check engin on 01 OBW?

Howdy,

My check engine light came on tonight for no apparent reason. I just passed 60,100 miles and am wondering if that's at all related.

I assume a trip to dealer is in order (especially considering I'm under extended warranty), but I'm curious if there's any way to get the diagnostic code out of the car onto any display in the vehicle, or if you need to buy a code reader, or ???

TIA for any insight. If there's a FAQ on this for my model that I missed thanks for any pointers to it!

-- Todd H.

2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4 Chicago, Illinois USA
Reply to
Todd H.
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Todd,

If there are any Autozone stores in your area, go by one of them. In my area, Virginia, Autozone stores will read the Check Engine Light codes for free. Autozone will probably be able to tell you the general meaning of the code or you can post the result here and someone will probably be able to offer suggestions.

Ed P

Reply to
Ed P

Does the '01 check engine light come on if the gas cap isn't on all the way? I know the '02 does, just turn it till it clicks about 3 times. After a short drive if the light doesn't go away nothing lost... worth a shot!

Reply to
Bobby

In many cars, the O2 sensor (a _very_ cheap part that costs a lot to replace) seems to go just after 60,000. Just a possibility.

Reply to
Alan

I found this to be exactly the problem on a 1985 XT turbo coupe. The problem was Oregon which will not let you pump your own gas, would hire people who did not know HOW to replace a gas cap, especially after they had jimmied up the inside of the fuel receptacle pipe so bad it no longer would accept the cap! I now both remove and replace the cap after a few cat converters and other problem like the engine check light coming on. Car is likely to have a half million miles on it sometime this summer! Subaru'closed system is NOT tolerant of leaks.

Reply to
JW

Reply to
Edward Hayes

Yep, That would be my first thing on the list to check. Might also want to go a little further and clean the filler neck and remove the gasket from the cap as well. If that is your problem, the light will turn itself off after a number of journeys.

If you do get into a place where they will check the trouble codes you might see a P420 code. Anyway that is the code I saw. After the clean up at the tank, no more light.

Mickey

Reply to
Mickey

Advance Auto Parts also reads the codes for free. You might want to call before you go, to see if they're busy, and have a code reader available. Also, if you want to clear your code, unhook your negative battery cable for

Reply to
jimuntch

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