CEL, flashes 5 times? what the hell

[94legacy2.2]

So I was driving to work in the mountains, had 3 other people in the car (car pooling) and I get to work and the idle kinda sticks at 2k rpms and the CEL came on then off.
So I got off work later that night and the CEL was still on. Checked over things and everything looked good
I started to drive the car and noticed if I turn sharpe or go up hill or down hill the CEL would turn off then back on once I get out of my turn or on flat grounds.
I got home and Plugged in the green connector under the dash, the car had to be running for the code to flash, it wouldnt do it while the key was just on.
So it flashes 5 times, then 5 times and keeps doing that.
I looked in the book for the code and the 5 flashes isnt in there.


Can anyone help me out please


Thanks
Tyson

[93Subadan]

Are they short or long flashes? That gives you the number that you can look up for the error code. If you have the green plugs in that is an active diagnostic with the car running, if you use the black T-plugs with the car off, that gives you the codes stored in memory.

I'm sure this is all on the site, I think in the things you need to know.

[93Subadan]

Here it is:

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/engine.html

[asc_up]

Is your car a turbo or non-turbo?

I think I remember reading that if your CEL flashes erratically, that means it's picking up knock. If that is correct, then it would makes sense that it picks up knock when the car is under load (i.e. going up hills) and goes away when the car isn't under load (i.e. flat ground) like you said.

[94legacy2.2]

Are they short or long flashes? That gives you the number that you can look up for the error code. If you have the green plugs in that is an active diagnostic with the car running, if you use the black T-plugs with the car off, that gives you the codes stored in memory.

I'm sure this is all on the site, I think in the things you need to know.

well like stated above the light will flash 5 times. Now the flashes are all fast 5 flashes. Also its always 5 flashes. so 5 flashes pause 5 flashes pause 5 flashes pause and so on. The pause time inbetween the flashes never changes.
Im using the green connector. There is a black connector but that has always been plugged in and its a 2 wire. I dont see any other black connectors (t connectors)

Is your car a turbo or non-turbo?

I think I remember reading that if your CEL flashes erratically, that means it's picking up knock. If that is correct, then it would makes sense that it picks up knock when the car is under load (i.e. going up hills) and goes away when the car isn't under load (i.e. flat ground) like you said.

I know its not the knock sensor. I used to have that code but Ive since replaced it and it has not come back.

The car is a T-leg. 94 t-leg mtx





Notiable things ive done to the car before it happend were oil change and air filter change but I put about 150 miles on the car after the oil change and filter change with no problems.





Today I drove the car and the CEL went away and hasnt been back. Maybe ill dig deeper on finding the other black connector to see what the stored code is if it gives me a new code



Thanks for the CEL link. I tried to find it but I dont post much here so Im still learning my way around. Every car forum is setup different

[asc_up]

Hmmm ok. Well I'm pretty sure that there isn't a code for 5 short flashes. The codes start at 11 and go up to fifty-something.

It sounds like your black single-wire connectors are connected. Check that out first.


If not, have you tried resetting your ECU yet?

[Legacy777]

The black connector should NOT be connected all the time.

Here's a pic of the green & black connectors
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... cuhide.jpg

Is that the black connector that is connected?

[Dave_J]

Sorry to dig up an old topic but...

DaveJ here, a newby. I just bought a 94 Legacy Touring wagon with turbo and auto. I have just gotten it home and a CEL popped up. I looked for the connectors that Josh posted that link to and can only find the GREEN one. On the right of the steering shaft is a black connector but that one only shuts off the "Key In" buzzer. Where is the black one hidden on a 94 T wagon?

When I did connect the two greens, did the gas pedel thing, drove it for over 1 minuit I get a (slow)5 and then a (fast) 1 followed by a (slow) 3 then a (fast) 5. The 51 says Inhibitor switch, whatever that is. The 35 says Canister Purge valve inop.

I must get a emission test before transfering the title. I have a manual on order.

I will be updating my profile soon.

[Dave_J]

My son found that bugger on the RIGHT side if the column way up high and packed in a wire bundle. At least 8 inches away from the green ones. Has the correct wire colors so thats it up there.

Anyway he did the black connector test first, 7 codes. 13, 21, 23, 25, 32, 35, and 41. He then connected the green along with the black ones to erase the codes but it will not release them.

[Legacy777]

Try pulling the EGI/TCU fuse (no 14 in the driver's foot well fuse box) for about 60 minutes.

If pulling the EGI/TCU fuse doesn't work, I'd suggest replacing the canister purge solenoid. I have heard/seen that when that specific code is up, it won't allow the other codes to be cleared.

[Dave_J]

Ok, after replacing the purge solenoid and resetting the codes, after 2 miles it sets a code 41. Does it take like driving 100 miles for this ECM relearning for it to drop that code?

[cal_look_zero]

If there's no active errors running at the time (i.e. a CEL that isn't always on) then the initial 5 flashes indicate that you have a US 49 states ECU.

Kinda takes the wind out of the sails.

[Dave_J]

Well, the only code is "Faulty Learning Control" function code 41. I have searched for what would set this code with no clear answers. Some say O2 sensor, others say MAF and others say TPS. ?????

Ask me any question about most items on these Sub'ies and I can answer most but I do not know how these ECM's/ECU's work. I will learn given time but I need this to pass emission testing so I can change the title and drive it. It will not pass with an active CEL.

[Legacy777]

The AFR learning code is really a tough one to try and troubleshoot. If you do the d-check mode with the green connectors, does that code come up?

If not, I'd suggest trying to clear the codes using both the black & green connectors and then drive the car again to see if it comes back. If it comes back, I'd lean towards checking the O2 sensor wiring and/or replacing the O2 sensor, assuming it hasn't been replaced recently.

[Dave_J]

Cool, will do.