2002 Subaru Outback Check engine light

2002 SUBARU OUTBACK
15,500 MILES • 4 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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It actually has 155,000. The check engine light came on. I took it to a friend who said it was the converter clutch solenoid. The light stayed off for 5 days but is back on now. What does the converter clutch solenoid do? Should I be worried it is going to break down on me???? How serious it is??

Thank you,
Cheryl
Mar 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM
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RASMATAZ
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The torque converter clutch solenoid locks the torque converter when the car is up to cruising speed. This is done to improve fuel economy. If the solenoid fails to operate, the car will still run, but with poor fuel economy. On the other hand, if it is stuck in the "locked" mode, the engine will stall out if the car is put in gear. The fault may not be in the solenoid, but in the electronics that control it.
Mar 8, 2009 at 4:21 PM