Outback check engine at exactly 63,500

[Steve Jacobs]

I've got a 1999 Legacy Outback wagon. Yesterday, at exactly 63,500 miles,
my Check Engine light came on solid, and has remained on solid (about 40
miles so far).

Due to the exact count on the odometer, I suspect something arbitrary and
mileage-related triggered the light, rather than an actual mechanical
failure.

Does anybody here know if any specific part requires replacement at this
exact mileage, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate? And assuming
this is the case, will the light turn off automatically if I replace the
part?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Jim Stewart]

I've got a 1999 Legacy Outback wagon. Yesterday, at exactly 63,500
miles, my Check Engine light came on solid, and has remained on solid
(about 40 miles so far).

My '99 Legacy Outback breezed through 63,500
without a Check Engine light. I think it's
just coincidence. Check your gas cap and wait
20 start cycles and see if it goes off. (assuming
it's running well).

 

[2 Stroke]

Whenever the check engine light comes on, you should retrieve the
diagnostic code and find the reason. The light does not come on at a
preset number of miles.

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[Hallraker]

I've got a 1999 Legacy Outback wagon. Yesterday, at exactly 63,500 miles,
my Check Engine light came on solid, and has remained on solid (about 40
miles so far).

Due to the exact count on the odometer, I suspect something arbitrary and
mileage-related triggered the light, rather than an actual mechanical
failure.

Does anybody here know if any specific part requires replacement at this
exact mileage, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate? And assuming
this is the case, will the light turn off automatically if I replace the
part?

Given the age and mileage of the vehicle, I agree with Jim in that it's
likely gas-cap related. Subies seem to throw a fit if you don't give the
cap at least three clicks, and I always go several more just to be sure. I
suppose it could be an oxygen or knock sensor, but it's a bit early to be
chomping one of those.

A good investment is an OBDII reader, there are lots of options from
standalone readers to computer/PDA interface cables and software. Any way
you do it though, it pays for itself in the long run because even if you
don't do the work yourself , you can at least walk into a garage knowing
it's code 0325 or whatever instead of being clueless.

-Matt

 

[CompUser]

@nyc.news.speakeasy.net>, (e-mail address removed)
says...

I've got a 1999 Legacy Outback wagon. Yesterday, at exactly 63,500 miles,
my Check Engine light came on solid, and has remained on solid (about 40
miles so far).

Don't assume it's the gas cap or something
benign. You're up in NY, find an Autozone and
they'll pull your MIL codes for free. Just walk
in and ask if they can read your "Check Engine
Lite".

Depending on what code it is, they may be able to
tell you what's wrong. I watched an outback
owner get his code pulled, "misfire on cylinder
X"; he bought a set of wires, and we put em on
right there...CEL cleared, and it ran like a top.

They may not be able to translate if it's one of
Subaru's expander codes. Come back here and post
it, someone will help ya out.