Hey all... I did a search for this subject, but unfortunately, a lot of the older topics with the check engine subject lines aren't available anymore http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/frown.gif

At 63350 miles two days ago, I started my car to find the CE light went on and stayed on. Thinking it was a loose gas cap, I went around to the side, and twisted it, and it had about a 1/3 revolution of play before it clicked -- possibly was the problem. Light didn't go off, so I was thinking I would try to see if checking the codes would clear it.

I found two wires under the dash [green connectors] that I attached, turned the car on, and the CE light blinked fast continously. I let it sit for about 2 minutes but it never slowed down or burped or stopped blinking!

When I unplugged the wires, the light was still there. Unfortunately, I don't have time to take the care to the shop until late next week. I'm trying not to drive it too much, but the car starts and drives fine, no problems from what I can see.

Any ideas? If a gas cap was loose, will putting it back on keep the CE light on still? One of my neighbors told me that a fast-blinking code on the light means real trouble, but he's not a scooby-head, so I basically didn't take his advice very strongly, but I do want to take the car in if someone here thinks it could be serious...

Thanks!

Just wanted to get this back into the recent postings since people had trouble logging in to even read it for a few days http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smile.gif Anyone have any ideas?

The GREEN connections are for when the Diagnostic is hooked up. Otherwise not useful in this situation.

Next step is an ECU reset(just disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 20-30 minutes.

If the light persists, it's bad Gas!

Adam
97OBS

You definately need to disconnect the test connectors. If it was a loose gas cap, the light will go off after a certain number of cycles of turing the engine on and off and may take a few days.

Once upon a time there was a recall due to corroded oxygen sensor wiring under the hood scoop. Might be something to check. I never bothered to get mine fixed. Crossing my fingers. Probably takes about 3 years to go bad =) See the information below found at:
http://www.raindrop.com/subaru/problems.html#oxysensor

"97 RED ALERT!

Subaru of America, Inc, has determined that some 1997 model Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 2.2L vehicles may experience corrosion of the oxygen sensor wiring harness connector due to water drainage from the hood scoop air duct. Under this condition, your vehicles On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system will illuminate the "CHECK ENGINE" light on the dash indicating the need for prompt corrective action by your Subaru dealer.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

To prevent this condition, you should immediately contact your Subaru Dealer for an appointment to modify the hood scoop air duct and the oxygen sensor wiring harness connector at no cost to you. The approximate time to perform this repair is less than 40 minutes. However, it may be necessary for you to leave your vehicle the full day of your scheduled appointment to allow your dealer some flexibility in scheduling other customers. Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact your nearest Subaru Dealer or Subaru of America, Inc., at 1-800-782-2783 (1-800-SUBARU3). "

-Tim