Why Is My Subaru’s Check Engine Light On?

March 15, 2021 · 3 min read

If a little yellow light illuminates on your Subaru’s dashboard when you are driving, you should get your car checked out as soon as possible. The yellow check engine warning light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to critical engine problems. While you may not need immediate service, never ignore the light. Ignoring the light can seriously damage the components of your engine and leave you stranded on the side of the road. Our team here at Competition Subaru of Smithtown is here to help you understand your Subaru’s check engine light.

What Does My Subaru’s Check Engine Light Mean?

Our team here at Competition Subaru is here to break a few things down for you to help you best understand your Subaru. There are several systems in your Subaru that are run by computers. This includes the automatic transmission, ignition timing, fuel timing, fuel mixture, and engine speed.

The “check engine” light is part of your Subaru’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) system. When it finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can’t correct, the yellow light will illuminate to warn you that there is a problem. The light may vary from a picture of an engine to the words like “service engine soon” or “check engine.” In some Subaru models, when the check engine light turns on your Subaru may turn on other warning lights such as cruise control, VDC, Hill Holder, X-Mode, etc.

The computer will store a “trouble code” in its memory that identifies the source of the problem. The light may also indicate dangerous gas emissions from carbon monoxide to hydrocarbon pollutants. Your Subaru’s monitoring system watches for escaping gasoline vapors due to a leak or missing gas cap, as well as exhaust emissions as they leave the engine and catalytic converter.

What Should I Do When My Check Engine Light Comes On?

Our team here at Competition Subaru highly recommends knowing and understanding what the lights on your dashboard mean. You can read your Subaru’s owner’s manual to learn the symbolism of each gauge to help determine the severity of the issue. Whether the light remains on or starts to blink, you’ll need to get your car checked by a certified Subaru technician as soon as possible. Schedule a service online or stop by our Express Service Center where no appointment is needed.

What Does A Blinking Check Engine Light Mean?

A blinking check engine light means there is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. We highly recommend pulling over in a safe area and getting your vehicle towed to a Subaru Service Center.

What Does A Constant Lit Check Engine Light Mean?

A lit check engine light may not be an emergency, but we highly recommend having your vehicle serviced sooner rather than later. This can help save you from paying for expensive repairs.

Head to our blog and check out other helpful car tips like car battery tips and tire tips! Schedule a service online at our Subaru Service Center or stop by our Express Service Center where no appointment is needed! Be sure to also check out our service specials and parts & accessories specials! Stop by Competition Subaru of Smithtown and explore our large inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. Take advantage of our new Subaru lease specials! Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our Subaru dealership located at 601 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!

Posted in:

Dec 16, 2022 in Body Shop

Subaru Remote Start

A Subaru remote starter is one of the most convenient car upgrades available. By pushing a button on your remote start key fob, you can make your car start without actually being inside of it. This technology allows you to cool down your car on the hottest of summer days or preheat your car when it is freezing out. In the winter, if you preset your vehicle settings the night before, you can even come out to a defrosted windshield when you use your remote start in the morning. Wouldn't it be nice to never have to scrape an icy windshield again? Using your remote start ensures you never have to deal with being too hot or too cold upon entering your car again. No matter what the season, you can feel comfortable as soon as you set foot inside of your vehicle with a OEM Subaru remote starter. Schedule your Subaru Remote Start install appointment today! How do I use my Subaru Auto Start ? To remote start your vehicle, you can use the included key fob and press the start button two times within three seconds. In certain models, you can also use the Subaru app to remote start your vehicle. Did you know Subaru Starlink may Include Remote Start? In most cases, it does. Subaru Starlink is a technology package upgrade for your vehicle to keep you even more connected to your Subaru even when you are far away. This includes using your Subaru app to remote start your vehicle and even control the climate inside the cabin. This would allow you to heat up your vehicle in the winter or cool it off in the summer and avoid having to jump into a blazing-hot vehicle.

