2007 Subaru Legacy Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2007 Subaru Legacy: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2007 Subaru Legacy has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2007 Subaru Legacy has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What immediate actions should be taken when the check engine light comes on in a 2007 Subaru Legacy?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2007 Subaru Legacy, it is essential to take immediate action to prevent potential safety hazards and costly repairs. Start by checking the gas cap, as a loose or improperly sealed cap is a frequent cause of this warning light. If securing the gas cap does not resolve the issue, it is crucial to visit a service center promptly. Ignoring a persistent check engine light can lead to severe engine problems, which may result in significant repair expenses. The vehicle's onboard diagnostics system will have stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that can help identify the specific issue. Having these codes read by a professional can provide critical information for necessary repairs. Subaru dealerships are well-equipped to perform comprehensive inspections, addressing not only the immediate problem but also uncovering any other potential issues that could impact the vehicle's performance. Being aware of common causes for the check engine light, such as emission, ignition, or fuel system problems, can facilitate quicker diagnosis and resolution. Taking these steps is vital for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your Subaru Legacy.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2007 Subaru Legacy?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2007 Subaru Legacy, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a frequent culprit for triggering the light. If the cap is secure, the next step is to use a diagnostic scanner to read the trouble code associated with the light. This code will guide you in identifying the specific issue at hand. Once you have the code, take the time to research its meaning, which will help you understand the necessary repairs or maintenance required. After addressing the underlying problem, you may need to reset the check engine light, which can often be done with the same diagnostic scanner or through specific manual steps. If at any point you feel uncertain about the diagnosis or the repairs needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the check engine light issue on your Subaru Legacy.

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