check engine light

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Sep 23, 2003 | 07:49 PM

eXotek

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Posts: n/a

check engine light

Hey there, i'm a n00b to the forum.
Anyways. I just got a 2000 Subaru 2.5 RS a month ago, and i'm LOVING it. About 10 days ago my check engine light came on

After a few driving trips i got worried and wanted to take it to the dealer to have it checked out, but all of a sudden the light went off. Then, after a couple of days it came back on. Now its comming on, stays on for a couple of days, and it turns off again for another couple of days. The car drives perfectly and it feels like there is nothing wrong with it. I read some of the other posts on the CEL and most problems are attributed to the oxygen sensor or the gas cap being loose (i checked the gas cap on my car and its on tight). I heard that the 2000 RS was recalled by Subaru to have the ECU reprogrammed. Is that true? Is there any other suggestions you might have with this problem? sorry for the long post and i appreciate any comments.

Sep 23, 2003 | 09:28 PM

Gunslinger

Registered User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 228

From: North Bay Area, CA

Car Info: '02 Subaru Impreza WRX

That stupid light came on on my '02 WRX. I tightened the gas cap and did what I could but it never went away. I then brought it in and they checked it out and said it was the gas cap and reset something I think to get it to turn off. I don't know if this helps, but maybe it will.

Sep 24, 2003 | 04:32 AM

Mulder

VIP Member

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,646

From: NYC

Car Info: 02 WRX WRB

There are hundreds of different possible things that can set the CEL so speculation here is only of limited help. Yes a loose gas cap is a common cause, and you should certainly check that it is tight (must click a few times). There have been 02 sensor problems on the RS's but no way to tell if this is the problem without having the code read.
The code will remain in memory for a while even if the light goes out so if it comes on again you should still have it scanned. Post in your local area forum here and on NASIOC as there is most likely someone near you who has a scanner and can read the code for you.

edit- I see you're in Canada, so that may be a problem as there is only a Vancouver forum. Maybe someone near you will read this thread and help you out.

Last edited by Mulder; Sep 24, 2003 at 04:34 AM.

Sep 24, 2003 | 05:28 AM

SUBARU_TECH

Registered User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 171

yes it is probably the air/fuel ratio sensor.most dtc's 2 trip detectable.meaning it takes 2 driving cycles to set a code.like wise if the fault is not happening it will erase the light and in most causes the failure code from memory also.if you give me your last 8 digits of your vin# ill be happy to check on available recalls or reflashes still open on your car.dont start throwing parts at it.