This morining when I went out to start my 96 Legacy 2.2 with 114,000 miles on it the Check Engine light came and stayed on. It was also the coldest night of the winter last night. The car seems to be driving OK and I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary as far as driveablity goes. With all that being said i know very little about mechanics in general. How can i figure out if I have a serious or just a minor problem. The reason i ask is i am afraid of getting fleeced by the dealership, I would like to attempt to do some self diagnosing before bringing it in to them. Is there anything I can do (that's easy) to fix or diagnose this problem?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks....

Go to Autozone or Advance Auto or some other major chain that offers to read your check engine codes for free.

Then post it here or search for that particular code, and be amazed at the helpful advice that appears, I am.

Can I disconnect the battery for 10-30 minutes and see if the CEL stays off? Is that reasonable? Could the severe cold we had here have anyting to do with the CEL staying on? Can I attempt to clear it and then if it comes back on investigate further? Nothing is close to me as far as an Autozone. Thanks....

I think that would clear it. You could always try it.

I watched the guy plugging the unit under the dash. It came up with the code P0302. Does that mean anything to anybody? The unit he was using said 1 of 2, but he never gave me another code number(frigging cold out) maybe he just wanted to get in. Anyway, all and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks....

Misfire cylinder #2.

 

Maybe you need new spark plugs and/or spark plug wires? When was the last time you did that?

I believe I am about due for that. Is that something that a novice can do? I would like to save some money since I will have to repalce the timing- belt soon.

I think a novice can replace them. Do a search on spark plug replacement. There have been a few write ups on the procedure on this board. IMO, the wires, if they're original, should be replaced now as well.

Thanks for all of the help....