nfosnowkats

Hubby replaced the o2 sensor, kept getting the same code, found a subaru forum that said "remember that this is a japanese car" (so what is left is right), so we replaced the wrong o2 sensor, as you probably did. If you replaced the $70 sensor, now you need to replace the $200 sensor. I take it that you don't have emissions testing in OR? I haven't run my car since he replaced the 2nd o2 sensor, but I think all will be well now :-).

Right, I checked into that with your first post. That's why I called Subaru. They said that the security light SHOULD BE flashing when the ignition is not on. I'm not so sure it should be. I have a couple of print outs on how to take it out of valet mode, but it doesn't look to be a simple one step process and the directions are different and I don't know if it is in anything but the "correct" mode currently.

Current status... On Tuesday, the battery died as I was turning off the car (the click in between on and off). There is a shop (for big trucks) at my work and they pulled my battery, put it on the charger, tested it, tested the alternator, which were both good.... then they cleaned the cables which were corroded (although hubby didn't think so). However, that seems to have solved the battery issue. I am wondering though... my security light is on now when the car is not running and when I use the fob to unlock my car, the lights no longer flash. Subaru said that the security light should have been on (for the last 11 years I've owned the car). Hmmm. I don't know ? Please let me know. Also, the code reader apparently got killed when hubby killed replacement battery #1, as he went to read my code last night and the reader was dead. So he got that replaced, read my code, reset it, but then when I started the car this morning, the check engine light was on again. Presumably the same code. I don't know if the new o2 sensor is bad or ? So that's where I am now on Thursday evening.

So, an update. The new battery seems to work, at least for 2 starts :-). I made sure to run it about 45 minutes (30 of that driving) in one consecutive time, then the next time was only about 10-15 minutes. However, the check engine light is still on. Have not checked the code or tried to reset it (since the first fiasco), so don't know if it is the same code or a new one (like the other o2 sensor). Interesting response above about the security system, as when the new battery was installed, indeed the security light was flashing, so I went through and locked/unlocked a few times, however the light kept flashing, but did not cause any problems when I started the car. Realistically, it will probably be next weekend before hubby looks at my car again. I'll update then. Thanks all for your help. It's nice to have a place to ask questions and get good answers!

So hubby is trying again. I don't know if we're back to the o2 sensor code 51 issue now. We don't have an ECU fuse. He checked all the fuses and they are all good. We have tried jumping it and it at least responds now, but won't turn over. We have not checked battery voltage. Not sure if we have a voltimeter. Haven't tried funning to the starter. Terminals were cleaned when the battery was replaced. Battery started the car without issue 3 times (max run time though was 5 minutes), then would not start at all, no charge, no nothing. Cables look good, but hubby has not unwrapped them or gotten under the car to check them at the other end. What fuse should we pull to reset the code 51? What can we do to get the car started? Edit - Just checked the volts and they are about 12 as they should be.

Hubby says that is not an issue. However yes, there was a battery issue longer than the check engine light was on. Indeed the engine does nothing. Overhead light does not come on and dash readings are dim. So yes, seems like battery. But could it be a fuse? Battery is brand spanking new. THis is the process for today: It was installed. Car turned on to get down ramp, car turned off. Car turned on to use code reader, for about 5 minutes. Code did not reset. Car turned off. Car would not restart.

The title pretty much explains it. Hubby replaced the battery today and the o2 sensor (based on a code 51 reading). He then tried to reset the code with the engine running and found out that he wasn't supposed to do that. I don't know if that is the problem, but now the car will not start. I think it is "dead" and doesn't even try to turn over. I will correct that if he tells me differently. I need to be able to get to work and get my car tags, but cannot due to the check engine light. Help, please :-).