CEL - ABS maybe?

[Chicobiker]

I got a solid CEL yesterday. 2003 OBS, 175k kms.

At first, I tightened the gas cap. I know my timing belt is due, so I
was wondering if the CEL would come on around this many kms just to
force me to go in and get the timing belt done. But after today's
drive, I think it's the ABS.

I just replaced the drums, rotors, pads & shoes about a month ago.
The car seems to be working great, including braking. However, I had
to brake hard a couple of times today (almost missed a turn-off, then
wasn't paying attention coming up to a red light - I was actually
thinking about my brakes!) and although the braking power was good,
the ABS didn't kick in quite in the same way I'm used to. I heard
squeeling tires both times, and the brake pedal - although I think
something was happening - wasn't normal for an ABS event.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot or what to look for? All I had
time to do so far is check the fluid level.

 

[Uncle Ben]

I got a solid CEL yesterday.  2003 OBS, 175k kms.

At first, I tightened the gas cap.  I know my timing belt is due, so I
was wondering if the CEL would come on around this many kms just to
force me to go in and get the timing belt done.  But after today's
drive, I think it's the ABS.

I just replaced the drums, rotors, pads & shoes about a month ago.
The car seems to be working great, including braking.  However, I had
to brake hard a couple of times today (almost missed a turn-off, then
wasn't paying attention coming up to a red light - I was actually
thinking about my brakes!) and although the braking power was good,
the ABS didn't kick in quite in the same way I'm used to.  I heard
squeeling tires both times, and the brake pedal - although I think
something was happening - wasn't normal for an ABS event.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot or what to look for?  All I had
time to do so far is check the fluid level.

(All together now -- 1 -- 2 -- 3 --) WHAT'S THE CODE?

 

[Uncle Ben]

I got a solid CEL yesterday.  2003 OBS, 175k kms.

At first, I tightened the gas cap.  I know my timing belt is due, so I
was wondering if the CEL would come on around this many kms just to
force me to go in and get the timing belt done.  But after today's
drive, I think it's the ABS.

I just replaced the drums, rotors, pads & shoes about a month ago.
The car seems to be working great, including braking.  However, I had
to brake hard a couple of times today (almost missed a turn-off, then
wasn't paying attention coming up to a red light - I was actually
thinking about my brakes!) and although the braking power was good,
the ABS didn't kick in quite in the same way I'm used to.  I heard
squeeling tires both times, and the brake pedal - although I think
something was happening - wasn't normal for an ABS event.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot or what to look for?  All I had
time to do so far is check the fluid level.

Chico, your car has a computer in it that monitors the critical parts,
and when the CEL turns on, it is trying to tell you what is wrong.
You need to go to an AutoZone or similar store that has a device they
can plug in and read a code number that will tell you (or at least
give you a hint) of what is wrong.

So when you get a CEL turning on, the first thing to do to find out
what is wrong is to get your code read.

There's always a first time for everybody.

Uncle Ben

 

[Uncle Ben]

I got a solid CEL yesterday.  2003 OBS, 175k kms.

At first, I tightened the gas cap.  I know my timing belt is due, so I
was wondering if the CEL would come on around this many kms just to
force me to go in and get the timing belt done.  But after today's
drive, I think it's the ABS.

I just replaced the drums, rotors, pads & shoes about a month ago.
The car seems to be working great, including braking.  However, I had
to brake hard a couple of times today (almost missed a turn-off, then
wasn't paying attention coming up to a red light - I was actually
thinking about my brakes!) and although the braking power was good,
the ABS didn't kick in quite in the same way I'm used to.  I heard
squeeling tires both times, and the brake pedal - although I think
something was happening - wasn't normal for an ABS event.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot or what to look for?  All I had
time to do so far is check the fluid level.

The easiest way to find out what is wrong is to read the code and look
up online, if necessary, what the code means.

Ben

 

[Chicobiker]

I just realized that if there was anything wrong with the ABS, there
would probably be a light.

Does anyone have a manual for a 2003 non-turbo impreza? Specifically
the engine chapter? The one I have is for the 2002 DOHC turbo engine.

 

[JD]

I just realized that if there was anything wrong with the ABS, there
would probably be a light.

Does anyone have a manual for a 2003 non-turbo impreza? Specifically
the engine chapter? The one I have is for the 2002 DOHC turbo engine.

ABS would not generally trigger a CEL. Uncle Ben is right; you need to read
the code. There are many OBDII codes that can turn on the CEL.

 

[Chicobiker]

I got the code pulled today.

P0032: H02 SENSOR HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT HIGH B1 S1

Can anyone describe what this is? Oxygen sensor? What's the "H"
for? Why is it called a heater control circuit? High is probably
just an electrical reference (signal is high). What is B1 S1?

