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OBD II, OBD I and Subaru Legacy 2.2L engine diagnostics
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Hi – apologies in advance for my lack of some basic knowledge here. ? Had my 1987 Vanagon converted by Westy Works in El Cajon 1.5 years ago (KEP Kennedy conversion). Working fine until recently when the engine started “stuttering” for lack of better description, while going up a hill. Was able to get it home with only sporadic stuttering. When I slowed to a stop, the yellow engine light came on for a second or two, then back off. I assume an error was thrown. Before trying to diagnose the stuttering, seems best to know if the ECU recorded an issue. However, I don’t have the tools (or knowledge) to diagnose if/what error might have been thrown. ? So, I’d like to learn the fine art of error code checking. ? The engine is from, as I understand it, a Subaru Legacy model between 1990 and 1995. So, am I still on OBD I? I am not sure if the ECU was from the original VW engine or if it got replaced with something newer. ? Can anybody direct me as to how best to determine which if any code was generated? Am more than willing to invest in the right tool(s). ? Thanks in advance, ? Terry ? ?
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Hi Terry. ?Just to exercise my limited authority I ask folks to let everyone know what year Vanagon they have and what year/model Suby engine they have installed. ?Helps with the troubleshooting.
That said, if your Subaru engine is pre-1996 you are OBD1. ?Those ECUs codes can be read quite a bit differently than OBD2.
Here’s a page from my site giving you a rundown on how to read codes. ?Hopefully the installing party put an LED inline to allow you to read the codes but all is not lost if they didn’t. ?You just need to put a multimeter on the appropriate line out of the ECU. ?Also….somewhere in my faulty memory I seem to remember that some older ECU’s had an LED inside the ecu but again, take that with a grain of salt.
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And here’s a page showing what the codes themselves mean….
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On Aug 3, 2024, at 5:02?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
Hi – apologies in advance for my lack of some basic knowledge here.
?
Had my 1987 Vanagon converted by Westy Works in El Cajon 1.5 years ago (KEP Kennedy conversion). Working fine until recently when the engine started “stuttering” for lack of better description, while going up a hill. Was able to get it home with only sporadic stuttering. When I slowed to a stop, the yellow engine light came on for a second or two, then back off. I assume an error was thrown. Before trying to diagnose the stuttering, seems best to know if the ECU recorded an issue. However, I don’t have the tools (or knowledge) to diagnose if/what error might have been thrown.
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So, I’d like to learn the fine art of error code checking.
?
The engine is from, as I understand it, a Subaru Legacy model between 1990 and 1995. So, am I still on OBD I? I am not sure if the ECU was from the original VW engine or if it got replaced with something newer.?
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Can anybody direct me as to how best to determine which if any code was generated? Am more than willing to invest in the right tool(s).?
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Thanks in advance,
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Terry
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Welcome aboard!
If you have a smog legal in California conversion, then you likely have a 2.2 Subaru.
You should look under your bench seat and see if the computer is there, it might have a label on it that will help.
You will have the Subaru ECU. It's very motor-specific, so you'll never see a vanagon ECU with another engine.
Most important question: Do you have a check engine light on the dash?
If Yes, Here is how to check the codes:
https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/48690-getting-codes-from-ej22/
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If no CEL, see:
(which is an old thread of me adding it to my van)
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Hi Terry -
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The ECU is OBD1 and is from the Subaru donor motor. Not sure where your ECU was installed to but locate it and then the 2 green connectors near it. Plug them in to each other then turn the ignition to ON position and your check engine light will start blinking out the codes if any.
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First digit in the code is a long flash and the second digit is a short flash. Could be the other way around.
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Count the flashes and jot them down then refer to the following link for the code meaning.
