October 13, 200322 yr Newbee... What possible conditions will a "Check Engine Light" come on? It first flickered to on last month when warmed up and now comes on immediately upon starting. No other problems noted with the engine. Car has 130K miles and does not burn oil. Had new timing belt and water pump installed at 115K. Other than that, no other issues. 1990 Subaru Loyale 4x, 5 spd. Thanks, DOug
October 13, 200322 yr It could be an a$$load of stuff, as Subarus are notorious for the check engine light. my mom's RS's light came on when the "Tiger in the tank" tail thing blocked the gas tank cap alittle. it could be anything. I just don't know what this anything could be. maybe the Maf or the emission controls? sorry I couldn't help more, but my knowledge is generally limited to EA81's and brittish sportcars.
October 13, 200322 yr Both of my Subarus seem to follow a pattern (89 Justy and now a 97 Legacy) with the flickering CEL light and so forth... Check autozone, they check the CEL for free. Turned out my problem (both times) was the need for a new gas cap. (yea, did all the clicky-several-times thing)
October 13, 200322 yr Autozone only checks 96 and newer OBDII systems.. I have a link that explains checking soob error codes, but its saved on my other computer.. will dig it up for you later Ok.. here it is soob codes
October 14, 200322 yr Author Code was 34 (EGR solenoid/valve or circuit)... thanks for the above info on that... OK, I did a search and found out WHAT an EGR is, now I am still looking for the solenoid (my probable problem) which I understand is on the intake, Pax side near firewall? Anyway, will pull it (when I find it) and try cleaning it and testing the contacts. After reinstalling it or one that works, I have a question... How do you reset the 'check engine light"? I read where you are suppose to connect the "self-diagnostic connectors and the read memory connectors" But where do you connect them to? They are ALL female plugs??? Thanks... Doug PS by "flashing" I meant the "Check engine light" would slowly light up and then go out and then slowly light up again with about a 2-5 min, no light at all until it finally came on aout a month ago and now stays on... I don't think it is the resettable switch I read about that comes on at 60K (mine was maybe? reset when I had the new timing belt and water pump installed...)?
October 14, 200322 yr A "Flashing" Check Engine Light? Wouldn't you rather have it flash you to draw attention to its headlights than not get to see it at all?
October 14, 200322 yr The 60K mile one time switch was for older (EA81) cars. Try cleaning or replacing your EGR, or anti-backfire solinoid. GD
October 14, 200322 yr The error light comes on when the solenoid errors out.. not the valve itself. when the problem is corrected, the light will go off. Anti backfire solenoid? never seen one on an SPFI(or MPFI) car.. nor does my FSM show any such thing.. Did I miss something?
October 14, 200322 yr Probably not - that's just me and my EA81 knowledge talking - disregard if it does not apply. Just trying to give him some ideas - sounds like he doesn't have a manual. GD
October 14, 200322 yr Author Thanks again for the info. I'll be doing some more investigating this weekend and will relay my results... for prosperity if nothing else... No I do not have a manual so that is why I am using the expertice here on this board. Until now, I have not required a manual. My Subaru has been great so far. My first one was a new '74 wagon that lasted 12 years before I traded it in and now this '90 that has been in the family since new. Changed the oil and fluids regularly and only minimal repairs to date. Doug;}
October 17, 200322 yr Author Thanks to all on this board! I found a source for EGR's near work and picked up three this afternoon. Got home and 2 tested good! I installed one of them and got my Check Engine light back on... frustration... but after a minute or so, it went out and has not come back on. Got lots of info using the search feature and getting great comments from some of you that helped... Anyone want the left over good EGR solenoid? Make offer I can not refuse...
October 17, 200322 yr My XT's CEL will light up if you try to pull away from a stop below 1000rpm, then go away once it goes above 2000rpm and not come back on, I'll eventually pull the code and probably find a MAF sensor code:banghead:
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