Non-SVX, Outback CEL

[Mr. Pockets]

Hey, I'm having a problem with my Outback, and I'm hoping somebody here can help me out. I really cannot trust the local dealer, and we're no longer on speaking terms.

About a year ago, I replaced the front O2 sensor after I had a DTC for the heater circuit. The same code is back, and I've been sort of slow to fix it. I have the sensor in hand, now, but the problem has gotten...weird.

When newer Subarus store a fault code, the CE light stays on and the 'cruise' light flashes, disabling the cruise control. Occasionally, my Outback's CE light turns back off, though. On Saturday night the light was off, and on my drive home from the movies it came back on.

I understand that, after enough 'clean' drive cycles, the DTC will be erased. I wonder if I just have an intermittent problem with the O2 sensor. I'll replace it this week either way, but I'm concerned by this behavior and I'm not thrilled about having to replace this O2 sensor again.