hey there everyone.

 

So i have a '96 Legacy Lsi sedan, 105,500, and its a great car, last nighthowever the check engine light came on and now im freaked out. It ran fine this morning, so what are some possible problems? or is it like my friends said just a computer chip problem, i had an old ford tempo that did that had it checked twice and nothing was wrong, but the light was always on. any help? Thanks!

 

Thomas

It could be many things. Get the code pulled. AutoZone will do it for free. It could be somthing simple like a knock sensor or coolent temp. sensor...or something else. Let us know what you find out.

Could be even simpler, like you forgot to tighten the gas cap.

 

Typically, it's a minor pollution control system problem, and can be safely ignored.

 

Our '00 Legacy threw bogus CELs for twenty thousand miles, then on day it magically cured itself. Go figger.

 

It'll probably come back 'cause I typed this.

If you feel like investing in your future, buy an OBDII code reader, which will work on any 1996 or newer vehicle. You can read the codes yourself on all your cars, which gives you peace of mind.

 

 

For example, if the code is for an emission control that won't affect the proper running of the engine, you can feel safe letting it go for a little while. If the code is more serious, you can take care of it right away.

 

In Jan. 2005, I bought an Equus 3100 code reader, which is now available at Wal-mart for just under 100 bucks. I have already used it once or twice on each one of my three vehicles. It is easy to use and very basic. (There are other code readers available.)

 

I don't have an autozone in my area, and a lot of shops want to charge you to read the codes, so I think it has been a good investment.

 

If you want good detailed explanations of the trouble codes and diagnostic procedures for you specific vehicle, try alldatadiy.com. You can buy a yearly subscription of the service manual for your car, and follow the diagnostic procedures recommended by the factory.

 

Matt D