Flashing CEL

Asked by Richard Apr 22, 2018 at 08:05 PM about the 2003 Subaru Forester XS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Picked up a 03 forester with 160 on clock
CEL flashs but shoots all P codes. Runs
decent but owner told me the car has sat for
2 or 3 years.

4 Answers
48,090

TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 6 years ago

Yeah, fuel's a mess. At least fill with premium and a bottle of strong cleaner like Techron; then clear the codes with a scanner and see what pops back as you drive; refill with premium at the half-tank mark until it runs normally all the time. Do NOT let the fuel level get below 1/4 tank unless you feel like draining ALL the fuel as Tom suggested. Dump the old NGK plat plugs for any new iridiums, and if it's an autobox drain and refill the ATF TWICE one week apart. You'll learn to discern worn wheel bearings over time. Have fun, but don't let this dinosaur become a money-pit.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Richard answered 6 years ago

Was almost nothing in the tank. Did put fresh gas in. The codes were 02 sensor codes. I will take your advice and run a high grade gas and additives. Thx

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Flashing CEL 4 Answers

    Picked up a 03 forester with 160 on clock CEL flashs but shoots all P codes. Runs decent but owner told me the car has sat for 2 or 3 years.

    2003 Subaru Forester XS

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2005 Subaru forester dies when stopping, CEL now flashing, before solid and idled rough 5 Answers

    My 2005 subaru forester started to run rough when idling, CEL solid-ran the code, misfire on cylinder 3. The mechanic stated there was a loose connection in spark plug, fixed that, sent me on my wa...

    2005 Subaru Forester X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • CEL and flashing cruise control 1 Answer

    Yesterdayme and the wife were driving to go get some dinner, car was running fine. Turned up a hill and when I gave her some throttle it started sputtering. Only code was evap gas cap. We made it 2...

    2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Can I drive Forester with CEL on, CC flashing, stability light on 2 Answers

    I have a check engine light on, cruise control flashing and the stability light thingy on. I desperately need my car tomorrow. Is it safe to drive or should I take straight to mechanic?? (I understa...

    2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Is there a fix for ongoing problem of CEL and CCL? 7 Answers

    The CEL and flashing CCL come on when: driving the engine "faults" but keeps running; when the engine fails and stalls out. When starting the car sometimes I do not hear the clicks after the key is t...

    2006 Subaru Forester

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 1,274 nationwide Forester listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Forester Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,400
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,780
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
44 Great Deals out of 1,118 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota RAV4
139 Great Deals out of 2,980 listings starting at $5,995
Used Honda CR-V
196 Great Deals out of 4,969 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
22 Great Deals out of 524 listings starting at $14,995
Used Subaru Impreza
25 Great Deals out of 636 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota Highlander
35 Great Deals out of 846 listings starting at $7,498
Used Subaru Legacy
16 Great Deals out of 219 listings starting at $3,200
Used Honda Pilot
40 Great Deals out of 1,009 listings starting at $3,800
Used Toyota Tacoma
42 Great Deals out of 780 listings starting at $9,975

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.