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Good luck
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Hi all – I have finally gotten around to running the check engine light procedure as shown in this thread. First thanks all for your input, I am SO appreciative. ? Background: I have an ’87 Vanagon, converted to Subaru 2.2L, 1990 – 1995 Legacy engine, done by Ceasar and team at California Westy, El Cajon, about 2 years ago. The “new” ECU is located under the rear bench seat, easily accessible. I DO have the two green connectors and am able to connect them for testing. ? Did that this morning: Connected the wires, turned the key slowly; the Check Engine light did NOT light until just before the engine engaged. In that position, the light comes on, but does not blink. I can hear what sounds like a relay pulsing slowly (I think that is the fuel injection pump firing off?), but the light itself stays lit, does not blink. Turning the key a bit more and the engine starts up. Though as I am sure you all know, it doesn’t really idle while the green connecters are connected. Dies out after a moment or two. However, when the green connectors are separated, the engine will fire up and stay idling as we’d hope/expect. ? Anyway, took the car for a 20 mile drive, everything worked fine, except for one odd behavior. The vanagon drove fine – between 65 and 70 mph, no stuttering while accelerating over flat and slightly rolling hills. The only odd part is that when I slowed to a stop, the check engine light blinked once for maybe .5 of a second, then went dark. This happened twice. But then, just as oddly, that behavior also stopped. ? I know. I HATE intermittent occurrences too! ? When I came back to my place, I ran the check engine light procedure again, but the behavior was as I described above – connected the green connectors, put the key switch to the ON position, check engine light comes up, but no blinking, just the relay sound. This seems to tell me that either there are no codes to report, or that my testing technique is inaccurate, or that my check engine system is not working. ?Sigh. ? If anybody has anything else that I should/could check, I am all ears. ? For now, everything seems to be working. Obviously, I will keep an eye out for other tell-tale signs. ? Thanks again for your input. ? Terry ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Joe Bagadonuts via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, August 4, 2024 9:59 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] OBD II, OBD I and Subaru Legacy 2.2L engine diagnostics? The ECU is OBD1 and is from the Subaru donor motor. Not sure where your ECU was installed to but locate it and then the 2 green connectors near it. Plug them in to each other then turn the ignition to ON position and your check engine light will start blinking out the codes if any. First digit in the code is a long flash and the second digit is a short flash. Could be the other way around. Count the flashes and jot them down then refer to the following link for the code meaning.
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Connecting the two green connectors and turning the key to on will/should cause the solenoids and relays to click and the fuel pump to cycle. It's an operational check, not for codes. You connect the black connectors and turn the key to on for codes (light? flashing on dash if installed or on the ECM itself.)? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/37215/90-subaru-legacy-pull-codes
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Below is a bit of garbage from my site. ?It boils down to the following: Green test mode connectors are for REAL TIME diagnostics. Black read memory connectors are for reading historical codes stored in the ECU. The reading of stored codes is performed with the Black Read Memory connectors connected, ignition on, engine not running. ?AND the green test mode connectors should not be connected.
Holler if that sounds like gibberish. Best, Brent
To see the article on my website go to?https://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/HTML/05/01/01/03.html
Test Modes- Green Test Mode Connector Disconnected/Black Read Memory Connector Disconnected
U-Check Mode: only components necessary for proper starting and drive operation are monitored. The check engine light will come on when a fault is detected, indicating the need for further diagnosis. Parts which do not significantly affect starting or driveability are not monitored in this mode.
To access this mode: ignition ON, Read memory terminal disconnected, test mode terminal disconnected - Green Test Mode Connector Disconnected/Black Read Memory Connector Connected
Read Memory Mode: This mode is used to read codes of past problems stored in memory and can be accessed when the check engine light is off. It is effective for detecting poor contact or loose electrical connections.
To access this mode: ignition ON, Read memory terminal connected, test mode terminal disconnected. - Green Test Mode Connector Connected/Black Read Memory Connector Disonnected
D-Check Mode: this mode checks the entire system and displays any trouble coded currently being monitored.
To access this mode: ignition ON (engine ON), Read memory terminal disconnected, test mode terminal connected - Green Test Mode Connector Connected/Black Read Memory Connector Connected
Clear Memory Mode: This mode removed trouble codes from memory after repairs are made.
