1998 subaru outback check engine light?

I have a 1998 subaru outback 2.5 automatic. About a year ago the check engine light came on and I was told it was the egr valve that needed to be replaced. I let the mechanic change it. 8 months ago the engine light came on and said it was the knock sensor that needed replacing. This time I went to a subaru dealer...and they replaced it. 6 months ago the check engine light came on and said the knock sensor was bad and that the egr valve needed replacing. I took it to another subaru dealer. Everytime I took it to a new dealer they said the same thing...I needed to spend more money. Now the check engine light is on again....knock sensor and egr valve needs replacing. I took it to the same dealer this time...and they said my parts have exceeded the warrenty. Now they say its going to cost 600 to fix. Has anyone had this check engine light problem.

2008-01-10T18:25:47Z

The check engine light did go off today when I started it...I drove it for about 100 miles...the check engine light then came back on.

2008-01-10T18:44:45Z

The knock sensor and Egr were replaced 3 months ago. This time it seems to be the same problem and the dealer who replaced them last time told me I need to replace them again. What is concerning me is I spend money at different dealers who replace different parts. I take it back again it seems to be the same problem. I want to know the solution because obviously the dealers keep replacing things and don't get the job done.

Crusty P. Flaps2008-01-10T18:38:44Z

Favorite Answer

Your car's computer turns on the check engine light when it detects a fault. It is to your advantage to repair the fault(s) for both engine life, and fuel mileage.
Both systems, the EGR, and the knock sensor, are fairly important systems.

What I would do:
Go to your mechanic (who has a code reader), get him/her to clear all the codes stored in the computer, and re-set the computer. This will put the light out and from the re-set any new codes that show up are legitimate repair items. Both the EGR, and knock sensor, should last more than a year, if in fact they were replaced about a year ago.

It sounds to me like you should be looking for an independent Subaru mechanic, someone who knows both the cars and his stuff. I bought my Subaru 2 years ago, it came with a faulty knock sensor, I changed out the original 15 year old knock sensor (250,000 mile), and it has been no bother since, I don't have an EGR.
If this stuff was done a short time ago there is something wrong (and it's not with your car).

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?2016-10-05T07:13:27Z

1998 Subaru Outback

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?2016-12-24T19:29:51Z

1998 Subaru

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?2016-01-15T11:27:07Z

This is normal for subarus. I have heard my uncle say once you hit so many miles the check engine light will come on. My dads old Hyundai would have this as well as my boyfriends Subaru. Take it to a dealer to double check but I'm pretty sure it's normal..

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ThisJustin2008-01-12T09:38:57Z

The knock sensor is a high failure item on subaru. I have seen bad new parts but it's rare with a dealership. The egr valve issue may be a clogged passage or tube or broken wire. Some techs just change parts. 600$ is a rip. You can change those parts with basic tools in less than an hour.

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