I have a '00 Imprezza Outback Sport (2.2L 5-spd)

 

My CEL comes on VERY frequently, it occasionally goes off after a few starts, but always comes back on again once the engine is warmed up.

I have also noticed a decline in gas mileage. from about 29 consistently down to 25 and below. all using regular 87. I have tried MMO and Injector cleaner to no avail. (p.s. i do maintain my tire pressure, and oil changes)

 

Could the two problems be related?

Do I just need a tune up? I just passed 70K miles.

I did have the diff and gear oil changed at about 65K when i had to have a wheel bearing replaced

Code?????

O2 sensor, ORRR if you're cool like me you're fuel temp sensor is retarded, and you need a new fuel sending unit

If your car has OBD II, you might try reading the code with a scanner. Auto Zone has scanners to loan.

 

When did you last change spark plugs?

The car has OBD II, all cars made in/for the US have had it since 96, some even had it in 95, but not many.

 

Your engine is trying to tell you somting, even if the code goes away, it should store a trouble code, and yes, it can very easily affect your gas milage. if its not running rough i would suspect the O2 sensor, the front, or upstream one.

 

 

Get yourself down to the local Autozone, and get cletus to run your codes, he'll do it free, then you can go to the local (any other auto store) and get your parts there.

Thanks I will get the code pulled. The last time i did that it was an idle setting code so i blew it off. this could be different.

 

I will be back on with the code.

 

By the way I had a link to a web site to decipher the code, but i lost it. any help there?

You can always google the code. Most of them are universal.

Okay I got the codes.... there were two

 

P1507

Manf Cntrl Veh.Spd.

Idle Speed Control

Auxiliary Inputs

 

I have no idea what that means but its the same one i have gotten before

 

 

P0420

Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold

(Bank 1)

 

That is the one that scares me.

 

So Now I'm asking for trouble shooting information and possible solutions?

Thanks!

Do a search on the PO 420. I don't think that one is that scarey. I just changed my front oxegen sensor to see if it goes away, but it was only coming on a few times a year so I am not sure if it is cured for a few more months.

Do a search on the PO 420. I don't think that one is that scarey. I just changed my front oxegen sensor to see if it goes away, but it was only coming on a few times a year so I am not sure if it is cured for a few more months.

 

Cookie, tell us if it was worth it, or shall I just leave the damn vinyl tape on (Click & Clack CEL 'fix')?

 

OH, and also tell us if it improves you gas mileage. I don't know whether to attribute our 3-4 mpg drop to the front O2 sensor or winter gas.

Mileage seems to be just about the same. The CEL is out now but the jury is still out too.

Hmmmm, New O2 sensor = $60+ dollars (give or take).

 

1/2" black vinyl tape = priceless!

 

I think I'll wait for the jury verdict.

 

PS, how you hangin' in the weather out there? I've got friends and family all over the NorCal area from Gualala to the Sierra Crest on Hwy 50, and up and down Hwy 49. I 'spect they're all diggin' out about now, from either mud or snow.

Do any of you know what the

 

P1507

Manf Cntrl Veh.Spd.

Idle Speed Control

Auxiliary Inputs

 

is?

 

I am just speculating now but couldnt an idle speed control problem could cause the car to run rich and foul the o2 sensor &/OR the CAT. Could result in my loss of milage as well..... ???????

to MT

 

 

I just lost 50 feet of fence in a Subaru roof strength test. It came down on the subie with no damage at all. And those guys whine about dents in parking lots.

I got to know three neighbors a bit better getting the fence off the car and I will have work to do this spring. One small tree too.

 

To Rugby,

 

I would try an ox sensor first but perhaps some of the others will have better ideas.

Does "Bank 1" mean the front sensor?

I went to Auto Zone to check the price of the o2 sensor. and they cant give me one. They have a part number but it says "unavailable". The guy got on the phone with the main parts center and he said they confirmed its unavailable.

i.e. they dont have it, and wont get it for me. F***ers!

 

Any reliable on line sources for an 02 sensor for less ching$ than the Subaru OEM parts site?

That is one I'd change. The description bank one is generic. I think the codes were designed to cover American v engines and I believe bank 1 is on the right.The front sensor has the worst job and does most of the work. It can also make a car idle funny and seem to runout of fuel. The projected life of one of these is 100,000 miles.

Jaime Thomas who goes by Subiegal here sends me my parts. She has good prices and quick service.Do a search on her name and you should get it easily. I was trying to bring it over but I am having new computer problems.

Thanks Cook...

 

I assume the front one is easier to change anyway b/c i have no lift.

It sucks that i only have 70K miles on it. a bit short of that 100K expected life span.

 

This might inspire me though because For a long time I have been considering putting on a cold air intake. The bendy stock intake with corrugated 90 degree bends and a square mouth is an air flow physics nightmare!!! Unfortunately there is no after market version so im going to have to fabricate. Maybe needing to actually do some work will inspire me to figure that one out. I have heard of people removing the whole stock air box and putting in a single tube and cone filter. You have to drill and place the sensors right into it. Its still just a thought but I might move it to paper soon….. then maybe even into reality.

Get it to run right first. It's hard enough to diagnose a stock system.

I went to Auto Zone to check the price of the o2 sensor. and they cant give me one. They have a part number but it says "unavailable". The guy got on the phone with the main parts center and he said they confirmed its unavailable.

i.e. they dont have it, and wont get it for me. F***ers!

 

Any reliable on line sources for an 02 sensor for less ching$ than the Subaru OEM parts site?

 

Actually, sometimes O2 sensors are cheaper at the dealer than aftermarket. Why do I know? I paid once $150 to learn later that dealer had one for $60.

If you are in PA and if you don't have many tools it can be tougher. On my forester I opened the hood, looked at the old one to figure how the connector came off, and had it changed in 10 minutes or so. Back there I know you can run into rust that can make an easy job a real pain.

AAGHHH! you said the R word. Yes you are right. Rust is a major problem in PA because of the road salt.

Please investigate the warranty idea first. The oxy sensor would help but it is more or less a cheap borderline way to get by when both converters and ox sensors are tired.There may be something else going on with that car and I hope colorblind can find it in his information.

those two codes and all the symtoms could be caused by anything that makes the car run too rich, have you looked at your air cleaner yet? The cat struggling to do it's job would register as inefficient and the idle speed control being out of range trying to maintain an idle within specs would give the readings you mention, Lots of these codes are the result of something else being at fault and not actually the item mentioned.