I'm driving an '03 Baja now (no, I didnt get rid of my my Legacy....its just resting for a while) and I've been noticing almost ever since I bought it that there is some hesitation. Now that its hot in Portland I'm also noticing some serious engine knock and I dont know if its because my windows are rolled down now or what but I'm getting concerned.
Anyway, the other day I was on the freeway and the CEL came on, but then went off in a few seconds and has not returned since. I've been reading that these symptoms point to a bad knock sensor. Do you guys agree with this?
I've also read on this forum that oil and other things can also create knock. Could it not be the sensor but rather some other issues? I did check the oil and it's fine btw.
Thanks
Another knock sensor thread...sorry
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Mr.Pessimist
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Another knock sensor thread...sorry
~Ross
1993 FWD 5MT Green NA Legacy
1993 FWD 5MT Green NA Legacy
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entirelyturbo
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If the CEL came on, then you need to have that code pulled. Don't make any guessing games out of this, find out what the ECU says it is.
It could be a knock sensor, it could be bad fuel, it could be worn-out spark plugs, it could be a lot of things. But you'll know where to start once you pull that code
It could be a knock sensor, it could be bad fuel, it could be worn-out spark plugs, it could be a lot of things. But you'll know where to start once you pull that code
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Mr.Pessimist
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entirelyturbo
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Well, on your Baja, you can't do it yourself personally. But you can take it somewhere and have them pull the code. Autozone will usually do it for free.
Just in case you're unsure what that means, "pulling a code" means getting the error code out of the ECU. Whenever a sensor gives an abnormal reading, or the electrical connection to it is lost, the CEL will come on, and the computer will store an error code, which can then be read to determine which sensor it was that went bad.
Our Legacies are OBDI, so we can pull our own codes, Josh (Legacy777) has the codes listed on his site, in fact. But OBDII cars (anything 95-up), you need a scanner to pull the code.
Just in case you're unsure what that means, "pulling a code" means getting the error code out of the ECU. Whenever a sensor gives an abnormal reading, or the electrical connection to it is lost, the CEL will come on, and the computer will store an error code, which can then be read to determine which sensor it was that went bad.
Our Legacies are OBDI, so we can pull our own codes, Josh (Legacy777) has the codes listed on his site, in fact. But OBDII cars (anything 95-up), you need a scanner to pull the code.
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Mr.Pessimist
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Well over the weekend I replaced the fuel filter, coolant, and added some more oil - all of which needed to be done anyway. However, the "ping" still persisted.
I got a hold of a OBDII scanner, checked for codes, and it came up clean. So, I dont think its a problem with the knock sensor.
The only thing I could think of would be bad fuel. I was down to about a quater tank so I decided to go to another brand and fill up with 89 octane. Now after driving on the new fuel for a couple days I've noticed the ping nearly gone.
Obviously higher octane decreases/eliminates pre-ignition, so it would make sense that the higher octane would fix it. Now I'm hoping that I can go back to 87 octane and not have a problem because I really dont want to have to pay for higher octane (or I would've gotten a turbo).
I got a hold of a OBDII scanner, checked for codes, and it came up clean. So, I dont think its a problem with the knock sensor.
The only thing I could think of would be bad fuel. I was down to about a quater tank so I decided to go to another brand and fill up with 89 octane. Now after driving on the new fuel for a couple days I've noticed the ping nearly gone.
Obviously higher octane decreases/eliminates pre-ignition, so it would make sense that the higher octane would fix it. Now I'm hoping that I can go back to 87 octane and not have a problem because I really dont want to have to pay for higher octane (or I would've gotten a turbo).
~Ross
1993 FWD 5MT Green NA Legacy
1993 FWD 5MT Green NA Legacy
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entirelyturbo
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Even if I bought a new Subaru, I'd probably continue using 89 octane.
Actually, even after running 89 octane for years, I still can get Patti to ping pretty loudly if I all of a sudden romp on her in 1st or 2nd. However, if I continue driving hard for a few minutes, it seems like the A/F maps adjust and she stops pinging.
She does have 154k miles after all...
Actually, even after running 89 octane for years, I still can get Patti to ping pretty loudly if I all of a sudden romp on her in 1st or 2nd. However, if I continue driving hard for a few minutes, it seems like the A/F maps adjust and she stops pinging.
She does have 154k miles after all...