1992 Subaru SVX Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 1992 Subaru SVX and How to Resolve Them

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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 1992 Subaru SVX 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 1992 Subaru SVX 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 are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 1992 Subaru SVX?

When faced with a check engine light on your 1992 Subaru SVX, the first step is to locate the diagnostic connector, which is hidden behind the kick panel near the driver's footrest. Once you have access, connect the blue wires to the appropriate pins in the black connector to initiate the self-diagnostic mode. With the ignition turned to the "on" position, observe the check engine light as it blinks in a specific sequence, which corresponds to trouble codes. Each long blink represents a ten, while short blinks represent a one, allowing you to decode the issue at hand. Common trouble codes include those related to the crank angle sensor, starter switch, and oxygen sensors, among others. After interpreting the codes, you may choose to clear them by reconnecting the wires in a different configuration, which can help confirm whether the issues persist. This straightforward approach not only empowers you to identify the problem but also sets the stage for further investigation or repairs, making it an essential skill for any DIY mechanic.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 1992 Subaru SVX?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 1992 Subaru SVX, it can signal a range of issues that are crucial for DIY diagnostics. One of the primary culprits is sensor malfunctions, particularly with the crank angle and cam position sensors, which can lead to specific trouble codes indicating circuit problems. Additionally, oxygen sensor failures are common, especially if they come into contact with contaminants, affecting engine performance and emissions. Fuel injector issues are also prevalent, with each injector potentially triggering its own code, making it essential to check them individually. Electrical problems, such as a faulty starter switch or poor battery connections, can cause intermittent check engine light activations, complicating the diagnosis. Furthermore, exhaust system issues, particularly with the oxygen sensor, can result in irregular engine behavior and misfires. While transmission-related codes are less frequent, they can still contribute to the check engine light being activated. To effectively diagnose these issues, you can utilize the check engine light's blink pattern to retrieve trouble codes, allowing you to pinpoint the problem and take the necessary steps for repair. Understanding these common problems will empower you to tackle the check engine light issue with confidence and precision.

What immediate actions should be taken to diagnose and address the check engine light in a 1992 Subaru SVX?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 1992 Subaru SVX, it serves as a critical alert that should not be ignored. Immediate action is essential to prevent potential safety hazards and avoid further damage to your vehicle. Start by retrieving the trouble codes, which can provide insight into the underlying issues. This process involves locating the diagnostic connector, connecting the appropriate wires, and interpreting the blink codes that the check engine light displays. Common codes can indicate problems ranging from sensor malfunctions to fuel injector issues, each of which can affect your vehicle's performance and safety. After diagnosing the problem, it’s crucial to clear the codes to ensure that the issue has been resolved. Additionally, checking basic systems like fluid levels and connections can help identify any obvious problems. Remember, timely intervention not only enhances your vehicle's reliability but also safeguards your safety on the road. If you're uncertain about the diagnosis or repairs, consulting your vehicle's manual or engaging with online forums can provide valuable support and guidance.

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