engine light issues with gas fill up

[scottsheppard@videotron.ca]

Hi,

 

I have a 2001 Legacy wagon L. every so often the engine light comes on--usually as the gas level goes down below half. Sometimes after a fill up it will go away for several days again until the level of gas drops. The filler caqp seems good and tight. Any ideas?

 

Also, what do you suggest as a code reader? I plan on getting one as if I don't need it for this I will need it for another. I also have a 1990 Sub legacy wagon.

 

Thanks folks,

 

scott

[Suzam]

You might try a new gas cap, but I'd get one from Subaru not aftermarket.

 

Remember not to "top off" the tank, Subie's dont like to be overfilled after the nozle clicks off.

 

Your MY01 is ODB II your older one isn't but you can read the codes check Legacy777's site for info.

 

 

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/subaru.html

[porcupine73]

Gas cap might be a good suspicion, especially if for whatever reason the one on the vehicle is not OE. Also maybe look at the o-ring on the gas gap and see if it's sealing well. Plus you really do need to check the code to see what it is; maybe it's just coincidence below 1/2 tank.

 

As far as code readers, I bought an Actron for $99 on sale at Pep Boys and it works pretty well, plus if it's a generic code it spells out for you the meaning. However, I later bought a Scan Gauge for about $129, which, on top of reading codes, also lets you display up to four ODBII parameters such as engine coolant temp, intake air temp, manifold vacuum, voltage, ignition advance, and so on. The Scan Gauge will ready the codes (i.e. P01004 or whatever they look like) but won't tell you the meaning, but that's not a big deal because you can look them up online.