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  #1  
Old 07-20-2009, 08:19 AM
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Non-SVX, Outback CEL

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.
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Old 07-20-2009, 08:30 AM
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Re: Non-SVX, Outback CEL

It's most likely a P0420 code. "Catalyst efficiency below threshold" It's very common on all of the newer subarus, and you're right, it's caused by faulty 02 sensors. The cruise light will start flashing ANY time the CEL comes on. This is true on any drive-by-wire Subie.

This probably isnt all of the information you needed, but I figured I'd share what I knew.

Edit: Somehow I didn't see that you already knew what the code was. 10:30 is early for me. Anyway, at least you now know that the cruise light is normal.
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Old 07-20-2009, 08:42 AM
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Re: Non-SVX, Outback CEL

Ben just came over yesterday with the wifemobile (03 legacy GT wagon) and it has a p0032 code which is an o2 heater issue. I hope this isn't a common issue
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Old 07-20-2009, 03:05 PM
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Re: Non-SVX, Outback CEL

The only culprits could be wiring, sensor, and control unit. It usually works by measuring current to the heater circuit, and if the current is too high or too low it will set the DTC. If you did not use an sensor from a subaru box or the correct sensor for you may want to do so this time. I have seen this many times on toyotas. The computer is picky about the sensors and if they aren't of high quality they likely won't be able to please the computer. Oxygen sensors are in my top ten list of parts to never get aftermarket. Keep in mind that over the counter retail subaru parts carry a 12 month warranty.
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Old 07-20-2009, 04:57 PM
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Re: Non-SVX, Outback CEL

I bought the sensor from SubaruParts last time. This time I bought a Bosch aftermarket one.
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Old 07-20-2009, 06:24 PM
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Re: Non-SVX, Outback CEL

The OEM oxygen sensors on most Subarus including the Outback are made by Bosch anyways. You probably just got a faulty one, it happens.
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Old 07-25-2009, 11:29 PM
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Re: Non-SVX, Outback CEL

See if there is a reflash available for your ECU, I know for certain years there is a reflash that involves a certain code and replacement of the AFR (Air/Fuel Ratio) sensors with updated parts...
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