Check Engine Light - I am now ignoring it

[Debra Co]

The check engine light on my 2002 OBW 6 cyl is starting to turn into a boy who
cried wolf. First time it went on, I took it to the dealer and wasted 3 hours.
They never told me what the trouble codes were and re-set the codes so the
light went out. The second time it went on, I didn't have a chance to get it
checked out quickly and two weeks later, out it went. This lasted two weeks.
Now I am on the third time. It just went on today and my response this time is
to completely ignore it. Anyone else experiencing this kind of annoying CEL
issue?

 

[Henry Paul]

Go to AutoZone. They will read the codes free of charge and then you can
look them up on your own.

I have also had the odd experience where the engine will cough and throw a
CEL. Sometimes it will go off by itself.

 

[John]

Go to AutoZone or a similar store and have them read the codes, they will do
it for free. Then go back to the dealer and have them fix it under
warranty. Clearing the codes does no good if the problem isn't fixed.

 

[Edward Hayes]

Yes: A gas cap not tightened or a gas cap gasket leaking or gassing the
vehicle with the engine running will cause this. Usually the light will go
out after 15 or so cold starts. If you check out these three things and the
light still comes on take the car to AutoZone and they will read the code
for free. Some time they don't know what the code means so give us the code
number and we on this NG will help. ed Hayes

 

[hippo]

Just bear in mind that the boy who cried wolf eventually got eaten! I agree
with everyone else. If you know what it is, it's non-critical & it's not
affecting general running or fuel costs (like the purge canister solenoid
in my old Liberty), THEN ignore it - but best to find out first.

 

[TG]

Subaru's are notorious for the CEL coming on. DON'T ignore it! Just because
it went out doesn't mean you don't have a problem. They are supposed to go
out after a while for some codes but you are still supposed to have it
checked. Read your owners manual. If the dealer won't tell you what the code
said I would be VERY worried and try another dealer or non Subaru repair
shop...could be they are trying to weasel their way out of a needed repair
covered under warranty. TG

 

[Rhesus Monkey]

I had a persistent CEL in my 2001 Forester and it turned out to be a faulty
Air/Fuel sensor, had it repaired under warranty and the problem never
returned.

 

[Debra]

Subaru's are notorious for the CEL coming on. DON'T ignore it! Just because
it went out doesn't mean you don't have a problem. They are supposed to go
out after a while for some codes but you are still supposed to have it
checked. Read your owners manual. If the dealer won't tell you what the code
said I would be VERY worried and try another dealer or non Subaru repair
shop...could be they are trying to weasel their way out of a needed repair
covered under warranty. TG

Thanks everyone. First thing is, I am not under warranty anymore.
Even though the car is just reaching 3 years old now, I am already at
45K miles.

The second thing is, less than a week later, the CEL has gone out
again. Are the codes still retained even though the light is no
longer on? Will there be anything for AutoZone to read if I bother to
bring it in now?

I am beginning to sense a faulty fuel/air sensor, as it came on when
the gas tank was the lowest I had ever let it get. I only had about 2
gallons left in the tank when it went on. Then I filled up, and it
only remained on for about 4 more days after that.

 

[TG]

Are the codes still retained even though the light is no

longer on?

Yes, of course they are.

I am beginning to sense a faulty fuel/air sensor, as it came on when
the gas tank was the lowest I had ever let it get. .

If I were you I would rely less on psychic abilities and more on OBDII, if
low fuel triggers an A/F code (if that's possible) you would also have
noticed the engine stumble. TG

 

[Edward Hayes]

I have the codes for the Subaru. Someone posted it and I saved them. Reply
with the code you can get free from AutoZone. Ed

 

[hippo]

Yes - codes are retained unless you actually reset the computer - which
involves deliberately doing osmething so they'll still be there. Get it
checked. Diag and possible replacement costs might well be less than a big
wallet munching failure later on!