Service Engine Soon ligh

[fishsmith]

This could of gone tot he grumpy old farts board, but I'm not grumpy to save $200.


My wife has a 2000 Subaru Outback and the service engine soon light came on.

Autozone offers a free diagnosis (plugs right in under the fuses), so I stopped by and found out the code, P0328 = Knock Sensor.
After researching all I could google on the code and knock sensor - the overwhelming remedy was to replace the knock sensor if the light continued to come on.

I called the dealer and told them what was happening and how much does it cost to resolve this. They quickly came back with $387 which includes an $87 diagnosis (that's the freebee at autozone)

My next question is how much is the part - they came back with $120. (they said this part is going like hot cakes since 10% ethanol came into play)

I bought the part and had my local mechanic replace it along with an oilchange and tire rotation for the tune of $66. replacing this part is 1 very accessibe screw and a plug.

Dealer = $387
non Dealer = $186 ( If got the part online it woulda been $156)

[slapshot]

You are lucky Autozone could diagnose your car. My wife has a VW, and Autozone doesn't have the equipment for the computer diagnosis. We are at the mercy of the dealer or a foreign auto repair shop.

[tattoobob]

I do the same as you screw paying the dealer, unless you really have to
I saved my self 300 bucks doing it myself. I don't like paying anyone period

[likwid]

Originally Posted by slapshot

You are lucky Autozone could diagnose your car. My wife has a VW, and Autozone doesn't have the equipment for the computer diagnosis. We are at the mercy of the dealer or a foreign auto repair shop.

Depending on the year you can just use the Audi software and cable (about $30 off ebay) if you have a laptop and read the codes yourself.

[slapshot]

Its a 2000 passat. Tell me more. I do all the wrenching on my cars, but this one is killing me with the check engine light going on every 4 months or so.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by slapshot

Its a 2000 passat. Tell me more. I do all the wrenching on my cars, but this one is killing me with the check engine light going on every 4 months or so.

odbc2 plug is in the back of the armrest?

[HighTide]

Honda wanted to do a brake job on my Oddessy. When I asked how much the guy went into the song and dance that they're a full service shop and they'll turn the rotors in the front and the drums in the rear (it has rear disk brakes) blah blah blah...How much? I asked again. $420 he says. I told him forget it, I'll take a look at them myself. Pads were worn, rotors were fine- cost me about $70 and it was the easiest brake job I've ever done.

[slapshot]

Not sure where the plug is.

[likwid]

take a look. it should be down towards the bottom a cover that pops off to access it (i think)
thats roughly the years they were still doing that with audi/vw passenger cars.

[slapshot]

I'll look when I get home, thanks!

[tynan19]

Originally Posted by slapshot

Its a 2000 passat. Tell me more. I do all the wrenching on my cars, but this one is killing me with the check engine light going on every 4 months or so.

Is it the 1.8T? I have been googling my wife's check engine light today and the 2000 passats have had a recall on the vacum lines.

[Raven]

both my cars check engine lights have been on.....but i have checked everything and no low oil or anything similar or on the preventative maintenance list so i have learned to ignore them.

[Skitterpop]

Originally Posted by slapshot

Its a 2000 passat. Tell me more. I do all the wrenching on my cars, but this one is killing me with the check engine light going on every 4 months or so.

Cylinder misfire? My 98 Honda does it all the time ...been on steady about a year no probs

[Jenn]

Not sure if this helps any of you, but when I had my t-bird the check engine light was scheduled to come on after so many miles......so you would be reminded to have it serviced!!!!! after reading the manual I figured out how to clear it.

[Thom]

IN manycars the check engine light could be as simple as not putting your gas cap on tight enough. ThomT

[CAL]

My idiot light would come for a couple weeks every few months. Turned out to be a couple of O2 sensors and the catalytic converter. Wouldn't pass emissions until I replaced them.

[justplugit]

I've been finding lately that the light goes on and off depending on where i get my gas. Amount of ethanol maybe the problem.

[Bass Babe]

I have the solution to all of your problems -- electrical tape. Put it over the check engine light.

[fishsmith]

I see working for the State is begining to rub off on you