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Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

3121 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 12:30 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Wagon


Messages Page 104 of 313

#1029 of 3121 Advice Please by cori505

Sep 04, 2001 (9:04 am)

I recently bought a 1998 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, with only 16,800 miles on it. The other day as I was returning from a long trip the "Check Engine" light came on. I checked the manual and it said that this can occur if the gas cap has not been put back on securely after getting gas. I had gotten gas that morning and when I checked the cap after reading this, I realized I hadn’t tightened it until I heard the "click" sound. I did tighten it and heard the "click" but the "Check Engine" is still on. The manual said it may take a few driving tips before it goes off. I’ve driven a couple more times since then and I’m still waiting for it to go off. Should I wait a little longer or have a mechanic check it now? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.

#1030 of 3121 cori by brekke

Sep 04, 2001 (10:04 am)

Don't worry. My CEL went on twice.
 
The first time it didn't come back on as I was starting my fifth trip after tightening the gas cap, the second time it didn't come back on as I was starting my fourth trip after tightening the gas cap.
 
anyone: my coworker scolded me for getting an oil change at 1500 miles. He said I should be following the manual with changes at 7500 miles. Am I wasting my money with 3000 mile oil changes? I'm sure this has been debated somewhere, guess I'll check iclub.

#1031 of 3121 three clicks by brettski314

Sep 04, 2001 (10:27 am)

I found this while digging around on Subaru's web site, not sure if it's really a solution:

http://www.subaru.com/adventure/care/carcaretips/middle_alert.html

They say to turn the gas cap until you hear three clicks. That should prevent any CEL problems.

#1032 of 3121 New Owner by aajoslin

Sep 04, 2001 (11:15 am)

After quietly lurking around here for a couple of weeks, I finally did it... I convinced the wife that it wasn't a "Station Wagon" but a "Sport Wagon". She was dead set on an SUV, and I had always admired the Subaru Wagons. I drove a '80 Corolla Wagon into the ground, and really missed the extra cargo space when I sold it to a neighbor for $100. It was a good first car for me... It was a good first car for my neighbors kid. Anyway, my wife couldn't get passed the Land-Barge woody station wagon image, Until I brought her to look at the 2002 Impreza Outback Sport. We were suprised to see that there was MORE passenger room in the OBS then in the Xterra (the next runner-up). Then she drove it... slam dunk! and for $5k less then a comperably equipped Xterra (4wd). Bonus gas mileage, and awesome handling. Maybe I'm still drunk with excitement, but I Love this thing.
 
Thanks for the advice and opinions... they have been very encouraging

#1033 of 3121 welcome! by ramon

Sep 04, 2001 (12:30 pm)

welcome sir into the cult car status with your OBS. In terms of handling, the OBS will open a can of whoop arse on the Xterra anytime! Now, ur wife might end up wrestling the car off you to drive! So cosnider yourself forewarned.
 
celeste : the date is set on June 8th 2002. And my lazy boy chair stays! Already booked our home church and the reception venue... now looking for some bridal packages, wedding bands etc. What does the guy get out of all these?! =(

#1034 of 3121 Heh, Heh by twrx

Sep 04, 2001 (1:57 pm)

If you think the OBS will out gun the xterra just think what the WRX wagon does!

#1035 of 3121 by bluesubie

Sep 05, 2001 (7:17 am)

Christine - If your check engine light is still on, you can reset it by disconnecting the battery (black negative terminal) for 30 min. The only downside to this is if there is any kind of problem code stored in the computer (for a tech to see), it will be erased. If it's definately the gas cap, no worries then.
 
Caroline - people say that it's best to remove the metal shavings from the engine breaking in at a 1500 mile oil change. The manual doesn't talk about an oil change before 3,750 IIRC. Peace of mind I suppose. The manual calls for 3,750 oil changes for severe driving (frequent stop and go, frequent short trips, etc.) and 7500 for "normal" driving.
 
Andy - Congrats! One of the best things about the OBS over the Xterra is full time All Wheel Drive. Try driving an Xterra in 4WD in the rain and the tires and drivetrain will scream in protest.
 
Dennis

#1036 of 3121 by brekke

Sep 05, 2001 (8:35 am)

Dennis: I couldn't find a definitive answer on whether to follow the owner's manual or do 3000 mile changes(what I've been doing). I noticed my dealer put 3000 miles on the next oil change sticker. I guess 3750 should be ok. Sometimes it is hard to separate misinformation from the good stuff.
 
Check Engine Lights: My dealer pulled the codes for my CELs and apparently my solenoid valve needs replacing. (I don't know what that is or if there is more than one) So if your CEL goes on although your gas cap is securely fastened, checking in with the dealer is a good idea (even if the CEL shuts off).

#1037 of 3121 Same problem by paisan

Sep 05, 2001 (8:48 am)

The solenoid valve is the EGR valve. I had the same problem on my Trooper recently. The CEL told the dealer which part was broken.
 
-mike

#1038 of 3121 by bluesubie

Sep 05, 2001 (9:44 am)

Caroline - be careful about your future services. A lot of dealers love add-ons. When you take your car in, tell them what you want (whatever's in the manual).
 
The manual may call for oil change and tire rotation at 7500 miles. Most dealers have their own maintenance schedules and add 3 or 4 more things than the manual states (more on the major service). You could end up paying 2-3 times more than you need to. It's happened to me before. Instead of saying "oil change" I said "18,000 mile service" (or whatever it was). I expected to pay $24 but ended up paying $75! I complained to the service manager the next day and he gave me 2 free oil changes. I do my own oil changes now and go to another dealer for major service.
 
Dennis

Messages Page 104 of 313

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