Request for Assistance: Code 11

[DirtyMech]

Hello to everyone on the Ultmiate Subaru Message Board. This is my first post, obviously, and I would like to express how happy I am that a forum such as this one exists. I've had a 1984 Subaru for more than two years, and have been able to repair the few problems that I've had with amaetur mechanical skills alone. The older models are excellent, economical and very durable.

 

My vehicle model is a 1984 Subaru DL 1800, with around 178K miles on it. I've put about 23K of those miles on it myself.

 

At the moment I am attempting to correct a problem that is hard to pinpoint. My ECS (engine check) light has been comming on and off ever since I bought the car in 2003. It only used to come on after more than an hour of prolonged freeway driving during roadtrips, and would flicker off once I gave the engine a rest. At first I believed the problem had something to do with the engine being over-stressed, but within the past few weeks the light has been turning on sooner and more frequently, even during around-town driving trips.

 

I checked the computer under the steering wheel and when I turn the key on it flashes a red light, one long flash and one short flash, for a Code 11.

 

According to this website: http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/subaru/1983-1988-subaru-carbureted.php

 

A code 11 indicates something is wrong with the ignition pulse. Now, this could be many things, but I read somewhere on the Net during my research that the most common reason for the ECS light to come on in an older Subaru model is due to a failure of the EGR solenoid (or perhaps the solenoid valve). This makes sense to me because the last time I went to smog my vehicle it almost didn't pass because of extremely high emissions, especially with regard to NOx.

 

Now here is my dilemma: Should I test the EGR solenoid, solenoid valve, or look somewhere else for my problem?

 

I have not yet checked the timing, idling speed, and timing belt tension, but will here at some point soon. Any of these are culpable, but whatever it turns out to be I would still like to find out what is going wrong with my emissions system.

[MorganM]

You won't get an ignition pulse if the engine isn't running

 

Sorry can't really help with smog testing. Lots of debate on here about it however; prolly find some good info using the search feature. Also should be able to find out proper proceedures for testing yoru EGR components and specifications to check against.

[MilesFox]

the reason you are pulling a code 11 with the key on is the engine is not running. you will want to start and run the engine.

 

the reason you are getting the code 11 is the distributor is not turning!

 

try the code next time after starting the motor and see if anything else comes up

[DirtyMech]

Oh hell...well that helps. Thanks guys. I turned the key on and the 11 went away, with no new code to replace it. I guess I'll have to catch the code when the light comes on again and pull off the road to look under the dash... I'll post what I find out later.

[hooziewhatsit]

I believe you can connect both the white and green connectors and go for a drive. This should force the ECU it to check everything. If the CEL starts blinking, there are no codes. If it comes on solid, stop and look at the LED to get the codes.

 

btw, this is the procedure you follow to clear the codes as well. Just repeat until you don't read anymore.

 

Also, 5 or 7 short pulses mean an all clear condition. I don't recall right now if 5 flashes are for a manual tranny or auto.

 

good luck