Engine light on after being low on oil.

[dariusbd]

Hello,

 

My '96 Outback (167K miles) is leaking oil from where the oil pan meets the car. I wasn't monitoring it well recently and the "Check Engine Light" came on and stayed on. (Shouldn't I have received some kind of low oil warning?)

 

1) Is there a way to reset that?, and

 

2) Is there an easy/cheap way to stop the leak? (the local mechanic says that tightening the bolts is not a good idea).

 

Thanks.

[GeneralDisorder]

You need to post in "New Generation" - this part of the forum is not for Legacy's of any vintage.

 

There is no low-oil warning on any Subaru - even '08's. I haven't seen any japanese car with one. Some German stuff....

 

Your CEL may not even be related to the low oil - pull the codes and see. Any Autozone or other parts store should do it for free.

 

Stopping the leak (which may only be part of the oil consumption equation) will involve pulling the pan and replacing that seal. Not difficult if you have an afternoon and minimal mechanical skills.

 

GD

[nipper]

My bet is its that cam seals oil pump seal main seal. Its at the right mileage

 

 

nipper

[kingbobdole]

My bet is its that cam seals oil pump seal main seal. Its at the right mileage

 

 

nipper

+1... you'll probably need a front end rebuild if it is coming out of the front of the engine... ever had the timing belt done? Another thing I've seen recently is the rear main/ plastic rear cover leaking... also not a cheap fix at a shop.

[dariusbd]

Thanks to all of you who responded to my query.

 

Fortunately, all I needed to do was to disconnect the battery for a few minutes and presto the CEL went away

 

This is despite the fact that the guy at the AutoZone checked the computer and said it was a code P0420 (Catalytic Convert Operating below Threshold).

 

P.S. I did make sure to add a quart of oil before any of this.

[nipper]

Thanks to all of you who responded to my query.

 

Fortunately, all I needed to do was to disconnect the battery for a few minutes and presto the CEL went away

 

This is despite the fact that the guy at the AutoZone checked the computer and said it was a code P0420 (Catalytic Convert Operating below Threshold).

 

P.S. I did make sure to add a quart of oil before any of this.

 

Dont be so cocky. :-p

 

It will come back, and the same code. It comes and goes untill it stays on. You most likely need a front O2 sensor (which should be from subaru).

 

 

Your car is at the right mileage for the O2 sensor to quit, or start getting lazy. They do wear out.

 

nipper