To access this mode: ignition ON (engine ON), Green Test Mode terminal connected, Black Read Memory mode connected (See Clearing Codes)
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On Aug 15, 2024, at 5:20?PM, Wayne Sitarz via groups.io <wesitarz@...> wrote:
Connecting the two green connectors and turning the key to on will/should cause the solenoids and relays to click and the fuel pump to cycle. It's an operational check, not for codes. You connect the black connectors and turn the key to on for codes (light? flashing on dash if installed or on the ECM itself.)? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/37215/90-subaru-legacy-pull-codes
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Hi all - this is kind of a follow up to the issues I was experiencing several months back, many mentioned in this email thread. After several months of odd, then ok, behavior, the engine finally failed wholly. I'll jump to the end to save everybody time: I had lost an injector for whatever reason. Running on 3 cylinders is, uh, not advised! I literally packed off the van to an auto transport service and they delivered it to California Westys, El Cajon, Ca. That is about a 6.5 hour drive for me normally (I am up in the Central Coast area).
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Over a couple days, they did a handful of maintenance things (new fuel filter, oxygen sensor, Air cleaner, engine oil filter, changed the oil) and of course had the fuel Injector replaced.
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Took Amtrak to San Diego (9 hours!), the guys at Ca Westys graciously picked me up, and 20 minutes later I was able to drive it all the way home, no issues. Long - but satisfying - day.
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The one real lesson was: keep an eye on the oil level. While there is NO sign of any oil leakage, this engine likes to drink a bit of oil.? I check after any significant trip now, and usually find it slightly low. Example: took a short trip out to Yosemite Valley last week (about 400 mile round trip), plus some driving while there. I added about 1/2 quart to refill the oil level once home. That sounds like a lot to me, but...if the van is happy, I'm happy.
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Thanks again for all of your input,
Terry
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? Thanks for the post, Terry. I’m wrestling with oil consumption - I guess I’m not alone on this one.?
I took Camper Van Morrison (1987 2.5/2.2 Kennedy kit) to Fair Oaks Auto (fantastic shop if you’re in the Sacramento area) to deep clean the engine. I’m running it for a hundred miles or so to see if a leak is evident.?
In this process I discovered that the catalytic converter was hosed. Lori at Kennedy Engineering was great about getting me the converter specified in the new Executive Order, the?Walker 81101. Runs like a champ now, but still in the weeds on this oil thing.?
Best
Bob
 BobGemmell.Com?
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On Nov 22, 2024, at 7:51?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
? Hi all - this is kind of a follow up to the issues I was experiencing several months back, many mentioned in this email thread. After several months of odd, then ok, behavior, the engine finally failed wholly. I'll jump to the end to save everybody time: I had lost an injector for whatever reason. Running on 3 cylinders is, uh, not advised! I literally packed off the van to an auto transport service and they delivered it to California Westys, El Cajon, Ca. That is about a 6.5 hour drive for me normally (I am up in the Central Coast area).
?
Over a couple days, they did a handful of maintenance things (new fuel filter, oxygen sensor, Air cleaner, engine oil filter, changed the oil) and of course had the fuel Injector replaced.
?
Took Amtrak to San Diego (9 hours!), the guys at Ca Westys graciously picked me up, and 20 minutes later I was able to drive it all the way home, no issues. Long - but satisfying - day.
?
The one real lesson was: keep an eye on the oil level. While there is NO sign of any oil leakage, this engine likes to drink a bit of oil.? I check after any significant trip now, and usually find it slightly low. Example: took a short trip out to Yosemite Valley last week (about 400 mile round trip), plus some driving while there. I added about 1/2 quart to refill the oil level once home. That sounds like a lot to me, but...if the van is happy, I'm happy.
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Thanks again for all of your input,
Terry
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That’s why I am leery of the Subaru 2.5. We have a 06?Outback that drinks oil!
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9:04 AM, Robert Gemmell via groups.io <bob.cougar.gemmellcamp@...> wrote: ? Thanks for the post, Terry. I’m wrestling with oil consumption - I guess I’m not alone on this one.?
I took Camper Van Morrison (1987 2.5/2.2 Kennedy kit) to Fair Oaks Auto (fantastic shop if you’re in the Sacramento area) to deep clean the engine. I’m running it for a hundred miles or so to see if a leak is evident.?
