CEL - ABS maybe?

(All together now -- 1 -- 2 -- 3 --) WHAT'S THE CODE?

Chico, your car has a computer in it that monitors the critical parts, and when the CEL turns on, it is trying to tell you what is wrong. You need to go to an AutoZone or similar store that has a device they can plug in and read a code number that will tell you (or at least give you a hint) of what is wrong.

So when you get a CEL turning on, the first thing to do to find out what is wrong is to get your code read.

There's always a first time for everybody.

Uncle Ben

The easiest way to find out what is wrong is to read the code and look up online, if necessary, what the code means.

Ben

I just realized that if there was anything wrong with the ABS, there would probably be a light.

Does anyone have a manual for a 2003 non-turbo impreza? Specifically the engine chapter? The one I have is for the 2002 DOHC turbo engine.

ABS would not generally trigger a CEL. Uncle Ben is right; you need to read the code. There are many OBDII codes that can turn on the CEL.

I got the code pulled today.

P0032: H02 SENSOR HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT HIGH B1 S1

Can anyone describe what this is? Oxygen sensor? What's the "H" for? Why is it called a heater control circuit? High is probably just an electrical reference (signal is high). What is B1 S1?

I'm told $400+ to get it replaced, and they also got a computer malfunction code, so the suggestion is to spend $400 and see if the computer is OK.

The car runs fine, and gas mileage seems normal, although I'm only on my second tank of gas since seeing the CEL.

Is this the kind of part that can be bought from used auto parts dealers, or aftermarket? Labour is only an hour to replace, so it must not be too difficult to get at. Where is it? 2003 OBS (2.5l

Thanks.

First, did they clear the code and has it come back? often, as sensors age they get 'lazy' - likely why you have good mileage and no apparent operational problems with the car. Sometimes you can clear a code and it may not comeback for weeks or more. Seems to me the $400 for the computer (????) is a weird deal. They can test the sensor and inspect it's wiring to confrim there's a problem. If they are guessing, you need a different shop. I dunno.

Most o2 sensors would fall into the 'moderate' range of DIY repairs. harder than a fuse or light bulb, easier than a headgasket. ANY decent mechanic should be able handle an O2 sensor change.

Carl

Its a Heated Oxygen Sensor. The car should drive fine. However, you will find gas mileage will drop. If the sensor fails, the ECU can no longer determine if the air/fuel mixture is lean or rich. To be safe, the ECU will make it rich. This is normal behaviour during the cold start cycle. The H02 sensors require a bit of time to warm up. However, once the sensors are warmed up, the engine switches to warm running mode where it reads the sensors.

If the H02 circuit fails, the car will behave as if it cold all of the time.

I don't think so. I thought codes went away if the problem went away and you drove for some period of time.

I can clear the code by pulling the battery right?

Sorry, I must not have been clear. They are saying they got two codes. The P0032, and one for a computer malfunction. They tell me a computer is really expensive, and therefore the first thing to do is try to replace the HO2 sensor first to see if the computer code still shows up. They are quoting $400 to replace the HO2 sensor.

I'm not worried about mechanics. I'm wondering if I can handle it! From what I have found on the 'net, it's located in front of the first Cat convertor. Getting to it requires removing the front wheel and pulling back a mud-guard. And I need a special ratchet tool that can slip over the sensor wires. The manual I have is for a WRX, but I have an OBS. Is it significantly different?

CHicobiker

That won't clear the code. It will reset the ECU, but the code will remain.