I'm told $400+ to get it replaced, and they also got a computer
malfunction code, so the suggestion is to spend $400 and see if the
computer is OK.

The car runs fine, and gas mileage seems normal, although I'm only on
my second tank of gas since seeing the CEL.

Is this the kind of part that can be bought from used auto parts
dealers, or aftermarket? Labour is only an hour to replace, so it
must not be too difficult to get at. Where is it? 2003 OBS (2.5l
5spd).

Thanks.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I got the code pulled today.

P0032: H02 SENSOR HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT HIGH B1 S1

Can anyone describe what this is? Oxygen sensor? What's the "H"
for? Why is it called a heater control circuit? High is probably
just an electrical reference (signal is high). What is B1 S1?

I'm told $400+ to get it replaced, and they also got a computer
malfunction code, so the suggestion is to spend $400 and see if the
computer is OK.

The car runs fine, and gas mileage seems normal, although I'm only on
my second tank of gas since seeing the CEL.

Is this the kind of part that can be bought from used auto parts
dealers, or aftermarket? Labour is only an hour to replace, so it
must not be too difficult to get at. Where is it? 2003 OBS (2.5l
5spd).

Thanks.

First, did they clear the code and has it come back? often, as sensors
age they get 'lazy' - likely why you have good mileage and no apparent
operational problems with the car. Sometimes you can clear a code and it
may not comeback for weeks or more.
Seems to me the $400 for the computer (????) is a weird deal. They can
test the sensor and inspect it's wiring to confrim there's a problem. If
they are guessing, you need a different shop. I dunno.

Most o2 sensors would fall into the 'moderate' range of DIY repairs.
harder than a fuse or light bulb, easier than a headgasket. ANY decent
mechanic should be able handle an O2 sensor change.

Carl

 

[JD]

I got the code pulled today.

P0032: H02 SENSOR HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT HIGH B1 S1

Can anyone describe what this is? Oxygen sensor? What's the "H"
for? Why is it called a heater control circuit? High is probably
just an electrical reference (signal is high). What is B1 S1?

I'm told $400+ to get it replaced, and they also got a computer
malfunction code, so the suggestion is to spend $400 and see if the
computer is OK.

The car runs fine, and gas mileage seems normal, although I'm only on
my second tank of gas since seeing the CEL.

Is this the kind of part that can be bought from used auto parts
dealers, or aftermarket? Labour is only an hour to replace, so it
must not be too difficult to get at. Where is it? 2003 OBS (2.5l
5spd).

Thanks.

Its a Heated Oxygen Sensor. The car should drive fine. However, you will
find gas mileage will drop. If the sensor fails, the ECU can no longer
determine if the air/fuel mixture is lean or rich. To be safe, the ECU will
make it rich. This is normal behaviour during the cold start cycle. The
H02 sensors require a bit of time to warm up. However, once the sensors are
warmed up, the engine switches to warm running mode where it reads the
sensors.

If the H02 circuit fails, the car will behave as if it cold all of the time.

 

[Chicobiker]

First, did they clear the code and has it come back? often, as sensors

I don't think so. I thought codes went away if the problem went away
and you drove for some period of time.

age they get 'lazy' - likely why you have good mileage and no apparent
operational problems with the car. Sometimes you can clear a code and it
may not comeback for weeks or more.

I can clear the code by pulling the battery right?

Seems to me the $400 for the computer (????) is a weird deal. They can
test the sensor and inspect it's wiring to confrim there's a problem. If
they are guessing, you need a different shop. I dunno.

Sorry, I must not have been clear. They are saying they got two
codes. The P0032, and one for a computer malfunction. They tell me a
computer is really expensive, and therefore the first thing to do is
try to replace the HO2 sensor first to see if the computer code still
shows up. They are quoting $400 to replace the HO2 sensor.

Most o2 sensors would fall into the 'moderate' range of DIY repairs.
harder than a fuse or light bulb, easier than a headgasket. ANY decent
mechanic should be able handle an O2 sensor change.

I'm not worried about mechanics. I'm wondering if I can handle it!
From what I have found on the 'net, it's located in front of the first
Cat convertor. Getting to it requires removing the front wheel and
pulling back a mud-guard. And I need a special ratchet tool that can
slip over the sensor wires. The manual I have is for a WRX, but I
have an OBS. Is it significantly different?

CHicobiker

 

[JD]

I don't think so. I thought codes went away if the problem went away
and you drove for some period of time.


I can clear the code by pulling the battery right?

That won't clear the code. It will reset the ECU, but the code will remain.