Check Engine Light at 72k??

[Jeff]

Hey everyone,

 

I've got a 98 legacy outback and the check engine light just came on, I think it was exactly at 72k on the odometer. Does the light come on automaticly to remind me of a schedulled service? Any problems that are likely I can check myself before bringing it to the dealer?

 

Thanks for any info on this...

 

Jeff

[ejlain]

Hey Jeff. You came to the right place to ask your question. I'm sure you'll get a lot of good advice.

 

Here are my 2 cents worth...

1) Take the car to an AutoZone (if you have one near you) or other reliable service shop with ODB Scanning equipment and see if they can "pull the codes" for you. They hook up a device to connectors located under the dash on the drivers side and are able to see diagnostic codes. This can pinpoint the problem for you.

 

2) Try re-setting the ECU by disconnecting the neg. battery cable for about half an hour and then re-connecting. Start the car as normal without touching the gas and see if the Check Engine Light comes on again.

 

3) Something simple but worth a shot...Did you fill it up with gas just before the light came on? Make sure your gas cap is seated properly and on all the way. This has been known to cause a Check Engine Light in some Subarus.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Ed

[BillAileo]

Jeff,

As Ed noted, you need to get the error code(s) read. From my experience with several family Subarus likely problems include:

 

gas cap not put on tightly after a fill up, or

a bad crankshaft position sensor, or

a bad camshaft position sensor

 

Of course there are many other possibilities, but these are what I had come with with ours at about that milelage.

 

Good luck.

Bill