check engine light on 98 outback

dirty skirt · Post by **dirty skirt** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:17 am

the check engine light is coming on when when the engine is cold and stays on 4 a bit then goes out im guessing its got something to do with the temp sensor but what i want to know is can i get the code out by bridging wires at the connection where you put the hand held computer plug?if so what pins are they a diagram would be nice if someone has got one and list of what the numbers are to what code it is
thanks heaps guys i know someone will be able to help me
steve

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 7:36 pm

Is your Outback running the standard ECU? You say you have a hand controller so I'm guessing it's some kind of aftermarket ECU then??

If it is the standard one then there should be two black connectors near where the ECU is. If you connect them together then turn the ignition on, the check engine light should start flashing.
Count the number of long flashes (example - 3), and the number of short flashes (example - 4). This would be a code of 34. (I think I've got short and long round the right way!).

Theres a listing on the forum somewhere of what each code means - search is your friend.

madmat · Post by **madmat** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 8:37 pm

Frog did the post for the codes

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 8:44 pm

For the model of your car the plugs you are looking for should be in the divers side footwell near the heater

dirty skirt · Post by **dirty skirt** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 9:17 pm

cool thanks guys and yeah andrew its a standard ecu i was talkind about the standard one that the subaru dealership use,can someone point me in the direction of the post of the codes for the ej25 outback 98 model
thanks guys steve

dirty skirt · Post by **dirty skirt** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:34 pm

hey guys i cant find the post about the codes, the code is 21 so if someone knows what it is can you let me know
thanks steve

Matatak · Post by **Matatak** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 3:19 pm

code 21 is the Coolant Temperature Sensor.

wont affect to much with the running of the car. but may or may not be telling the ECU the engine is always cold and slightly increasing the fuel consumption.

(id like someone to confirm if it does aswell coz ive been wondering if it will infact do that when theyre disconnected.)

dirty skirt · Post by **dirty skirt** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:45 pm

cheers matatak,at least i know its nothing drastic the light only stays on for about a minute so thanks for the info
steve

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:59 pm

If your engine temp sensor fails it will have a fairly healthy need for fuel and once in normal running temp range can be difficult to start again and run smooth

SUBYDAZZ · Post by **SUBYDAZZ** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:24 am

Sensor need cleaning / able to be cleaned? Where is , please remind me - in the radiator on under the manifold?

FROG · Post by **FROG** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:52 pm

Diagnostic Trouble Codes - 1992
Subaru
11 Crank Angle Sensor (No Reference Pulse).
12 Ignition Switch.
13 Cam Angle Sensor.
14 Injector 1.
15 Injector 2.
16 Injector 3.
17 Injector 4.
21 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
22 Knock Sensor.
23 Air Flow Sensor.
24 Air Control Valve.
31 Throttle Sensor.
32 O2 Sensor.
33 Vehicle Speed Sensor.
35 Canister Purge Control Solenoid.
41 Air / Fuel Learning Control Function.
42 Idle Switch.
45 Atmospheric Pressure Sensor.
49 Air Flow Sensor.
51 Inhibitor Switch (A/T).
51 Neutral Switch (M/T).
52 Parking Switch (A/T).