Get the code read that caused the CEL to come on. Some auto parts stores such as Autozone do it for free.

 

Check your Gas cap. If it is loose it can cause this to happen. Did with mine and a couple of others but they were MY09's. Not really sure about yours as you are in a MY06.

 

After a trip to the dealer, the car was diagnosed with dead oxygen sensor. Estimate was $300.00 parts and labor:crazy:. Seems more than a bit high. How much are these sensors?? How tough is it to replace them?

Motoretro

 

hmmm my 04 the front one is behind a little door in the inner fender well, i bought my oem sensor about a year or so ago and installed it my self in about MAYBE an hour taking my time and not stressing. cost $200.00

 

Thanks Stealth,

I've checked the location out and looks a bit tough to reach without removing a bunch of stuff on 06. They both look like the road salt has done their work on them. Local parts dealer can't get the front one, only back one. Looks like the dealer will get this one:icon_frown:

Motoretro

 

Are the Oxygen sensors covered under 80K factory emissions warranty?

Thanks in advance,
Motoretro

 

i had the same problem on my 07 forester, CEL and blinking cruise control light. anyways thats covered under warranty. 80k miles

 

What was the fix for yours?

 

Tubby,
Thanks for the quick reply, So it is covered huh? Looks like i need to call SOA as I believe dealer is going to charge me....:huh:

Thanks,
Motoretro

 

Are the Oxygen sensors covered under 80K factory emissions warranty?

You might want to double check your car's warranty for your specific location. The oxygen sensor(s) in my '09 Forester registered in VA are covered by the 3 year / 36K mile Federal Emissions Defect Warranty.

According to my car's warranty, the only items covered by the extended 8/80 Federal warranty are: (1) the catalytic converter, (2) the engine control module, and (3) the "onboard emissions diagnostic device".

I'm sorry if this is bad news for you... :icon_sad:

Regards,
Jim / crewzer

 

Crewzer,
Your 100% correct, the O2 Sensor appears to not be covered in the 80K emission warranty. Found it in my manual/warranty books.

Motoretro

 

Here's a copy of what is and isn't covered under the EPA 8/80 warranty. It's a link directly from the EPA itemizing the various parts.

I too have a similar problem with my Forester ('04 XT M/T). I set the cruise control and the CEL comes on after a little while and it throws a code. I'm not sure which code it is, but I wager it's the P0420 and am going to check it when I go to Autozone.

The dealer (Feder's Subaru in Middletown, NY) has been surprisingly unhelpful with this. They replaced one O2 sensor already and the CEL went off again just two days later. The only thing they did the last time was reset the ECU and, naturally, the cruise failed again with CEL and blinking cruise light.

I'm getting a bit frustrated. I'm still under 80,000 miles so the catalytic converter is under warranty so if that's what's really going on then I'm going to tell them to replace the damn thing. I'm not happy with this situation.

 

I understand and feel your frustration. If my problem persists after the O2 Sensor is replaced, I'll also push for Converter replacement as I have just over 70K now. There seems to be a pattern here with no real definitive answer. I wonder if the newer Subes are plumbed the same way? We are looking at a new O/B and really don't need another problem child.

Motoretro

 

It looks like you've now gotten to the bottom of the problem and realized that it doesn't actually have anything to do with cruise control. But just to close off that aspect of things, shutting off cruise control and blinking its light is a defensive measure. It's intended to put the driver back in full command at a time when the engine might not be expected to perform in its normal fashion.