SunnySideUp

My Check Engine light came on this morning for about 10 seconds then went off.

Reading the Owners Manual it says take to Dealer (like it would!) - but, I seem to remember many moons ago, a car I owned said don't worry if it comes on then goes out ..... be concerned or not? It's not done it before.

Also, I understand that I can read the code by connecting some connectors under the steering column .... had a look, cannot see any - what I do have is a large, what looks like diagnostic, connector within the plastic moulding of the steering shaft shroud.

Impreza Turbo, UK, MY00 ... is this the connector mentioned? If so, where is the mating part?

To make matters worse - I am off on holiday in it in 2 days time!

Drives absolutely fine, BTW.

ross_wrx

I had the same on Sunday when the weather was REALLY hot!!

Left the car running whilst the wife went to the cash machine... Drove off and "Bosh" on came the light.... Stopped the car for approx. 5 min then started her up again... Not seen the CEL again.. Still gonna get it checked though just to be safe. Tried using a generic OBD reader but doesn't work with the model year!!!

Also have a MY00 Turbo 2000.

SunnySideUp

Isn't there something about connecting connectors under the dash to read the flashes of the Check Engine light?

Looking there, all I see is a female 'diagnostic' type connector.

Would like to know what is logged ... just in case the thing stops.

Coffin Dodger

Mine did that just before my MAF sensor packed up completely

SunnySideUp

Hmmmm, no MAF related symptoms though .... maybe I should buy a KockLink?

hodgy0_2

my MY00 did it -- occasionally the CEL would come on -- usually within 5 mins of starting it -- always went out after 10/15 seconds, and drove 100%

I put it down to a combination of not removing the crank sensor after an oil change and failure to wear hooded clothing

but a reputable Scooby tuning garage mentioned something about failing to align the car along ancient lay lines when changing the oil being the cause of the CEL light

c_maguire

The d-shaped connector South-East of the steering column is the diagnostics/programming port connected to the ecu and is where the dealers (or you if you had the relevant software and cable for your laptop) would connect to read any fault code logged on your car.
If you get on your back and shove your head somewhere near the brake pedal you should see 2 green wires and 2 black wires tied back in the wiring loom running up towards the steering wheel. I've not done it because I have the software but connecting one colour together and switching the ignition on resets the ecu, and doing the same with the other colour will flash up any error codes stored in the ecu (so don't reset it first!) using the cel light in a kind of Morse code way.
The dealers charge £20-30 to plug in and read any error codes.
Kevin

merlin24

iTrader: (1)

Baiting the Baiter

dnc

Tsk, you missed the obvious solution - a knock link is clearly required here

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

A decent specialist won't charge you to check for any fault codes..

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Just 'cos you live near one....

LOL

dunx

gaz c

i agree

SunnySideUp

That's what I thought .... takes all of 30 seconds and they would get the repair work too.

HOW WRONG I WAS!!

Visited a Specialist who are rated highly on here, today ..... sat in his seat and said he would read it for £25!!

I looked shocked, said I would connect the black connectors and read it myself .... finding the connectors, connecting them and reading the flashes took me about 3 minutes.

I returned to their office, said Error Code 22, Knock Sensor ...... he said £90 for the part and 45 minutes Labour, it's one hell of a job to do. I didn't want to ask what their hourly rate was ... based on the £25 for 30 seconds!

Shame as I was led to believe from people who use them that they would bend over backwards to help .... £25 for a 30 second job is, well, laughable in all honesty.

Was going to give them the car for future services and a cambelt change too.

As you say, "A good specialist wouldn't charge" .... I had £5 in my pocket to give to the technician who I genuinely thought would help with a reading ....... I would have been better off going to Gypsy Rose Lee !!!!

ross_wrx

Knock sensor isn't too bad of a job!.. Especially if you take the intercooler off.

Coffin Dodger

Must of known it was you I'd charge you special rates too (mainly to keep you away from the place ).