No Power Light On '96 Svx?

#1 07-20-2005, 10:32 PM

Hello everyone,

I have a few questions as I am considering a SVX. I've read many posts but don't see much regarding differences between model years if any.

I drove a 1996 with the Check Engine light on but appears to drive fine. From what I understand this car would have a OBD II thus, not allowing the codes to be checked without a reader like the earlier models. Correct?

I also noticed that it does not appear to have a "power" mode indicator on the dash. Even with the key in the ON position this light does not appear! Should this be a concern? Or was this light something that Subaru stopped including on later models?

The tranny appears to shift fine. Would this car have a transmission cooler from factory unlike earlier models? Or is this an item that every SVX owner would have to get installed themselves.

Thanks in advance guys!

pavanbabut · #2 07-20-2005, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddex

Hello everyone,

I have a few questions as I am considering a SVX. I've read many posts but don't see much regarding differences between model years if any.

I drove a 1996 with the Check Engine light on but appears to drive fine. From what I understand this car would have a OBD II thus, not allowing the codes to be checked without a reader like the earlier models. Correct?

I also noticed that it does not appear to have a "power" mode indicator on the dash. Even with the key in the ON position this light does not appear! Should this be a concern? Or was this light something that Subaru stopped including on later models?

The tranny appears to shift fine. Would this car have a transmission cooler from factory unlike earlier models? Or is this an item that every SVX owner would have to get installed themselves.

Thanks in advance guys!

Hello and welcome to the site. Coming to the questions...

1) Regarding the 'check engine' light, it will be ON only when there is any problem in the engine, with out tht i think it wont light up. Offcourse there may be many reasons for it to light ON.

2) Coming to POWER MODE light, it should light ON as soon as you switch on the ignition and should disappear a sec or a couple of secs after the engine is started. If it is not at all showing up means may be the bulb is burned out ot something. POWER Light comes ON after the engine starts up only in two occasions (i) When you go into power mode while driving or (ii) When the transmission is bad (flashes i think 6 times quickly after the engine is started.

3) Subaru never installed any external transmission cooler in their svxes. But they did improved the transmission from 94 models around. Its always better to install it.

-Pavan.

ensteele · #3 07-20-2005, 10:59 PM

Welcome to the site. There are very few differences between the years, but there are a few between models. The CEL may come on for some minor things as well as major things. The power light will come on at starting, and may flash for a code if there are some issues with the transmission.You can do a search for those. The light may be burnt out if it does not come on when you start the car.

The transmission cooler is something you will have to install if you want one. I would install an external filter as well. The transmissions on the later models do not have as many problems as the earlier models. Good luck on finding a good one and visit often.

#4 07-20-2005, 11:11 PM

Thanks guys!
Interesting! Well this SVX's power light doesn't come on period. Not even on startup. Used car sales guy was claiming that it probably doesn't even have one as he heard that Subaru made "changes" to the later model cars. I figured they all had it! So the light is probably just burnt out and isn't something I should be worry about then?

pavanbabut · #5 07-20-2005, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddex

Thanks guys!
Interesting! Well this SVX's power light doesn't come on period. Not even on startup. Used car sales guy was claiming that it probably doesn't even have one as he heard that Subaru made "changes" to the later model cars. I figured they all had it! So the light is probably just burnt out and isn't something I should be worry about then?

Yeah it may be probably simply burnt out if it dont show up at all. But it is always better to check it before you make a deal

.

Good luck on it.

-Pavan.

ensteele · #6 07-20-2005, 11:30 PM

If you turn the key to the on position without starting the car, does it come on then. I would think not if it is truely burnt out.

94svxred · #7 07-20-2005, 11:52 PM

I have a 94L. Made in late 93 i think in aug. but I would have to check to door plate to be exact! The real question is in my 94 are there trans. improvements on this model

Thanks

Radar · #8 07-21-2005, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddex

Thanks guys!
Interesting! Well this SVX's power light doesn't come on period. Not even on startup. Used car sales guy was claiming that it probably doesn't even have one as he heard that Subaru made "changes" to the later model cars. I figured they all had it! So the light is probably just burnt out and isn't something I should be worry about then?

Hi freddex

Did you test drive the car? When the engine is warm and you step on the pedal real hard, it should switch into power mode and the light should come on. I have a '94 model and the power light does not appear when starting the car - but the light and the power is there when I need it. So when it works on a test drive, I would't worry too much.

If you have the choice, go for a late '94 model or later. The tranny is more reliable. But still I would recommend an immediate flush of all old ATF and install an cooler and filter. There are a few choices where to put it. Most do in front of the water cooler, I put mine underneath the bumber.

JohnU · #9 07-21-2005, 06:48 AM

I do not believe there is a power light on the 96's. At least I have not seen one on mine since I bought it almost 2 years ago. There are a few other differences which I can't remember off the top of my head.

Regarding the CEL, some conditions will "lock" the light on so even if the condition clears the light stays on. Other conditions will cause the light to come on and off. If you can, get the car to an auto parts store, most will read the code for you at no cost.

#10 07-21-2005, 07:55 AM

Radar,
I've already driven it! There is no light showing at all! I stepped on it and it went well but still no light. Even in the ON position there is no light. Does anyone here have a '96 SVX that shows a "power" light??

Regarding the engine light they say that they will take it to a Subaru dealer and get it read and fixed if I am buying the car.

ensteele · #11 07-21-2005, 09:27 AM

If they will have the code or codes read and fixed, that would be good. Good luck on the car.

nordique14 · #12 07-21-2005, 10:23 AM

96 & 97 models are ODBII and do not have a power light. You will need an ODBII reader to get the trouble codes.

The CEL being on will usually indicate an emissions problem. That can sometimes be an expensive fix, so get it checked out before you buy. Here in California, they will not pass a car for smog if the CEL is on.

Good luck in the hunt for an SVX.

-Matt

#13 07-21-2005, 12:19 PM

Thanks Nordique14,
Makes sense! I guess we all learned something today. Are the OBDII ECU's better than the OBDI's? I know from an owners perspective I prefer the OBDI's ablity to easily check codes on your own.

Dealer promises to fix engine light issue, certify and emission test the car themselves. So I'm not really worried about the engine light as long as they show me a Subaru invoice for the fix.

What is a '96 in pretty good shape with 130,000 KM's on it worth?

Earthworm · #14 07-21-2005, 01:36 PM

Hey, where in Canada?

OBD-I is good for the ability to check your own codes without buying expensive equipment or going to a garage/dealership. There are also upgrades for the OBD-I ECU.

OBD-II is good because it monitors more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddex

What is a '96 in pretty good shape with 130,000 KM's on it worth?

That depends if it's in the US or Canada. A 96 in the US will probably be around USD$6000/CAD$7500 but in Canada the same car would be worth USD$12000/CAD$15000 (or more).

n00b on demand · #15 07-21-2005, 01:57 PM

96 svx's do not have a power light