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"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion) 07/02/2018 at 09:30 • Filed to: None

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I was kind of nervous about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for the better part of 12 months, and that had failed inspection in MA for some unknown reason (at least to me). My fears were not entirely unfounded, this is a Subaru WRX with 134,000 miles; it’s been modified some, but really very little it turns out. A short shift kit, different wheels, maybe some suspension, but mostly it was just dirty. And the day I went to put in on the road for over 2 hours - mostly highway, mind you - it was 86 degrees in the shade when I started out at 11:00 am.

The outside temp hovered around 93, creeping up to 95, but no lower than 91. This is an all black car, too. That top-mounted intercooler definitely wanted air moving through; I was nervous about getting stuck in weekend traffic, and used Waze to reroute myself around known congestion points. And you know what? It was FINE. The A/C even worked *just* enough on full blast to keep the sweat to a minimum.

I was pretty easy on it at first. I had checked all the vital fluids, tires, etc, put some fresh gas in, and off we went. The only light on the dash was t he airbag, which, who knows? I was less than 3 miles from home when I found a fault. I was in a 2-lane 2-way road with a 55 limit, behind someone going about 30. Amazingly, there was no oncoming traffic in the long passing zone and my confidence in the little Subie was quite high, so I downshifted and floored it to get by the slow car. As I revved past 5k RPM, the car hiccuped and acted like I had backed off the throttle all at once; the Dreaded Check Engine light came on in addition to the “Cruise” light flashing, for some reason. I acted quickly, upshifted and continued to pass the car, waiting for some other symptom, but none came. It just misfired, so it seems, under heavy load. OK I can live with that. And maybe that’s related to why it failed inspection? Also I’m guessing the airbag light could be an issue for inspection.

I’ll get my code scanner back today and see what I can learn. Mostly, I was reminded how much FUN a WRX can really be. Oh, that turbo lag... but when you get into the boost, wow it’s just... fantastic. Such great noises, too! I want one, and I’m quite glad Subaru still makes these.

It looks good from 15' away, but as you get closer you can see some of the... imperfections. The interior needs a thorough detailing , but it’s not damaged, really. Just dirty.

Sorry I don’t have any other pics. It was too hot and I was unwilling to stop for any reason. The only stop I made was for fuel, about 15 minutes in. When I got to my destination, I was in a lake with a beer in my hand within seconds.

The Swedish Bandit > functionoverfashion 07/02/2018 at 09:55

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Nice! Engine light also came on on mine when I drove it home the other day after it’s been sitting for quite some time. Maybe it can be something similar? Looking forward to what you find out with the reader.

functionoverfashion > The Swedish Bandit 07/02/2018 at 10:14

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Nice example. I love the Saab-ified ones because Subaru interiors just aren’t the most amazing... but a little Saab influence could go a long way I’m sure, while retaining the excellent drivetrain.

I’ll let you know what I find.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > functionoverfashion 07/02/2018 at 10:28

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Yeah! These cars deserve a better life. Get’er fixed up and start honning.

Boxer_4 > functionoverfashion 07/02/2018 at 10:30

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As I recall, Cruise Control is disabled with the check engine light on the d rive by wire cars.

functionoverfashion > Boxer_4 07/02/2018 at 10:33

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Interesting. I never use Cruise, so I would not have figured that out.

Or, if it’s a wheel speed sensor or some such thing, that could cause both issues? Maybe?

functionoverfashion > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/02/2018 at 10:35

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It’s going to be, get’er fixed up and start selling. It belongs to my sister and she wants to sell it, but doesn’t want to deal with shady MA shops that she doesn’t know. So I’ve got it now, to bring to a trusted shop near me , diagnose then decide whether to fix and sell or just sell as-is up here.

Meanwhile I don’t mind driving it around a little. Don’t mind at all.

The Swedish Bandit > functionoverfashion 07/02/2018 at 10:36

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Exactly! It’s almost like a real Saab but without their over- engine red drivetrain and platform. Win-win situation! 

Boxer_4 > functionoverfashion 07/02/2018 at 18:00

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Amusingly, the cars equipped with VDC also light up the VDC off warning light.

It’s possible, but I’d put it lower on the list of possible causes.