2001 Subaru Legacy "check engine" light and high

CHICAGOMEL

MEMBER
2001 SUBARU LEGACY
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
53,000 MILES

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?

3 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

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.

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Sunday, January 20th, 2008 AT 9:58 PM

LOSTINMARS

MECHANIC
222 POSTS

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.

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Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 AT 10:17 PM

JHAPSTER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

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.

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Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 AT 6:01 PM