2001 Subaru Legacy "check engine" light and high

2001 SUBARU LEGACY
53,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHICAGOMEL
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By mistake my daughter put high octane fuel in the car. I've always used the lowest octane. Maybe it's a coincidence, but right after that (the same day) the "check engine" light came on. Could the change in fuel have something to do with the light coming on?

The car seems to be running perfectly. I don't have an appointment at the dealer until next week. Is it safe to drive the car until then?
Jan 15, 2008 at 12:42 PM
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MIKE H R
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the check engine light goes on for a number of things. coould have picked up a diferent reading from changing the octane. If you hear anything unusual or see anything unusual then i wouldn't drive it until the appointment.
Jan 20, 2008 at 9:58 PM
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LOSTINMARS
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i would say since it happened right after she got gas that maybe the fuel cap isn't tight. typically this is the only time i would suggest this.
Jan 23, 2008 at 10:17 PM
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JHAPSTER
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high octane fuel only elevates the pressure the fuel will pre-ignight at for high compression ration engines. In a standard compression ratio engine the fuel has no real difference. (It's only gas company marketing that makes people think it has some other benifit.) The light is likely something else and there is no cause for alarm due to the gas. You should go to the shop and have the code checked, a loose gas cap can do it.
Feb 2, 2008 at 6:01 PM