sub997

Thanks for the advice! Any advice on how to check the injectors with a screwdriver ? Is there a way to determine the code without a code reader? A code reader is +$150 and I don't want to go to Pep boys after each wire swap. On some cars you can make the CEL flash a number of times to indicate the code. Does that work on the subarus?

Thanks! I am going to try that. I understand that the wires are resistance paired, which means that I cannot swap them randomly. Is that correct?

I forgot to mention the code is "cylinder #3 misfire" 0303 if I remember well.

Dear All, I purchased a used Subaru from a private party a couple of months back. Within weeks the CEL light came on. Took it to the dealer. They diagnosed a faulty plug wire. They replaced only one of the wires. Total cost: $140. Two weeks later the light comes back again, same code. I take the car back to the dealership. Two hours or so of the mechanic scratching his head and getting input from other mechanics in the shop, I am told the car needs a new head gasket. He had taken out the out exhaust manifolds (I suppose) and showed to me the valves in the back (nearest to the driver) in a reddish brown color, while those closer to the front of the car were whitish. Estimate: $1600+taxes + etc..= $2000. (they were cutting me a deal at $75/hour). I said I'd think about it. Drove it for a few days. One morning the light had disappeared. It showed up again a few days later. And that's been hapening ever since. I carefully monitor the engine temperature and I have never seen it go up and down. As far as I can tell, by the sound and the feel of the engine, the car runs fine. Could anyone tell me how the cylinders are numbered? is #1 the front one on the passenger side, #2 front on the driver side, #3 back driver side, and #4 back passenger side? Thanks for your ideas