In this process I discovered that the catalytic converter was hosed. Lori at Kennedy Engineering was great about getting me the converter specified in the new Executive Order, the?Walker 81101. Runs like a champ now, but still in the weeds on this oil thing.?
Best
Bob
 BobGemmell.Com? On Nov 22, 2024, at 7:51?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
? Hi all - this is kind of a follow up to the issues I was experiencing several months back, many mentioned in this email thread. After several months of odd, then ok, behavior, the engine finally failed wholly. I'll jump to the end to save everybody time: I had lost an injector for whatever reason. Running on 3 cylinders is, uh, not advised! I literally packed off the van to an auto transport service and they delivered it to California Westys, El Cajon, Ca. That is about a 6.5 hour drive for me normally (I am up in the Central Coast area).
?
Over a couple days, they did a handful of maintenance things (new fuel filter, oxygen sensor, Air cleaner, engine oil filter, changed the oil) and of course had the fuel Injector replaced.
?
Took Amtrak to San Diego (9 hours!), the guys at Ca Westys graciously picked me up, and 20 minutes later I was able to drive it all the way home, no issues. Long - but satisfying - day.
?
The one real lesson was: keep an eye on the oil level. While there is NO sign of any oil leakage, this engine likes to drink a bit of oil.? I check after any significant trip now, and usually find it slightly low. Example: took a short trip out to Yosemite Valley last week (about 400 mile round trip), plus some driving while there. I added about 1/2 quart to refill the oil level once home. That sounds like a lot to me, but...if the van is happy, I'm happy.
?
Thanks again for all of your input,
Terry
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When I mentioned the oil consumption to the guys at California Westy, they collectively shrugged…! It’s a real, “normal” thing I guess. Would love to hear other opinions on whether we should expect something else. ? Frankly, as long as I don’t actually have a leak, I am fine with the checking and light refilling on a regular basis. Just got to keep her happy. Her name is Hobbi by the way. Because, she isn’t a car or a van…she’s a hobby… ? Terry ? PS Bob – nice looking machine! Camper Van Morrison – love it! ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Chris Cary via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 11:29 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] OBD II, OBD I and Subaru Legacy 2.2L engine diagnostics? That’s why I am leery of the Subaru 2.5. We have a 06?Outback that drinks oil!
? On Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9:04 AM, Robert Gemmell via groups.io <bob.cougar.gemmellcamp@...> wrote: ? Thanks for the post, Terry. I’m wrestling with oil consumption - I guess I’m not alone on this one.? I took Camper Van Morrison (1987 2.5/2.2 Kennedy kit) to Fair Oaks Auto (fantastic shop if you’re in the Sacramento area) to deep clean the engine. I’m running it for a hundred miles or so to see if a leak is evident.? In this process I discovered that the catalytic converter was hosed. Lori at Kennedy Engineering was great about getting me the converter specified in the new Executive Order, the?Walker 81101. Runs like a champ now, but still in the weeds on this oil thing.? Bob 
On Nov 22, 2024, at 7:51?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
? Hi all - this is kind of a follow up to the issues I was experiencing several months back, many mentioned in this email thread. After several months of odd, then ok, behavior, the engine finally failed wholly. I'll jump to the end to save everybody time: I had lost an injector for whatever reason. Running on 3 cylinders is, uh, not advised! I literally packed off the van to an auto transport service and they delivered it to California Westys, El Cajon, Ca. That is about a 6.5 hour drive for me normally (I am up in the Central Coast area). Over a couple days, they did a handful of maintenance things (new fuel filter, oxygen sensor, Air cleaner, engine oil filter, changed the oil) and of course had the fuel Injector replaced. Took Amtrak to San Diego (9 hours!), the guys at Ca Westys graciously picked me up, and 20 minutes later I was able to drive it all the way home, no issues. Long - but satisfying - day. The one real lesson was: keep an eye on the oil level. While there is NO sign of any oil leakage, this engine likes to drink a bit of oil.? I check after any significant trip now, and usually find it slightly low. Example: took a short trip out to Yosemite Valley last week (about 400 mile round trip), plus some driving while there. I added about 1/2 quart to refill the oil level once home. That sounds like a lot to me, but...if the van is happy, I'm happy. Thanks again for all of your input,
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Terry - It helps to know that as I’m driving up and down the west coast with extra quarts of oil on board that this is a shared experience. ?
