Check engine light causes - where to find a list

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DP - 27 Nov 2006 04:16 GMT

Can anyone tell me where I might find a list of all the things that
should turn on the check-engine light, for a 1998 Subaru Legacy
Outback??

Most importantly, I need to know if engine high temperature should
cause the light to come on; but I would like to know the whole list.
The manual is vauge, mostly saying that the light is tied to emissions
sys problems, but I don't believe that's everything. Can anyone help??

Thanks,
DP

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Donald Lewis - 27 Nov 2006 14:23 GMT

>Can anyone tell me where I might find a list of all the things that
>should turn on the check-engine light, for a 1998 Subaru Legacy
>Outback??
>
>Most importantly, I need to know if engine high temperature should
>cause the light to come on;

Severe overheating will set a coolant temperature sensor code.

> but I would like to know the whole list.

To what purpose? Why not get it diagnosed and KNOW why the check
engine light came on?

>The manual is vauge, mostly saying that the light is tied to emissions
>sys problems,

Essentially correct. That covers a huge range from very minor issues
that would prevent passing an emissions test to problems that will
severely impact how it runs. The engine coolant temperature sensor is
one part of engine computer control that minimizes emissions.

> but I don't believe that's everything.

Automatic transmission also IF SO EQUIPPED -- is it?

> Can anyone help??

DIagnosis beats speculation any day.

Don
www.donsautomotive.com

>Thanks,
>DP

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Tegger - 27 Nov 2006 22:34 GMT

> Can anyone tell me where I might find a list of all the things that
> should turn on the check-engine light, for a 1998 Subaru Legacy
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> The manual is vauge, mostly saying that the light is tied to emissions
> sys problems, but I don't believe that's everything. Can anyone help??

There are about 300 things that can cause the MIL to come on.

There are EPA-mandated codes (second digit is a zero)
and manufacturer-specific "enhanced" codes (second digit NOT a zero).

Here's a good link:
http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/

Not all codes will apply to all makes and models.

You may want to peruse this list for more info:
<http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=obdii+error+code+list&btnG=Google+Search>

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Tegger

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