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Check engine light on, cruise flashing?

Tiny
MEGANEHRHART
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 11,850 MILES
I have a 2005 Subaru Forester 5 speed in seemingly great condition. I bought it in May and have had an exhaust leak so far. I drive 25 miles one way highway to and from work and frequently use my cruise control.

I've never had an issue with it until today, when I was cruising along in the fast lane, trying to pass a car and get back over to exit. The car decided to speed up while I was passing. In order to not miss my exit, I simply hit the clutch and brake ( without turning off the cruise) so as to slow down and get over. I've done this many times and have never had a problem. The cruise usually stays on, ready to re-initiate once I'm back to normal driving. This time, however, after I turned it off officially, the cruise light started blinking and the check engine light came on, much to my dismay.

I pulled off to a gas station and turned it off, thinking perhaps this would reset the glitch. This did not work. Only being five minutes from home, I decided to start her back up and get moving again with the intention of turning it off, pulling the key, and letting it sit for a while, hoping the key extraction would reset said glitch.

So I did. Again, it has not worked.

As I've browsed the Internet, looking for any quick answer, I noticed a whole thread within another forum of Subaru Forester owners saying this has happened multiple times, dealer repairs are not seeming to work, this doesn't throw a code, and that *sometimes* it goes back to normal after a week or so.

As I have recently moved to another city with a change of occupation, I dont have an exorbitant amount of money to spend for repairs.

I guess I want to know is what the problem is and how to fix it. Do you think a manual reset of the computer chip will work, or will it be something much more labor-intensive and costly?

Please and thank you very much for your help ahead of time.

-Mac
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 AT 12:27 AM

26 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
What is the code for the light? We need this to further help you
Roy
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 AT 12:56 AM
Tiny
MEGANEHRHART
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I don't have the code, as I am at home. Going by autozone tomorrow to get code.
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 AT 1:52 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Get back to us with the code

Roy
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 AT 1:53 AM
Tiny
  • MEMBER
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Mine did the same thing, they replaced the TPS and it has stayed out for awhile now
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,542 POSTS
  • 2005 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 30,000 MILES
My engine light and cruise light when on when I went on a very bumpy road
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Did you retrieve the trouble code to find out what went wrong?
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUBFOREST
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 89,000 MILES
The check engine light came on. I took the car in for an oil change and the check engine light. The repair shop said that the code indicated that it was the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter cost $870. He said that he could clear the code for me and see if it came on again. That it would take about a week or two and that it would not hurt the car. Can you tell me if this is accurate, please? Will it do damage to the car if I continue to drive it? If the code indicates that it is the catalytic converter, does that mean it needs to be replaced? Or, could it be a sensor or something else? Any advice as to how to prodeed? Thanks in advance for you help.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

To better assist you is your model the X, or XS? Also what is your engine size in liter?

Please go to Auto Zone (AZ) or O'Reilly's (OR) and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery and alternator.

Is the vehicle running any different at this time.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUBFOREST
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello,
Thanks for your response. The car is 2003 25 XS AWD. The mechanic said the code was PO420 (catalytic converter system). He said that it would cost about $850 to fix using NONsubaru parts. When I spoke to Subaru repairs - they said it would range from $1200-$2500. But, said that wherever I decided to get it done to make sure to use GENUINE subaru parts. The mechanic cleared the code and said that I would need to get it repaired the next time I changed the oil with him.
The check engine light has come on again. Can you please advise if any of the above is correct and do I need to do this immediately? The car seems to be running ok. Has some kind of whirring noise (seemingly on the right) on acceleration.
Thanks.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

Thanks for the update

The code specifically is:

DTC P0420: CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD
1. Perform basic diagnostic procedure. See BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE. If DTC P0420 is only DTC set, go to next step. If any DTCs other than P0420 are present, diagnose and repair those DTCs first. Do not diagnose DTC P0420.
2. Check for exhaust leaks or air suction caused by loose or missing nuts and bolts, or damage to exhaust system. Check especially between cylinder head and front exhaust pipe, between front exhaust pipe and front catalytic converter, and between front and rear catalytic converters. If damage is found, repair or replace exhaust system. If no damage is found, go to next step.
3. Separate rear catalytic converter from exhaust pipe. If there is damage at catalytic converter, replace front converter. If there is no damage to catalytic converter, go to next step.
4. Disconnect rear HO2S harness connector. Measure resistance between ECM harness connector B135, terminal No. 19 and rear HO2S harness connector terminal No. 3. See Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. If resistance is less than one ohm, go to next step. If resistance is greater than one ohm, repair open between ECM and rear HO2S harness connectors.
5. Check sealed wire. If sealed wire is not properly connected, repair sealed wire and test system operation. If sealed wire is properly connected, contact authorized Subaru dealership because probable cause is deterioration of multiple parts. Clear memory and perform verification procedure. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES and VERIFICATION PROCEDURE

What I would do is definitely number 2 above....... Check your exhaust system really good for leaks, air suction etc....... This may be the noise you are hearing.......

Make sure your O2 sensors are secure and nothing is loose on the exhaust as it says.......

The cost of $850 is close..... Depending on what they are replacing....... May be just a tad high but again, I am not sure what all they are replacing and the area you are in.

I would get a few more estimates.........I wouldn't worry about just Subaru parts for the cat...

Again, before replacing anything I would do as number 2 says above.......

Let me know.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEAMAR13
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 61,000 MILES
Check engine light went on, looked in manual and said it could be catalytic converter, or check to see if gas cap had clicked all the way. I had filled up recently and the gas cap was not on all the way and I did turn to make it click. Manual then said that it could take a few drives for light to go away. I was wondering how many drives/how long of drives should I go before I should worry and take it in to be checked.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Give it atleast 10 runs. Make sure the gas cap is on all the way, at least 3 clicks.

Next step is to run it and shut it off. Run it atleast till the vehicle is to hot operating temps before shutting it off.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KLAK SUBARU
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 SUBARU FORESTER
2003 Subaru Forester, AT oil temp light came on and continued flashing, followed by steady check engine light. Had only driven around town for 10 minute intervals, 25 degrees out, other car temps fine. Ran well driving all over the state for the holidays. Looking for any suggestions for next steps. Drove the mile home and checked the AT level, nothing else so far.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check engine light on

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis,finding out what's going on.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREG56
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
When the "Check Engine Light" come on and stays on and the vehicle runs very bad can you tell me the main causes of this.

Thanks
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
Hi:
The engine light is set by the computer. When the computer recognizes a problem, it sets a code and the light comes on. WHen the computer is scanned, the code is revealed and it is used to identify the problem. As far as why your car isn't running correctly can be from many things. What I recommend it take the car to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan it for codes. Most of these stores will do it for free; therefore, there is no out of pocket expense to identify the problem. Also, it may be just replacing a sensor that you can do yourself.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
327IMPALA1
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
  • 2001 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 123,000 MILES
Scanned the 2001 subaru forester and got troble code po141, replaces front O2 sensor and the next day the check engine light came back on, what else can cause the PO141, is there a fuse for this circuit?
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Tat code is for the rear o2 sensor heater circuit the o2 sensor after the cat. Why would you think it was for the front o2 sensor?
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BAEMR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 184,233 MILES
Vehicle - 1999 Subaru Forester AWD had the following check engine error codes: P0170, P0463, P0130, P0136, P0301, P0302, & P0303. I disconnect the battery, reconnect battery which clear the codes. Now the car seems to have no acceleration power. If I press the gas pedal the rpm jumps up to about 3000 rpm and drops to below 1000 rpm and the vehicle has no acceleration power. I changes the downstream oxygen sensor, the PVC valve and the 2 air filters, sprayed the MAF sensor with MAF cleaner to clean it but this had no effect on the car performance. Any ideas what I should do next.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
P0170-Fuel trim malfunction
P0130-Front O2 sensor circuit malfunction
P0136-Rear O2 sensor circuit malfunction
P0301-Cylinder #1 misfire detected.
P0302-Cylinder #2 misfire detected.
P0303-Cylinder #3 misfire detected.

Check compression and spark on cylinders. Check for vacuum leaks. Check for loose wires or connections in the O2 sensors, ECU, and the coil(s).
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 AT 4:34 PM (Merged)

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