My ’01 Forester with 78k miles is getting an intermittent CEL.  Had it
in the shop for routine oil change and the code is pointing to the
catalytic converter.  The dealer shop quoted $700 for the parts, $150
for labor.

Has anyone tried installing a magnetic drain plug (say on a WRX)? Did it
gather up any metal particles?

Customer had a car towed in from 50 miles away, no start. It had a
communication code, and with the help of tech assist, I found a 30 amp slow
blow fuse broken; (not blown, the element had broke) it powered up part of
the computer. New fuse the car started up. Tried to clear the ...

I have a 2002 Outback H-6 VDC Sedan with 120,000 miles. I have 'changed' the
automatic transmission fluid once by letting the fluid drain out of the
drain plug then refilling until full. I have never done a complete
flush/change-out (torque converter, etc). What are the thoughts ...

I have a subaru forester 2001. I switched to synthetic engine oil a
few years back in hope that the engine can run better and I can change
oil less often.
However, so far by my experience, the oil still gets very dirty after

Perhaps I have found the issue? The Chilton's says to attach the green
connector and the Check Engine light will flash. (Er, it's the WHITE
connector that makes the MIL flash!) Make sure the idle switch is ON. See
Chapter 4 for more information on the Idle switch.

and it's a short ride.
1989 GL hatch, 1.8L TBI. There are two connectors under the hood on the
driver's side near the cowl, and connecting either or both does not bring
the timing marks into view. All I ever see is a 12-14mm bolt on the

My car failed inspection for emissions because of the above messge
from the PCM.  I tightened my filler cap and am waiting for the
message to go away.
How long should I wait before deciding that there really is a problem?

Kinda helps to tighten the bolts on the water pump if you loosen them, eh?

The last 2009 Subaru Forester we drove blew a tire, forcing us into making clichéd gay jokes. This time we took it to an off-road park and beat it like a rented mule. Subaru is many things to many different kinds of people, but they've always stayed true to the cause of ...

The torque setting given in maintenance manual for oil drain plug is
measured when the plug is coated with oil, or when it is dry?
I hope it's the first case, because there is no easy way to remove all oil
from the drain plug and the drain hole.

The only thing that worries me on this report is that
fuel system was checked twice before the car was sold.
Otherwise it looks almost too good to be true for the money(6000$ and 90K
miles).

testing this new comp - old laptop completely took a dump...
Djay

My tail lights, backup lights, front turn signal lights (not blinker
lights) and side marker lights now stay on even if I turn the engine off
and remove the key. To remedy this, I have to pull the 20amp fuse that
controls these lights every time I park. Fortunately, I can leave ...

A few months ago when I was tracing an 'overheating' problem (I think the
radiator was the culprit) someone mentioned a leak that develops somewhere
around the water pump.
I appear to be getting some leaking from this area.