speedymonkey

Since i got my classic turbo X plate, the 'check engine' light on the dash has flashed up now and again
(for no longer than 5-6 seconds a time), and since the car is still under warrenty from the garage i bought it from, i thought id ask on here to see if anyone elses did it occiasionally too

I dont know much about scoobys, so phoned the garage to ask them about it, and they said it was nothing to worry about as it was kinda normal
Is it normal or do you think they are trying to fob me off? Could i be looking at an expensive job if they dont fix it

i would be gratefull for any comments, as im new to this beast of a car and appreciate its complicated engine so advise from those in the know would stand me in good stead incase they are trying to pull a fast one

Bubba po

It's not normal. Common things to cause the check engine light to come on in scoobs of that year are the Mass Air Flow sensor and the oxygen (Lambda) sensor.

C_RHYS

I'm no expert on these cars but in the 2 days I've owned 1, mine hasn't flashed up. As far as I know my mates scoob has never done this either.

If I were you i'd go down there and get them to hook it up to a dignostics comp. and that will tell you for sure.

Shark Man

Check engine light will illuminate with ignition "ON" but engine OFF. that is normal.

If it comes on when engine is running, it is not normal. A fault code will be logged, get it it checked and read by a garage with a suitable fault code reader.

speedymonkey

Thought not, thanks for the quick reply mate, ive just got in from work been worrying about it all day
Well its booked in the garage on wednesday, so i will mention the Mass Air Flow sensor and the oxygen (Lambda) sensor (i have no idea what they are or do )
if it comes to it i can take it to prosport (only 5 minutes away from me) and get their verdict, but i dont want to pay anything out if its still got a warrenty
Are these expensive parts (please excuse my ignorance)

Bubba po

For that year, if it IS either of those, they should be no more than about £80 fitted. But a reputable garage needs to diagnose the fault. Are you experiencing any abnormalities in the performance of the car? Perhaps a slight hesitation in power at about 4000 revs? Erratic idling?

Here's a thought: mine's standard so I've not experienced it, but apparently having an exhaust with the catalytic convertors removed can cause a problem with the check engine light. Is yours a standard exhaust system? You need to know, because it is unlikely to pass at MOT time if it isn't.

speedymonkey

When i go over 4500rpm's the power does kinda dip for a split second then comes on again (feels like the power is 100% on then 95% then 100% then 95% again) this has also had me worried stupid
Its got a scorpian back box but thats it, its not a full system tho, and has only been doing it for about 2 weeks?

I cant help but feel this horrible gut feeling of 'oh no hear comes something realy bad', i hope its not going to explode

Bubba po

Well, it's sounding a bit like a failing MAF sensor. It's not the end of the world, it just means "don't thrash it until it's sorted". There are other people on here that can tell you how to self-diagnose, but for that year the overwhelming solution seems to be the MAF sensor. Don't pay any more than £100 for the job, though; you only need to buy the sensor (£70 -£80) not the housing (£250).

Get a reputable garage to diagnose the fault.

GC8

It wont be the O2 sensor because they only run in a closed loop up until 3000rpm.

Simon

Jonty

There's no need to panic, but probably wise that you don't utilise the car's full potential (read: power) until you've had it checked out. A bit naughty of your dealer (Subaru..?) to say the Check Engine Light coming on is normal... it comes on when there's a fault (except when you're starting the engine.)

Sleep easy because your warranty (Subaru/Proven..?) on the car should pay for any work or parts. If you want to work out what the ECU is complaining about, this link will help (and you can then x/ref with what the garage tell you on Wednesday.)

http://www.saxonfields.freeserve.co....iag%20Page.htm

Jonts.

speedymonkey

Thanks so much guys, your advise is very appricated, im goin to drive like an old granny till its sorted, and will pass on the advise to the garage where i bought it and hopefully they will sort it.

Might take it to prosport anyway just for their verdict (even tho i'll have to pay for a diagnostic test, not a clue how much they cost) but at least i will be able to sleep at night knowing a specialist has looked at it

I owe you all a pint, cheers fellas

Just hope it all goes smoothly

scoobyverysoon

iTrader: (1)

just do a self test under your stearing column

Ive an my00 and ive had a MAF go an O2 sensor and recently the knock sensor - just wear and tear - nothing to worry about as long as there put right ASAP

speedymonkey

I wish id been chatting to you at the meet on thursday (if you were there, im new so still only know a few people)

I wouldnt know how or where to start, im like i said im just a lowely noob to all this and have only driven vauxhalls and fords

Jonty

You could start with the link I posted earlier

Mocking aside, if my CEL was to illuminate on me then I'd check the ECU myself first, to get a rough idea of what was going on and you can also compare to whatever the garage tells you (although if bought from a non-Subaru outfit then they may offer resistence and/or not be able to diagnose properly.)

Here's the link again:
http://www.saxonfields.freeserve.co....iag%20Page.htm

...and another:
http://www.troublecodes.net/Subaru/

Go on, have a little fiddle.

Jonts.

speedymonkey

Jonts, thanks man, i have been having a good butchers at both links but due to past attempts of 'tinkering' i always seem to mess something up or panick and go grey
I'll study the links further tommorrow during work and see how i feel then, but thanks for the fast info, you sound like ur very clued up fella, wish you lived next door