Subaru Repair: check engine light, oil leaks, independent shop

Question
Hi Nathan,

I recently purchased an '03 Forester with 54,000 (still under warranty). The car seems to run a bit rough when cold (especially in winter), has a knocking sound that goes away, and once it almost stalled uphill and had the check engine light come on. When I took the car to the dealer he found a dirty filter (which was already replaced) and some oil leaks near the spark plugs (will be repaired this week). At the time, the dealer had showed me a container with some brownish liquid and said that this came from the fuel filter (to me it looks like there may be an internal oil leak somewhere).

However, today, when I tried to start the car (engine was already warm from another drive), the engine shut down after a few seconds and the CEL came on (engine sounded as if it could not sustain). This happened three times and one time I even heard a loud knocking sound. The fourth time I tried starting the car it was O.K. What could be the problem? I'll take the car in again this week (for the oil leaks repairs) and I don't buy into the dealer's "nothing's wrong w/ the engine" and "no CEL codes stored" answer. Any ideas? I'd greatly appreciate your help.

Answer
Hello Michelle
I would get the SES light checked out by an independent shop and get them to diagnose the problem and compare it to what the dealer says. It may cost a little diagnostic time but may be worth getting the problem fixed.  As soon as the light comes on get to a shop and don't turn the engine off, sometimes the computer will clear the codes, but generally if the SES light is on the computer has codes stored.  The oil leaks sound common.  The knocking noise I would have to listen to, always change you oil frequently, this keeps lifters and bearings working correctly.  When you get of of warranty I would recommend a reputable independent shop, they are often less expensive and more eager to fix your problem.  Hope I could help you.