I'm new to working on Subarus. How do I get the codes for "check engine light" on a 2000 Forrester?
- Thanks

I'm not positive but I do believe you'll need a scan tool for accessing codes on that vehicle.

Are you having any drivability symptoms or concerns, or is the light on and the car runs OK still?

Runs great. Light came on yesterday during drive. Still on after disconnecting and reconnecting battery.

Loss of battery to the ECM rarely turns off that pesky light.

How recently did you fuel up? It's possible that the fuel fill cap may not have been completely tightened. This happens far easier than many people realize.

Double check that the fuel cap is tightened three or four clicks past tight. You won't hurt it. Keep diriving the car, and if that's what has happened, the light will go off after a few more days of driving without anything further to the car.

If, however, the light remains on, or you're concerned, you'll need a scan tool, first to verify the code, and secondly to diag/clear the code from the ECM's memory.

No, it's not the fuel cap. I've seen that before and checked the cap is secured tight.

I'm afraid that I have no choice but to delve into the belly of the beast and retrieve the sacred error codes. My previous experience was with the blinking CEL's, which was pretty easy. Would you recommend that I purchase a scan tool? How expensive and where would you recommend I get one. The car has about 75,000 on it, so this may be a good investment at this point. I'd really like to do the job myself.

Thanks, Captain.

You can get a Code Reader fairly cheaply. It won't give data but if you've got some diag skills, it'll point you in the right direction. An actual scan tool is a chunk of change more, unless you can make some of it back in saving or "charge" your friends and neighbors, if you know what I mean...

Most people don't realize the CEL or MIL or SES, whatever you want to call it, is driven strickly by emissions, not drivability. A light on means emissions will be effected, but a flashing light means a misfire bad enough to damage the converter. Frequently, however, the actual effect is somewhat small. In your case, I'd venture to guess it is a problem in the EVAP system... may or may not have a dealer service bulletin and/or parts update, but not neccasarilly a recall.

But check with a dealer (they'll need your VIN) to see if it may be subject to recall. The ECU (ECM) which carries a much longer warranty than the rest of your car, so once you've determined the code, you may save some big moolah!

Good luck!

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Hey, thanks for the additional info. You've been a great help!

This idiot light often means nothing and can cost a lot to have nothing diagnosed.
Unhook the negative cable from your battery for a minute and then reconnect the cable. If the light comes back on you might actually have a problem this probably will be the oxygen sensor, most likely it will not come back on, for some time.

AutoZone will read codes for free.

As a matter of fact, I just got back from Autozone where I did exactly that. The code indicated emissions but nothing specific, of course. But at least the light's out.

It may have been the gas cap because there's a bit of corrosion around the fill where the cap seats, plus the rubber seal on the cap may be starting to lose some flex. Anyway, I'll remove the corrosion and put a bit of silicone on the cap seal and see what happens. If the CEL comes back on again, I'll take it from there. A new cap is certainly cheap if I need one, and if there's a more serious problem I'm sure the car will let me know again.