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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 4 of 41

#28 of 406 Re: "Check Engine" light + flashing Cruise Control light = ? [dswiss] by horspoor

Jan 03, 2008 (3:01 pm)

Replying to: dswiss (Dec 07, 2007 11:01 pm)
Okay, I bought a 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport at the end of Oct, 2007. It now has 21,000 miles on it. The check engine light came on last night. Took it to the dealer for scheduled oil change today the want $130 just to scan it. Is that a reasonable price, even before they fix anything? Car drives fine. Doesn't get the mileage reported though, and I drive semi grannyish. It sounds like the check engine light is an issue. The dealer did say it was probably a smog/emissions deal that would need to be fixed. So, should I try and get out of this car ASAP?

#29 of 406 Re: "Check Engine" light + flashing Cruise Control light = ? [horspoor] by xwesx

Jan 03, 2008 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: horspoor (Jan 03, 2008 3:01 pm)
No, the $130 sounds like a rip off to me, if all they are doing is reading out the code(s). You could buy your own reader for that and have it on hand for the next time the light illuminates.
 
At this point, it is too early to tell if you should look to dump the car. Super low miles for the year, so it could potentially be a good buy for you. Give it some time, and proceed with repairs cautiously. Throwing sensors at the car to solve a tripped code is not a good course of action.

#30 of 406 Re: "Check Engine" light + flashing Cruise Control light = ? [xwesx] by horspoor

Jan 03, 2008 (3:08 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 03, 2008 3:04 pm)
Thanks, I'll see who else I can get to scan/look at the car. Fun car to drive, park it anywhere and don't worry about getting stuck up at pasture.

#31 of 406 Re: "Check Engine" light + flashing Cruise Control light = ? [horspoor] by xwesx

Jan 03, 2008 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: horspoor (Jan 03, 2008 3:08 pm)
Reading the codes is terribly easy - takes about 30 seconds. You could then take it to a shop with codes in hand. If the shop then wanted to run a full diagnostics on it to pinpoint the problem, it might be warranted if it saves replacing sensors and making several repeat visits to the shop.

#32 of 406 Re: "Check Engine" light + flashing Cruise Control light = ? [xwesx] by paisan

Jan 03, 2008 (3:58 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 03, 2008 3:12 pm)
Most shops will charge 1 hr labor to read codes. So it should be closer to $90 to read the code.
 
However since your car is a 2002 w/21k miles if it is in fact an emissions problem, it will be covered under the 8/80k emissions warranty.
 
My guess is that it may be the gas cap tightening thing, so give it a few days before panicing.
 
-mike

#33 of 406 Re: "Check Engine" light + flashing Cruise Control light = ? [horspoor] by dswiss

Jan 03, 2008 (9:36 pm)

Replying to: horspoor (Jan 03, 2008 3:01 pm)
Thats about how long the catalytic converter lasted on my Legacy. By 80,000 mi I was on my third one - all paid by Subaru. After that YOU will have to pay for it, but until then, keep having it fixed at their cost!
good luck.

#34 of 406 Re: "Check Engine" light + flashing Cruise Control light = ? [horspoor] by ateixeira

Jan 04, 2008 (7:51 am)

Replying to: horspoor (Jan 03, 2008 3:08 pm)
I'd buy a scanner.
 
I got an Actron model for $99. I've used it a couple of times, plus a couple of times for friends.
 
At $130 per use, it's paid for itself more than 5 times already.

#35 of 406 Scanner for CEL by jumblies

Jan 06, 2008 (5:48 pm)

Hey, I bought the harbor freight OBDII with CAN for my 1999 Subaru legacy outback wagon which occasionally throws misfire cyl 4 CELs.
 
This Code reader works well, cost <$40 USD and helps you figure out right away what the problem is. It also prevents having to stop at autozone to have them read/reset codes.

#36 of 406 Check Engine Light by horspoor

Jan 15, 2008 (2:34 pm)

Okay, I posted here before about my check engine light, and the dealer wanting $130 just to scan it. I unplugged my cell phone charge thing from the cigarette lighter...no more check engine light. Waiting to see if it comes back on.

#37 of 406 Re: Check Engine Light [horspoor] by caliberchic

Jan 16, 2008 (10:24 am)

Replying to: horspoor (Jan 15, 2008 2:34 pm)
Wow if that's it what a lucky fix!

Messages Page 4 of 41

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