HELP w/CEL
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HELP w/CEL
I need some help with my 95 Impreza 1.8. The check engine light is on and I was wondering how to check the code. IT is not an OBDII and I don't know where the cable is that you can plug into to read the codes. If anyone knows where it is and what it looks like I would appreciate the help. Maybe you can help me with my problem as well. The car starts fine but after it gets to operatiing temperature it is hard to restart. Also, the radiator fans are running at all times now. I have replaced the cam sensor and temp sensor with no results. My next thought is a O2 sensor? What do you think.
Thanks,
Ryan
Thanks,
Ryan
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
O2 sensor would be a good idea to try, and if it's more than 40k miles old, wouldn't hurt to replace anyway, might even increase your MPG. By bringing the car up to temp, it is running in feedback mode. When it is cold, it is using fuel/spark maps that are preset. It would possibly be your temp sensor if it were ok when warm but hard to start when cold. Unless the setup makes it think it is cold all the time, which could throw your fuel curves off by not being matched to the VE of your warm motor.
Ok, that may have been a little technical. Basically, get an O2 sensor. Cold help out and be worth it even if it doesn't solve the porblem. If it doesn't, try your MAP/MAF sensor, whichever you have. You can electrically test it yourself before replacing it. A well-intentioned dealer or independent shop can tell you how. After that, try resetting the ECU. If none of that works, break down and get a good diagnostic done. It's not that expensive in the long run.
Ok, that may have been a little technical. Basically, get an O2 sensor. Cold help out and be worth it even if it doesn't solve the porblem. If it doesn't, try your MAP/MAF sensor, whichever you have. You can electrically test it yourself before replacing it. A well-intentioned dealer or independent shop can tell you how. After that, try resetting the ECU. If none of that works, break down and get a good diagnostic done. It's not that expensive in the long run.
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"The car starts fine but after it gets to operatiing temperature it is hard to restart."
That's because the motor is too hot, too hot = too much compression = can't crank over(turn on).
"Also, the radiator fans are running at all times now."
That's a sign that your car's thermostat is broken and needs to be replaced. Try and find a thermostat with a fail safe. What means if in the thing fails/breakes it breaks in the open position, factory thermostats are built to be closed all the time until it is too hot. It is done this way to warm the engine up faster but when it fails it is closed all the time.
"I have replaced the cam sensor and temp sensor with no results. My next thought is a O2 sensor? What do you think?"
Good idea but like you've said it won't fix your car. As for the 02 sensor, like Ban said probably be helpful but still won't fix your problem. With everything that you've said it sounds like a cooling problem. Have the thermostat replaced, and flush the system. That should solve the problem. If you do what I've said and there is still a problem, any automotive store ie. Pep boys, AutoZone.... should have an OBD and they can pull your code. If you have no luck with that any Subaru Dealer will do it for you. The cost should be free but that's only from my experiance.
PS
I'd deffinalty get that problem fix quickly before your starter dies, or your car over-heats on the side of the road. The flush and thermostat replacement can all be done in your back yard no more than 1 hr. If you want to do a really good job, I would do the following purchase the thermostat at any automotice store, 2 bottles of anti-frezze (you'll need the green stuff, MAKE SURE THAT ITS GREEN and NOT RED) and one bottle of anti-frezze flushing solution. Read the directions and you should be on your way. I recommend Prestone pre-mix or any Prestone products. Also, for an added bonus you could buy a bottle of Redline Water Wetter. This product is red but will work with your car.
That's because the motor is too hot, too hot = too much compression = can't crank over(turn on).
"Also, the radiator fans are running at all times now."
That's a sign that your car's thermostat is broken and needs to be replaced. Try and find a thermostat with a fail safe. What means if in the thing fails/breakes it breaks in the open position, factory thermostats are built to be closed all the time until it is too hot. It is done this way to warm the engine up faster but when it fails it is closed all the time.
"I have replaced the cam sensor and temp sensor with no results. My next thought is a O2 sensor? What do you think?"
Good idea but like you've said it won't fix your car. As for the 02 sensor, like Ban said probably be helpful but still won't fix your problem. With everything that you've said it sounds like a cooling problem. Have the thermostat replaced, and flush the system. That should solve the problem. If you do what I've said and there is still a problem, any automotive store ie. Pep boys, AutoZone.... should have an OBD and they can pull your code. If you have no luck with that any Subaru Dealer will do it for you. The cost should be free but that's only from my experiance.
PS
I'd deffinalty get that problem fix quickly before your starter dies, or your car over-heats on the side of the road. The flush and thermostat replacement can all be done in your back yard no more than 1 hr. If you want to do a really good job, I would do the following purchase the thermostat at any automotice store, 2 bottles of anti-frezze (you'll need the green stuff, MAKE SURE THAT ITS GREEN and NOT RED) and one bottle of anti-frezze flushing solution. Read the directions and you should be on your way. I recommend Prestone pre-mix or any Prestone products. Also, for an added bonus you could buy a bottle of Redline Water Wetter. This product is red but will work with your car.
Last edited by Deznuts05; Nov 26, 2002 at 07:56 AM.
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Yep, your probably right. I was thin ing about it earlier today and thermostat is a good possibility. As far as I know though, if you were to fluch out ALL of your green coolant, leaving only 100% water in your system, you could add any coolant you want. The red Toyota and orange GM stuff are both very good and very long lasting. However, if there were any green coolant left in your system, it would combine with the new stuff to make a kind of silicon sealant sludgy stuff, which can clog water jackets in sufficient quantities. Also, there is a slim chance Subaru used gaskets that may react funny with it. I had no problem with the Toyota coolant in my parents' Mercury, but that is not proof it will work for you. I expect it would, but I could be wrong.
Anyways, this might be a good excuse to do all the regular maintenance at once. Things tend to wear out in bunches for some reason anyway. Get new air, fuel, and oil filters, O2 sensor(s), coolant, plugs, and maybe think about tranny and brake system flushes. All of that can be done in your driveway in a couple hours, but if you have an automatic I'd take it to a mechanic or dealer to get a good flush. Make sure it's a flush, and not just a drain-and-fill if you do. Also, if you flush your own brake system, make sure you use only unopened containers, don't mix brands, and be VERY careful not to allow even the slightest hint of water into the system.
Anyways, this might be a good excuse to do all the regular maintenance at once. Things tend to wear out in bunches for some reason anyway. Get new air, fuel, and oil filters, O2 sensor(s), coolant, plugs, and maybe think about tranny and brake system flushes. All of that can be done in your driveway in a couple hours, but if you have an automatic I'd take it to a mechanic or dealer to get a good flush. Make sure it's a flush, and not just a drain-and-fill if you do. Also, if you flush your own brake system, make sure you use only unopened containers, don't mix brands, and be VERY careful not to allow even the slightest hint of water into the system.
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