Engine & Cruise light on

[Pyramidrocker]

I've read a bit about this problem on here but haven't really found an answer to my specific problem.
Had my local mechanic hook my car up and he found that the engine and cruise light is on due to the heater sensor. So he cleared the allerts and it's come back. Anyone know if this is an expensive/easy excersise to fix??
Cheers.

[Nalnoc]

9/10 chance it's a stuffed front air/fuel ratio sensor. VERY common complaint

Genuine Subaru part is north of $500, but apparently Bosch make one that's a bit cheaper?

[Robbks]

find out what the exact code was.

but yes probably the heater element in the front o2 sensor

[Nalnoc]

find out what the exact code was.

but yes probably the heater element in the front o2 sensor

You can find out the code yourself, without having to go back to the mechanic.

Open the fuse cover to the bottom left of the steering wheel.
Reach to the top left inside the cover. You will find 2 wires with corresponiding connectors, one black and one light green.
Connect these 2 wires together.
Turn the car to ignition (but do not start) while holding down the odometer reset button.
Odometer/trip meter screen will now show the last CEL error recorded.
Disconect the 2 wires before driving the car again.

9/10 chance the code reads P0031: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1) which means your front O2 sensor is stuffed.
Btw, I have been there, done that

[Pyramidrocker]

Well that's a really hard exercise trying to get my fathead close enough to check out those wires!
So many wires tightly bundled together in electrical tape, think i might take your word for it and leave it to the Auto electrician.
So what happens if i leave it???
$500 big ones + labour at the moment is a bit of a stretch.
Thanks for your knowledge though!

[DJC]

Shop around and don't buy OEM Subaru sensors as they just keep on blowing. Clarence has been through 4-5 and I've been through 3 as have most of the people above no doubt. I went aftermarket and haven't had any problem since. Your looking at around $300 for the part and whatever your mechanic charges for an hours labor.

[Pyramidrocker]

Thanks mate!

[NDARYD]

I just purchased a 04 GT last week and it had the same issue (Engine + Cruise light on) so I told the guy I would not buy the car until it was fixed. He took it to his local mechanic and he checked the codes etc. It was the o2 sensor which cost him $589 fitted (I believe it was OEM though but after reading the previous post, I hope it doesn't blow anytime soon). But best is to get your mechanic to check the code etc and determine the exact fault.

[Pyramidrocker]

Dropped into Subaru on the way home from work, just out of curiosity and yes he said it would be the o2 or fuel sensor. And that i'd be looking at around $500 for the part alone. Thieving bastards! Found them on Ebay for around $300.
He said it will be fine to drive around on for a while but my fuel efficency will be rubbish.

[XXB4XX]

You can learn the way I did.. My sensor was stuffed but no lights, just a really bad idle and terrible fuel economy, I bought an aftermarket sensor for 120 bucks, the car idled better than new, but the CEL light and cruise control kept on coming on and staying on.. The bastards at Subaru have programmed it do you fork out 350 for a genuine one!!! Lol

[Nalnoc]

You can learn the way I did.. My sensor was stuffed but no lights, just a really bad idle and terrible fuel economy, I bought an aftermarket sensor for 120 bucks, the car idled better than new, but the CEL light and cruise control kept on coming on and staying on.. The bastards at Subaru have programmed it do you fork out 350 for a genuine one!!! Lol

Again been there, done that. My mechanic first tried a generic sensor, then a used sensor of what we think was an early 2000's WRX (genuine subaru part btw), both without sucess. As this was all happening after a brand new short motor after the original threw a big end, I was sick and tired of not having a properly functioning car and just bit the bullet and forked out for the genuine subaru item. The extra was nothing compared to the bill for the rest of the work (although I was a little greedy and replaced the original 2L with an STi EJ257 short motor )

[XXB4XX]

You can learn the way I did.. My sensor was stuffed but no lights, just a really bad idle and terrible fuel economy, I bought an aftermarket sensor for 120 bucks, the car idled better than new, but the CEL light and cruise control kept on coming on and staying on.. The bastards at Subaru have programmed it do you fork out 350 for a genuine one!!! Lol

Again been there, done that. My mechanic first tried a generic sensor, then a used sensor of what we think was an early 2000's WRX (genuine subaru part btw), both without sucess. As this was all happening after a brand new short motor after the original threw a big end, I was sick and tired of not having a properly functioning car and just bit the bullet and forked out for the genuine subaru item. The extra was nothing compared to the bill for the rest of the work (although I was a little greedy and replaced the original 2L with an STi EJ257 short motor )

ROFL- I think it's the car that's the problem, according to your profile pic, our cars are twins! (cosmetically speaking)

[Dropz]

If you buy the part it is very easy to swap over, just a spanner to undo the sensor and unplug it, then swap it over.