Check Engine Light ?

Question

I have a 1983 Impreza LS with front drive and 93k on it. Today after driving a mile I noticed the Check Engine light was on. I turned off the A/C and at the next light put the car in neutral. When I shifted back into drive the light went out. I made two or three short trips after that and the light has stayed out.

Is this a minor oops or do I need to take it in for diagnosis/service? And just what does the Check Engine light mean? The manual basically says take it in - no clarification.

Thanks for any help.

*Vanguard* · Accepted Answer

"SayItAgain" wrote in news:    I used one of those Chilton books you get at the auto parts store aboutworking on your car.  It mentioned connecting 2 black connectors underthe driver-side dash by the ECM (computer) and fusebox.  This isverified by doing Google searches regarding trouble codes, like but the trouble codeslisted in this article may not be correct for your car; they change byyear and model.  Adding Impreza to the Google search found somearticles, like you turn on the ignition, the check engine lamp flashes to let youknow what, if any, error codes it recorded.

Todd H. · Answer

Couldn't hurt to take it in and see what the code was. Are you due for plugs or wires? Could a been a misfire code on one cylinder...or any number of things.

-- Todd H.

2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4 Chicago, Illinois USA

Sys Hiphlus · Answer

Mechanic told me once to pick a day your not going to use the car for 24 hours. Disconnect BOTH the + and - terminals from the battery. Close hood and let it sit for 24 hrs. then re-connect battery.

Resets the CPU in the Emissions System.

If this don't work, you need a mechanic or a vehicle code scanner to point to the problem.

Check Engine Light ?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?