Subaru Forester Check Engine Light

FALMOUTH03

MEMBER
1998 SUBARU FORESTER
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

I have a '98 Subaru Forester that I love except for the Check Engine Light. Here in Maine to pass inspection the Check Engine light must be off. So each year I bring it in, the mechanic runs the scan and every time they can find nothing wrong, reset the codes, light goes off and I pass inspection. This little light cost me over $100 each time though because of this. I drive away and usually within 2-3 weeks light comes back on. It has been doing this for over 8 years. How do I A) disconnect this costly little light or B) get it checked without costing me $100+ each time. Thanks

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,190 POSTS

Have the computer scanned at a nationally recognized parts store and ask them to reset it prior to inspection. Most do it for free. As far as turning it off, even if the light is on, their computer will detect that it should be on, so that won't work.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM

SUBARUDOC

MEMBER
17 POSTS

They should have givin you something saying what code it was or they don't have the proper scan tool for the car and are just clearing the code.$100 is a little high for just a computer scan I would try another shop. You can clear the code yourself by disconecting the negitve terminal on the battery for about a minute and reconect the terminal and restart if the light comes right back on they you have a hard fault, if it starts blinking then you have a misfire and if it stays of for like a couple days most likely its a evap code

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,190 POSTS

That was very good advice. If you can get the code, let us know so we can futher direct you.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM

FALMOUTH03

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks all. The code that keeps popping up is P0440 - either loose gas cap or filler nozzle. The other code that keeps appearing is 0400. With this code the garage did put a new gas recriculation flow on device on two years ago, but still comes on. Both have been checked over the years and both are fine after inspection and then shop resets code to clear. I agree the $100 is high and thus the frustration. I will try to negative term. Any other suggestions? Again, thanks to all!

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM

SUBARUDOC

MEMBER
17 POSTS

I Am surprised they haven't changed the filler neck yet they always rot out. I would go to another shop sounds like they don't know subaru's or if your ever in New Hampshire