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Subaru Legacy/Outback "Check Engine" Light Problems

406 messages,  Last post on Mar 07, 2013 at 11:38 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

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

Messages Page 13 of 41

#117 of 406 P0328/P0420 by simonbones

Jul 08, 2009 (2:59 pm)

I recently got the Check Engine light in my 2001 Subaru Outback. I read the code and got two of them:
 
P0328 - Knock sensor circuit high input
P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
 
I'm not familiar with a Knock circuit but know it has something to do with ignition. I also know that the cat converter codes can go on an ignition problem. I'm weary to take this to a mechanic shop (since I haven't found a good one yet) and know they'll just try and get me to buy a whole new cat converter.
 
Thoughts?

#118 of 406 Re: P0328/P0420 [simonbones] by ragozcy

Jul 10, 2009 (4:41 pm)

Replying to: simonbones (Jul 08, 2009 2:59 pm)
Hey simonbones, a knock sensor is a piezioelectric sensor (when vibrated produces voltage). It's located directly on the engine block (usually right above cyl. 4) and senses misfires (engine knocking). It's odd you didn't get a misfire code, though, has it been running really rough in the past? Usually if it misfires badly enough, it'll knock out your knock sensor (P0328 almost always means the knock sensor is hooped, new one'll cost you anywhere from $180-$350) and consequently the extra fuel from cylinder that isn't firing will overheat and kill your cat (P0420). You could dish out the cash for the knock sensor, then ask around at exhaust shops for options on a new cat (or straight pipe with cheater chip)

#119 of 406 Evap code 1999 OB Ltd. SW by goline

Jul 14, 2009 (5:12 pm)

For almost 2 years my mechanic and I have been trying to fix this problem. We started with the gas cap. Then replaced the filler tube and valve and solenoid. The light stayed off for about 240 miles.
 
After a smoke test (at another shop) we were told it was the fuel valve solenoid (again), that was replaced along with some canister that was attached to it and falling apart. The light stayed for a bit over 500 miles.
 
After another smoke test last week (again, different mechanics shop...but same smoke test place), we're told it's the fuel filler tube and valve, again!
 
I have started smelling gas over the past few months, did not smell it previously.
 
As someone else mentioned, NYS has an annual safety/emissions test and my mechanic has had to work around my inspections to get the light off so I can drive a certain amount of miles and then hopefully pass the inspection before the light comes on again.
 
I'd just keeping driving till next spring and inspection time, except for the gas odor which now has me scared.
 
We also have a Forester and if and when I replace the OB, I will not buy another Subaru, even though we've love them up until this frustrating and expensive experience.
 
BTW, my mechanic is well-known and respected in our area and I (kind of) have full confidence in him....I have another appt. with him on friday to bring the bugger in. ARGH!
 
 
 
Go

#121 of 406 The Check Engine Light.... by goline

Jul 27, 2009 (7:52 am)

"it's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru."
 
After my mechanics fourth attempt(in 2 years) to get the evap code off for good...after 82 miles it's back on again. I am not happy.

#122 of 406 Re: Evap code 1999 OB Ltd. SW [goline] by dswiss

Jul 27, 2009 (7:54 am)

Replying to: goline (Jul 14, 2009 5:12 pm)
here's a little tip:
you can reset the check engine light by disconnecting the positive (red) wire from the battery and hold it to the ground for a second. Then reconnect. This will reset you computer. I did this just before inspection, and again before trade-in.

#123 of 406 Re: Evap code 1999 OB Ltd. SW [dswiss] by goline

Jul 27, 2009 (9:40 am)

Replying to: dswiss (Jul 27, 2009 7:54 am)
Thanks for the tip....yes, it's been reset, but when it is ocurring during the inspection timeframe, you have to drive it some miles before the computer will accept the inspection. In NYS we have an annual inspection. What I'm really concerned about is the safety issue as there is a slight odor of fuel inside the car. We've had 2 smoke tests and using those results done those repairs to no avail. Everything's been tightened and closely inspected for cracks, leaking fuel, etc. It seems to come back on when I go on a longer trip than usual....over 50 miles or so. Just going back and forth to town (12 miles each way) doesn't seem to do it.

#124 of 406 Check Engine does not turn on by mikemas

Jul 29, 2009 (2:44 pm)

Please help on my 2002 Outback Sedan check engine does not turn on when i switch the ignetion on. It did not pass Smog yesterday because of CEL issue. Can somebody please advise.
 
Thanks
 
Mikemas

#125 of 406 Re: Check Engine does not turn on [mikemas] by ateixeira

Jul 30, 2009 (10:43 am)

Replying to: mikemas (Jul 29, 2009 2:44 pm)
Could be as simple as a bad bulb. Not easy to access, unfortunately.

#126 of 406 Re: Check Engine does not turn on [ateixeira] by mikemas

Aug 04, 2009 (10:26 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 30, 2009 10:43 am)
Any other idea? the car run's great, i drove this car to LA last friday just got home early today. The car don't have any leakage at all, i did not feel anything about miss-firing.
 
Thank you
 
mikemas

Messages Page 13 of 41

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