On again off again Check engine light

[MR_Loyale]

I am having an issue with my 1993 Loyale (1.8L non-tubo). When driving down the freeway, and this is the only place it seems to happen, my check engine light comes on. It stays on for a while then goes off all of a sudden. When it is on, the car is jerky even though my foot is holding the accelerator in the same position, it is as if I was quickly taking it off and applying it again. But the jerks happen faster than I could ever tap the gas pedal. After a while it goes away. By the time I am anywhere to check the code, it is gone.

 

I suspect this is fuel system related, but that is just a guess.

 

An ideas?

[idosubaru]

Clear the memory and then right after it happens again, check the READ MEMORY mode. It will tell you the code that tripped the check engine light.

 

You could try it right now, but often it gives you a list of codes...stuff that triggered when you were working on something, disconnected something, something from 4 years ago..etc.

 

Though you might get lucky and just have one code listed, so it's worth a try to read the memory now.

 

How's the tune up stuff - general plugs, wires, cap and rotor will easily cause this. Although I don't suggest throwing any parts at it until you read the code, since you already know it has some information for you.

[MR_Loyale]

The plugs are about 6K old, distributor and wires about 5K old.

[idosubaru]

rotor? cool, that's great all that stuff is good to go.

 

go snag that code.