Check Engine Light

[UrabusMom]

Hi, kinda new at this, both the message board and being a subaru owner. Our son, you probably know him as ShawnW, found us a 96 Outback, with the 2.2 engine. Well the first time the CEL came on, we had just washed the car and the engine, so we checked all the connections, called Shawn, unhooked the battery and it went away for a week or so. Then yesterday it popped back on again. Any thoughts on what might be causing this? Thanks for any advice

 

Ann

[Adnan]

Hi Ann,

 

You have to identify the problem by checking the error codes. Your local Autozone store can loan you a code scanner for free to both read the code and clear it.

 

Look at the lower dash fascia below and to the left of the steering wheel, approximately at knee height. You will see a small, multi-contact connector; this is your OBD-II port. The scanner will plug in there and the engine computer will tell its tale of woe. I think the code is in the format of Pxxxx, a four-digit number. Once you have that, you can look up the Haynes manual for the code, which will pinpoint the problem (if you don't have one, let me know the code and I can translate it for you).

 

Regards,

Adnan

[outback_97]

A loose gas cap can cause a CEL... make sure that when you fill it up you twist the cap back on until it clicks a few times.

 

Just trying to eliminate the easy ones first

 

Steve

[swooshdave]

Once you have that, you can look up the Haynes manual for the code, which will pinpoint the problem (if you don't have one, let me know the code and I can translate it for you).

 

Regards,

Adnan

 

There are about 8.3 million sites on the internet that list the codes. No need to go digging about a ratty Haynes manual.

[Subaru X]

If the bugger keeps turning on and off. Could possibly be a knock sensor. My pooparoo was doing this to me. Everytime I had the code scanner ready blasted light would turn off. Then 2 days later back on again. Hopefully it isn't this sensor as I found it to be a bit high priced.

[UrabusMom]

A loose gas cap can cause a CEL... make sure that when you fill it up you twist the cap back on until it clicks a few times.

 

Just trying to eliminate the easy ones first

 

Steve

Ok we checked and it appeared pretty tight, but did have a click left in it, we're going to unhook the battery again tonight and then see if that helps. Otherwise we can take the cap off the 98 outback and see if that one is better. Will keep you posted and thanks.