CEL Warning/ 1997 Subaru Outback

[fatjack]

Help!

My 97 Outback has been a dream -- without any problems (now at 80K). Car
was parked outside during recent heavy rainstorm -- it started up fine but
I took a short trip wihtout allowing it warm up properly and it sputtered
along road...resumed normal performance briefly, then sputtered again and
CEL light appeared. Returned home and parked it ouside.

Next morning rain stopped but weather is still damp -- checked basics
under hood -- just a little low on coolant which I topped off...everything
else appears fine. Started engine this morning and it turned over quickly
-- but CEL still lit -- warmed up car in drive and it sounds fine...could
this just be dampness in wires?

I have no guidebook and am dependent upon kindness of Sube community for
any suggestions before taking it to dealer (following long holiday
weekend!)

 

[mulder]

Help!

My 97 Outback has been a dream -- without any problems (now at 80K). Car
was parked outside during recent heavy rainstorm -- it started up fine but
I took a short trip wihtout allowing it warm up properly and it sputtered
along road...resumed normal performance briefly, then sputtered again and
CEL light appeared. Returned home and parked it ouside.

Next morning rain stopped but weather is still damp -- checked basics
under hood -- just a little low on coolant which I topped off...everything
else appears fine. Started engine this morning and it turned over quickly
-- but CEL still lit -- warmed up car in drive and it sounds fine...could
this just be dampness in wires?

I have no guidebook and am dependent upon kindness of Sube community for
any suggestions before taking it to dealer (following long holiday
weekend!)

If you are in the US you can go to any Autozone, and they will read
the code for free. The only state where they don't do this is CA, and
there they may "rent" you the scanner for a deposit to do it yourself.
Once you have the actual code, in Pxxxx format, you can post it here
for more assistance or do a search on it.

 

[Wandering Willy]

I would question the wires and/or coils. My old 98 Legacy had a
cracked coil, and after heavy rain it spluttered and coughed and
stumbled its way to the dealer.....who dried the coil and gave it a
nice coating of grease.