May 10, 2021 in Body Shop

Cabin Air Filters & Why You Should Change Yours Regularly

April showers brought May flowers and we can most definitely see and feel that Spring is in full swing from all this pollen in the air! National Car Care Month has passed but it is important to understand that bringing your Subaru in for routine maintenance visits is crucial to the overall performance of your vehicle. One often-neglected wear item that has a big impact on your vehicle is the cabin air filter! What Does The Cabin Air Filter Do? The cabin air filter acts as a screen to protect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system from outside elements that could harm it, while simultaneously filtering the air you breathe. Your vehicle’s cabin air filter should be replaced every 12,000 miles. You may notice restricted airflow when it’s time to get changed. Genuine Subaru Cabin Air Filters Breathe easier with Genuine Subaru cabin air filters that provide a crucial line of defense against airborne contaminants, trapping them before they enter your Subaru HVAC system or the lungs of anyone in the vehicle. Feel free to ask our highly-trained Subaru technicians to show you your vehicle’s worn filter. You may be shocked by what you see – leaves, twigs, insects, soot, and grime can cover the entire surface and contaminate incoming air! Schedule a service online at our Subaru Service Center or stop by our Express Service Center where no appointment is needed. Visit our dealership and explore our large inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. Test-drive vehicles like the 2021 Subaru Outback or the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Be sure to also check out our new Subaru lease specials, service specials, and parts & accessories specials. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our Subaru dealership located at 601 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY.

Mar 17, 2021 in Body Shop

Subaru Make Love Last Spring Service Event

Is your Subaru ready for wherever adventure leads you this spring? Enjoy special savings this spring for our Subaru Make Love Last Spring Service Event going on March 1st, 2021 through April 15th, 2021. Did you know, Subaru vehicles that are routinely serviced at their retailer remain on the road longer than ones that are not! Our factory-trained service technicians know your Subaru inside and out. We use specialized tools to help ensure accurate diagnosis and repair and Genuine Subaru Parts that meet tested safety requirements. Let our team check your vehicle's key vehicle components for safety and quality with our complimentary multi-point inspection when you visit! Schedule an appointment online at our Competition Subaru Service Center this season or stop by our Express Service Center where no appointment is needed and enjoy special service savings to make love last! Do I Need To Get An Oil Change If I've Barely Driven My Car? Even if you are not driving as much as you normally would right now, oil changes are still important because oil can break down over time and have a big impact on the overall performance of your vehicle. It is highly recommended to get an oil change every 6 months or 6,000 miles driven for 2015 or newer models. Learn more about Genuine Subaru Oil here. Why Is It Important To Maintain Tires? Your safety depends a whole lot on the condition of your tires – they give you the ability to grip the road, make safe turns, and stop in a safe amount of time. It is important to regularly have your tire's pressure and tread wear checked by a professional. Here at Competition Subaru of Smithtown, we offer many vehicle services including Tire Inspections. With a Tire Center located in our dealership, we can help you find the best tires for your Subaru vehicle. Stocked with all major brands including Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, and more, our highly-trained technicians will assist you in finding what you are looking for. Head to our blog to learn more on Tire Tips. Is It Bad To Drive With Check Engine Light On? If a little yellow light illuminates on your Subaru’s dashboard when you are driving, you should get your car checked out as soon as possible. The yellow check engine warning light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to critical engine problems. While you may not need immediate service, never ignore the light. Ignoring the light can seriously damage the components of your engine and leave you stranded on the side of the road. Head to our blog to learn more on your Subaru's Check Engine Light. Stop by Competition Subaru of Smithtown and explore our large inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. Test-drive vehicles like the 2021 Subaru Outback, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, or the 2021 Subaru Forester! Be sure to also take advantage of our new Subaru lease specials, service specials, and parts & accessories specials! Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our Subaru dealership located right near Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove and Tesla in Smithtown! Visit us today at 601 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY.