It's part of being an informed consumer.Īs I mentioned previously, there are 'fixes' listed in other forums that basically dull the sensors sniffer, but it's a lousy way to beat the situation. I think a code reader is an excellent investment. I believe things will get better with electronics and mfg tolerances in the future, but 1999 technology was still crude compare to today. And even if you do change out much of the system, it is doubtful that a 10 year old car can stay in check. If emissions exceed the level of the year by 50% (which isn't much!), it trigger the light. To better appreciate this, you need to understand what the EPA is asking of car mfgrs, and how hard it is to comply and keep that tight level over the life of the auto. Emissions (CEL) issues top the list, especially P0420 (Cat efficiency as measured by the rear oxygen sensor). We are not mocking you on this issue, but to be fair, look at the comments in every mfgr's forum here on Edmunds. just ask anyone who donated to the Obama campaign! :P One thing is for sure if you throw money at a problem without knowing the cause: Your wallet will be lighter. It is only a "crisis" if the vehicle fails to operate altogether. it could even help diagnose the problem over time. If the light comes on, read the code, log it, and reset the light. Rather than being frustrated, infuriated, etc., each time that happens, just accept that a vehicle is a system that is subject to the same indigestion that you are and take action to mitigate its impact on you. ![]() And, it eliminates your dependency on a shop to read out codes each time your CEL turns on. The sensors, wires, and are subject to age as much as use, so even with moderate use will still begin having problems as they age.Ī code reader is just another tool in the box for an owner - it is as basic as a funnel for adding fluids or a torque wrench for tightening lug nuts. Neither of your cars have very many miles and, mechanically, I'm sure they will last for another at-least-as-many-miles-as-you-have-driven-them, if not more. Unless the culprit is corrected, the code will return. However, those trouble codes are often times somewhat ambiguous (especially emissions-related codes) and can be caused by multiple issues. They rely heavily on the trouble code information stored in the car's computer to diagnose and repair problems as they arise. Modern vehicles include highly complex systems which, unfortunately, most mechanics do not fully understand because they are mechanics, not engineers. Being able to put it in perspective, though, is invaluable when you have to deal with such frustrations. ![]() And, as with you, I also maintain my vehicles to high standards with the expected return of them being reliable and trouble-free, yet that result is not always the case. I understand your frustration as I have dealt with the same ones myself. I have 98,000 on the 99 OB and 105,000 on the 98 Forester.in my opinion that is not a lot of miles for a car that is supposed to be able to keep on keepin' on for over 200k miles!Īs you might realize, I am frustrated and angry over the time, money and inconvenience this is causing.so I would prefer not to have a "smarta**" remark in reference to the issue. I do not want to have to pay $100 to buy a friggin' code reader to "keep track of the problems"! After going through two separate smoke tests and making the proper repairs, I expect the problem to be resolved! Aside from the inconvenience of having to work around this issue when it comes time for annual inspection, what if it's a REAL problem and the light is just ignored because one "assumes" it just the vehicle doing it's "Subaru thing"!īoth of our cars (which have always been maintained religiously) have the same emissions code on them. ![]() Subaru management should be ashamed of themselves to be advertising a vehicle which causes so much aggravation to the owners, who in good conscience, put good money down and expect the car, even when it is 10 years old to at least be repairable!!!!!!!! I hope your comment is "tongue in cheek", because expecting a car to behave "flawlessly" is not exactly what this entire thread is about!!!!! It's about chronic, expensive, frustrating CEL problems that no matter what the owner does, will not and does not correct the problem! You have cars that are a dozen or more years old and you expect them to behave flawlessly? It sounds to me like you are destined for disappointment on that one.
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