i've just bought a 99 gt forester. no log book. "check engine" light has come on a couple of times. any help?

Answer 1

Hi, If the car is running fine there is no real cause for alarm. When the check engine light comes on it is usually emissions related. Are there any peculiar smells or hesitation on the car? First thing to to do is check to make sure the gas cap is on correctly. If the light comes on and stays on get it scanned by a mechanic you trust and is able to read the codes.
If the engine light is flashing then take it to a mechanic ASAP. Keep all the fluids fresh and check the belts, brakes and hoses annually and it should last you a long time.

Answer 2

Yeah, that is so annoying. Most mechanics will charge you about $25-40 to hook up a little device to the car to run the diagnostics. It takes about 3 minutes and is a total ripoff. See if one of the auto parts stores in your town has one you can borrow. I think the Checker Auto in my town has one. If you look under your steering wheel, there should be a place to plug in the device for reading the engine codes. I don't remember the exact directions after that, but it is not complicated.

Answer 3

You need to take the car to someone that can scan your OBD or On Board Diagnostic system for open codes. A local mechanic might not have the correct equipment so you may need to go to a dealer. The codes will let them properly diagnose the issue. Most of the time it has to do with your exhaust and emission control system.

Answer 4

Logbook Checker

Answer 5

Go to any mechanic that has a code reader for your car. He or she can scan the code and then cross reference with the Subaru codes to see what is wrong.

Answer 6

go to the subaru dealership and request a book as they can order you one for that year.