Subaru Repair: engine light, Subaru check engine light

Question
Hope you can assist.  I have a 2004 Forester XS. In Jan 07, the engine came on and an oxygen sensor replaced by Subaru dealer.  The engine light has come back on at least 6 times since and each time I have taken it back to dealer to have other sensors and computer chip reprogrammed. In Dec 07 I took it back and was told it was a lose wire.  Last time I took the car in was March 08 and they replaced the cataylic converter (after they had my car for nearly 3 weeks and often rang to tell me to pick the car up as it was fixed and then to get another phone call from them to say not to pick the car up as the light was back on)and told me they hoped they had fixed the problem.  The light has come back on but has since gone off again. The Subaru dealer will no longer cover the cost as the warrany ran out in May 07 and they said that since this time, they have been looking at my car under 'good will'. I don't want to take the car back for them to diagose a problem that will cost me money per hour they look at it and, if they couldnt find a problem after having the car for 3 weeks, is there a problem?  Any other suggestions as to what the problem may be?  Will driving the car cause any damage to it?  If the original problem occurred whilst under warranty, am I still covered by the warrany?

Answer
Hi Gina,


Sounds like you have had a rough go.

But here is what I need to help you, I need the code numbers from each visit to the Dealer.  Every time a check engine light comes on there is a corresponding code that is set and this code is used to aid the Technician in finding the problem.  You can read a little more here. http://allwheeldriveauto.com/your-subaru-check-engine-light-explained/

The check engine light can come on for many different reasons and the only thing the driver is aware of is that the check engine light is on but there are hundreds of possibilities.

The car is very fixable.  Depending on the codes set in the past, vs. now it may be under some sort of warranty, but it also may be on you as well.

Justin