Idiot ("Check Engine") light won't go away ...

Buy a scanner for $100 and scan the codes and find out. If you're in the USA, and have a nearby Autozone, they'll probably scan it free. Unless you're in California.

who offers the scanner?

| > Any suggestions would be most helpful. | | Buy a scanner for $100 and scan the codes and find out. If you're in the | USA, and have a nearby Autozone, they'll probably scan it free. Unless you're | in California. | |

So let me get this right. You deliberately let a CEL stay on for the last 45K miles and now you want answers?

Take it to the dealer the next time the light comes on.

Most auto parts stores. Make sure it's an OBD II scanner. And if you have a 2005 Subaru, make sure it's CAN compatible (many aren't).

Or you can buy fairly sophisticated (and more expensive) ones online for your Palm or Notebook PC.

What happens in CA?

Only certified techs or DIYers can operate scanners here, so Autozone doesn't do it, and your local garage will probably change you the price of a cheap scanner just to pull the codes.

Got a 02 OBW, had CEL come on intermittently, took it to my local Subie specialist. Result; undocumented code, to be addressed in next engine computer update (IE: software fix). Note: nothing wrong with engine. Alleged s/w fix doesn't address the glitch. CEL continues on/off for weeks while I dutifully bring it in each time. Meanwhile I experiment with different fuels. Best results using Shell premium. CEL light stays off until I switch back to generic mid-grade. Half way (or less) thru tank, CEL light comes on again.

Bottom line, I don't trust CEL light. It cries wolf too often. Subaru needs to fix sensors/sensitivity/software. This is a nuisance.

I've got an 05 Forester, where is the computer in that car?

This was maybe an overly harsh response, but it's true, they don't call it an idiot light for nothing. Ignore it at your own risk, and don't complain when you have trouble down the road. Because of the snowball effect of engine management problems, it's wise to immediately take you car to a repair shop when the CEL comes on.

-LK

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CEL (01 OB Wag) on and off for a couple of months, noticed my gas mileage was suffering. Finally took to the dealer and was told it was my O2 Sensor and that my plugs were fouled and so was the air filter. I will just assme the plugs and filter was due to me drving the car too long with a bad sensor. Got it all fixed ($295) a month ago.

The best part is the CEL light is already doing it's thing again. On for a couple days, off for a few days, then back on, etc. Gonna cost me another $50 and who knows how much else.

JG

If memory serves me correct, manual says CEL on steady is emissions issue. Important engine problems results in flashing CEL.

Mickey

Coolant temp sensor gives a steady CEL when going bad and this can lead to an overrich mixture that's bad for the cat and can also leave you stranded when it fails completely. Happened to me... No CEL can be taken lightly.

What gives is your expensive diagnostic system is trying to tell you something and you are stubbornly ignoring it, not a good move. TG

On US OBDII cars (96 and newer), a steady CEL means that the ECU has detected a problem and set a code in memory. The light will remain on until the problem is not detected again for a certain number of consecutive drive cycles, but the code will remain in memory for retrieval. There are literally hundreds of possible codes which is why it is always pointless to speculate on the reason the CEL is on, the car must be checked with a scanner to read the code(s). Once the code info is known proper troubleshooting can be done. A flashing CEL means only one thing- a real-time misfire. Unlike a steady CEL which is not urgent, a flashing one must be attended to ASAP as a sustained misfire can result in catalytic converter overheating and damage.

I was going to post today to note the passing of 100,000 miles on my '99 Outback. But at 100,050 the CEL came on. So much for that celebration. :-(

-John O

Well, mine came on for a week, and turned itself off on the way to the dealership. (And yes, i did the gas cap thing). And no codes were stored. Then it turned itself on the next day, and went off again two days later.

My new theory is, why bother? It apparently doesn't mean anyth>So let me get this right. You deliberately let a CEL stay on for the

My Mercury Villager is like this. The CEL has been on for at least a couple years. It's been to three different mechanics, including the dealer, and there are no codes to be read. They reset it, and the light is back on later that day. Useful, eh?

-John O

For my 2000 Forester with 94K miles the check engine light has been on for two months. The dealer told me not to be concerned if the light is steady and the car is running fine. However, if the check engine light is flashing I was told to have my car towed to the dealer. I did take the car to a mechanic locally who informed me there was a "funny code" when he diagnosed the problem. He reset the light. I drove off and the check engine light came on within a minute. For now I am living with the light on.

Cheers!

ACW