to the body of the unit, this could be

causing the ground short you speak of.

 

The BW wire to the WGS is connected to fuse #11 so if

the wiring to the unit was shorted to ground you would see

battery voltage across the the connector,

but this might also be the control system

in the ECU showing you battery voltage.

 

You could unplug the ECU and retest,

the battery voltage should not appear across the terminals when this is done.

But the BW wire should still show +12 Vdc when tested to ground.

 

Hope this helps

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Sorry I did not clarify, The solenoid was removed from the vehicle when I checked for Normally opened/Normally closed, and the connector was not plugged into the solenoid when I tested voltage at the connector.

 

Thank you, yes this information does help very much.

 

one wierd things though, the wastegate solenoid seems to be clattering away when the (green) test leads are connected. Is this normal for timing?

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Js2,

The resistance you quoted for the WGS is still too low.

 

When the green connectors are connected

there is a series of self testes the ECU puts the

engine controls through.

 

The WGS may be in the loop, the fuel pump is for sure.

 

I would retest the WGS or find a substitute.

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