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What does the "ECS" light mean?

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It comes on a minute or two after I roll down the road. Car runs fine, but I assume it means "engine check soon" or "emission control system" or somesuch. So what exactly is it? and how do I get it turned off? (I have an 84 GL Wagon 1800 non turbo.)

It is Subaru's early check engine system. You'll need to pull the codes from your ECU, located underneath the steering column...There will be a red light one the front of the ECU/ECM that blinks a specific sequence of short/long blinks which you will use to figure what code it's throwing and the applicable problem associated with that code.

 

Go to the USRM here click "ENGINE" then "Everything you need to know about ECU Trouble Codes"

 

Hope that helps,

 

Daniel

  • Author

I can't find the code thing?!? I am looking in the engine compartment where they said it'd be on a carburated model, but I dont see it. What does it look like?

Its not. The ECU( the box that will blink the codes for you) is located behind the trim panel that is under the steering wheel. Just take out the three screws that hold it in at the front and pull it out of the way. The ECU will be right in front of you after that.

 

 

 

I can't find the code thing?!? I am looking in the engine compartment where they said it'd be on a carburated model, but I dont see it. What does it look like?

Also, the little LED that flashes codes is extremly dim (at least for my car). Pulling the codes at night helped ensure I got the right code.

  • Author

The only way I could get codes was to run the engine. When I just turned on the key it simply repeated the ID message. Also where is the oxygen sensor and the coolent temp sensor located on an EA81?

It should also throw codes when the car is in the ACC position.

 

The oxygen sensor is located under the car on the header, it will look like a spark plug with 2 wires plugged right into a threaded hole in the exhaust. On the carby you'll probably be able to see it from the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the exhaust.

 

Replacing the oxygen sensor can/may greatly increase the MPG and overall operation of the motor, this is a must if you are throwing codes for that.

 

The coolant temperature sensor is located on the backside of the intake manifold on the passenger side...It will be aiming basically right at the passenger seat.

 

Hope that helps,

 

Daniel

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