The CEL just came on my car. The only mod I have in my 04 wrx is the silencer removal and a GReddy Type-S BOV. The BOV has been on my car for almost 5 months now...and the silencer was taken off about 2 months ago. I have been putting Shell gas since i got the car, but this week I put in gas from the 76 station instead. I haven't gotten a CEL before until today. For the BOV I am not using the recirc hose. I left it off so it venting 100% to the atmosphere. How do I find out why i am getting the CEL? Is there anyway I can findout myself or do i need to take it in to the dealer? If it matters...i live in San Diego and the weather was been changing from chilly to hot lately not sure if this is a factor or not. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

take it to the dealer, it doesnt' cost you anything

 

Would the CEL come on if its time for the WRX to be taken in for service?

 

No, it won't come on at preset intervals for service, only when a malfunction is detected by the ECU. Ideally you should never see it.
The dealer should scan it for free since you're under warranty. You can also post in your local forum here and over on NASIOC and ask someone in your area who has a scanner to check it for you. In other states Autozone also does it for free but they recently stopped doing it in CA for some stupid legal reason.
One thing you can check since you mentioned that you recently filled up, is that the gas cap is tight. It should be tightened past the point where it clicks. If it's loose you will get a CEL, there is actually a warning printed right on the cap.
If you find the cap is loose, and tighten it, the CEL should eventually go out if that was the cause. It may not go out right away, but rather after driving for a while or restarting the car a few times.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I went to check the gas cap to make sure...it is on there tight...so i went ahead and loosen the gas cap and then tighten it again. I cant take the car for a spin til i get off of work.....i hope this is the problem lol....thanks again guys

 

If the cap was tight that probably wasn't it but at least you checked. Even if the light does go out the code will remain in memory for a while so get it scanned either way.

 

Just drove the car and the light is still on....gonna take teh car to the dealer on friday or saturday. Will they say anything about my bov? I guess in the mean time...i'll messing with the BOV settings to see if this might be the problem.....