Flashing idiot lights

[neilm]

I have a 2008 L.L. Bean Outback with a 2.5 liter engine and 180,000 miles. Six months ago, the check engine and ABS lights came on and the little green cruise control light began flashing. Not long after, the AT Oil temp light began flashing and the pictograph of a car sliding appeared. I ran the onboard code reader and got four codes, C0071, C0045, P0172, and P0037. A local mechanic said the oxygen sensor was the culprit and installed a new one. It worked great for 6 days, but then the flashing lights re-appeared. The mechanic said it wouldn't hurt to drive it so I took a 300 mile trip and it ran fine with no noticeable change in performance, although the AT Oil Temp light flashed all the way to my destination. The next day, all the lights went off and and cruise control was restored. 24 hours later, on the trip home, while driving on the interstate, they all came on again. Does anyone have any ideas what the problem could be?

 

[RustyNut]

I'm by no means an expert on Outbacks but I have worked on Allison transmissions for 30 years. When you get codes for different items on a trans we usually look for a common component. I your case I can't see the oxygen sensor as the culprit for ABS or AT temp, for the engine light, yes. I would look at a common wire (could be a power or ground wire, it depends on how it's set up) From there I would think controller.

 

[neilm]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I changed the oxygen sensor and the light stayed off a week, then came back on. I'll check the common wire idea, but I'm beginning to think the previous owner. who is/was a friend has sold me a lemon. Arrrrrgh!

 

[brentim]

The AT Oil temp light can cause by a CVT problem.