Check Engine Light Indicator on 2001 Outback Wagon

[Don]

My Check Engine light just came on and I remember reading here that this is
a known condition that is not as ominous as it sounds.

If anyone is familiar with this, please respond with the low-down on this
issue.

Thanks
Don

 

[Jim Stewart]

My Check Engine light just came on and I remember reading here that this is
a known condition that is not as ominous as it sounds.

If anyone is familiar with this, please respond with the low-down on this
issue.

There's about 200 different faults and fault codes
that it could be. If you're the careful type,
take it in to a mechanic and have them read out the
code and look up the fault.

If you're the careless type, disconnect the battery
for 20 minutes and the light will go out. If it
comes back on, take it in to a mechanic and have
them read out the code and look up the fault.

In states with smog tests, you can't pass if you have
a check engine light.

 

[ShaihHulud]

From: Jim Stewart (e-mail address removed)

Date: 1/26/2004 8:08 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id: <(e-mail address removed)>



There's about 200 different faults and fault codes
that it could be. If you're the careful type,
take it in to a mechanic and have them read out the
code and look up the fault.

If you're the careless type, disconnect the battery
for 20 minutes and the light will go out. If it
comes back on, take it in to a mechanic and have
them read out the code and look up the fault.

In states with smog tests, you can't pass if you have
a check engine light.

I have a 2000 outback and the check engine light has been on most of the time
for the last three years. It first sarted comming on after I gasse up and
sometimes it would go off after I turned the gas cap a bit. Later it would
never go off and when I had the head gasked changed at about 90,000, they
changed the sensor and that helped for awile. I just turned 150,000 and it is
on all the time. I think I'll just put a piece of black tape over it so I can't
see it.

David

 

[FFF]

My Check Engine light just came on and I remember reading here that this is
a known condition that is not as ominous as it sounds.

If anyone is familiar with this, please respond with the low-down on this
issue.

Thanks
Don

When the check engine light came on in my 96 GT Wagon, I pulled over, popped the
hood and checked. The engine was still there, so I closed it and drove on.

<g>

I recently became a little more curious and ordered diagnostic software for my
Palm V Organizer, which had been sitting on the shelf for the last two years.
Can't wait to try it and see what it says about that engine.

Florian

 

[SkaredShtles]

When the check engine light came on in my 96 GT Wagon, I pulled over,
popped the hood and checked. The engine was still there, so I closed
it and drove on.

<g>

I recently became a little more curious and ordered diagnostic
software for my Palm V Organizer, which had been sitting on the shelf
for the last two years. Can't wait to try it and see what it says
about that engine.

We solved the problem of an annoying CEL by pulling the fuse for about 5
minutes & then replacing. The couple times we got a "diagnosis" under
warranty it said something useless like "misfire on cylinder 2" - dealer
suggested replacing the plug wires (>$200!!!). I decided to do it
myself. Didn't really fix the problem.

Funny thing, it doesn't really do it anymore..... <shrug>

-T.O.M.-

 

[Birch Plain]

Happens frequently in my beloved old Serenia.
Seems to be related to the gas tank cap.
If not on tightly, or after a gas fill-up, lite will come on,
but then goes away.
Something to do with pollution control.
KM

 

[FFF]

Happens frequently in my beloved old Serenia.
Seems to be related to the gas tank cap.
If not on tightly, or after a gas fill-up, lite will come on,
but then goes away.
Something to do with pollution control.
KM

OK, but why does that have to cause a CEL condition?
so you pay a mechanic $100 to tell you the gas cap wasn't put on properly?

florian

 

[Jim Stewart]

OK, but why does that have to cause a CEL condition?
so you pay a mechanic $100 to tell you the gas cap wasn't put on properly?

On late model cars, the EPA does not permit the
gas tank to be vented to the atmosphere. The
tank gets connected to a charcoal cannister that
absorbes the vapors. The system can't work if
the cap is loose or off. Presumably, the EPA
deemed this condition a defect requiring attention
thus the check engine light.

 

[FFF]

Then Jim Stewart wrote:

On late model cars, the EPA does not permit the
gas tank to be vented to the atmosphere. The
tank gets connected to a charcoal cannister that
absorbes the vapors. The system can't work if
the cap is loose or off. Presumably, the EPA
deemed this condition a defect requiring attention
thus the check engine light.

I am not saying there's no cause for concern regarding fuel vapors, but I bet
the majority of gas tank caps would come back on faster, if there was a simple
"open cap" circuit in place. Leaking fuel systems are a completely different
issue.

florian

 

[Jim Stewart]

I am not saying there's no cause for concern regarding fuel vapors, but I bet
the majority of gas tank caps would come back on faster, if there was a simple
"open cap" circuit in place. Leaking fuel systems are a completely different
issue.

Sure, but that would cost the car maker another
$1 for an indicator lamp.

The smart thing would be to program the ECU to
blink the CEL once then leave it on for a loose
gas cap. Maybe I should patent that...