I just bought a 1996 Subaru Legacy a month ago. Automatic transmission with 143,000 miles on it. The check engine light came on 100 miles ago and then the car sat for a few days (vacation) but today when I jumped in it the at oil temp light flashed on very briefly....hardly even noticeable and only comes back on when I start the car. I just had the oil changed two weeks ago and they said the tranny looked good also. Haven't noticed any hard shifting problems or funny smells. I'd planned on taking it in to my mechanic but would like some idea about how serious an issue I might be looking at or if I'm simply over thinking things and being nit picky....Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

All depends on what you mean by briefly.

A few blinks are normal.

If it blinks 16 times, then there is a stored fault code.

This fault can be read (not by an OBD scanner). Do search under handshake method, or reading tranny codes to get the exact one.

 

O.

Thanks...by briefly, I mean if I hadn't of been paying attention wouldn't have seen it. And not the 16 flashes I've read about. I did see the thing about the secret handshake also which sounded cool and like I was some part of a special club just for knowing about it. Probably just over thinking things....My last Suby (95 Legacy) had over 300k miles on it and I'm hoping this one will treat me just as well. Thanks again!

check fluid level first thing - where is it?

read the check engine light and post the code. 

 

read owners manual and see what it sas about the AT light.

check it again and count - most likely it is blinking 16 times if it's doing it at start up. 

 

check the AT pan and make sure it's not dented?

 

most common AT issue is duty c solenoid.