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On Nov 23, 2024, at 1:49?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
? When I mentioned the oil consumption to the guys at California Westy, they collectively shrugged…! It’s a real, “normal” thing I guess. Would love to hear other opinions on whether we should expect something else. ? Frankly, as long as I don’t actually have a leak, I am fine with the checking and light refilling on a regular basis. Just got to keep her happy. Her name is Hobbi by the way. Because, she isn’t a car or a van…she’s a hobby… ? Terry ? PS Bob – nice looking machine! Camper Van Morrison – love it! ? ? That’s why I am leery of the Subaru 2.5. We have a 06?Outback that drinks oil!
? On Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9:04 AM, Robert Gemmell via groups.io <bob.cougar.gemmellcamp@...> wrote: ? Thanks for the post, Terry. I’m wrestling with oil consumption - I guess I’m not alone on this one.? I took Camper Van Morrison (1987 2.5/2.2 Kennedy kit) to Fair Oaks Auto (fantastic shop if you’re in the Sacramento area) to deep clean the engine. I’m running it for a hundred miles or so to see if a leak is evident.? In this process I discovered that the catalytic converter was hosed. Lori at Kennedy Engineering was great about getting me the converter specified in the new Executive Order, the?Walker 81101. Runs like a champ now, but still in the weeds on this oil thing.? Bob <image001.jpg>
On Nov 22, 2024, at 7:51?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
? Hi all - this is kind of a follow up to the issues I was experiencing several months back, many mentioned in this email thread. After several months of odd, then ok, behavior, the engine finally failed wholly. I'll jump to the end to save everybody time: I had lost an injector for whatever reason. Running on 3 cylinders is, uh, not advised! I literally packed off the van to an auto transport service and they delivered it to California Westys, El Cajon, Ca. That is about a 6.5 hour drive for me normally (I am up in the Central Coast area). Over a couple days, they did a handful of maintenance things (new fuel filter, oxygen sensor, Air cleaner, engine oil filter, changed the oil) and of course had the fuel Injector replaced. Took Amtrak to San Diego (9 hours!), the guys at Ca Westys graciously picked me up, and 20 minutes later I was able to drive it all the way home, no issues. Long - but satisfying - day. The one real lesson was: keep an eye on the oil level. While there is NO sign of any oil leakage, this engine likes to drink a bit of oil.? I check after any significant trip now, and usually find it slightly low. Example: took a short trip out to Yosemite Valley last week (about 400 mile round trip), plus some driving while there. I added about 1/2 quart to refill the oil level once home. That sounds like a lot to me, but...if the van is happy, I'm happy. Thanks again for all of your input,
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On Nov 23, 2024, at 5:16?PM, Robert Gemmell via groups.io <bob.cougar.gemmellcamp@...> wrote:
? Terry - It helps to know that as I’m driving up and down the west coast with extra quarts of oil on board that this is a shared experience. ?
BobGemmell.Com? On Nov 23, 2024, at 1:49?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
? When I mentioned the oil consumption to the guys at California Westy, they collectively shrugged…! It’s a real, “normal” thing I guess. Would love to hear other opinions on whether we should expect something else. ? Frankly, as long as I don’t actually have a leak, I am fine with the checking and light refilling on a regular basis. Just got to keep her happy. Her name is Hobbi by the way. Because, she isn’t a car or a van…she’s a hobby… ? Terry ? PS Bob – nice looking machine! Camper Van Morrison – love it! ? ? That’s why I am leery of the Subaru 2.5. We have a 06?Outback that drinks oil!
? On Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9:04 AM, Robert Gemmell via groups.io <bob.cougar.gemmellcamp@...> wrote: ? Thanks for the post, Terry. I’m wrestling with oil consumption - I guess I’m not alone on this one.? I took Camper Van Morrison (1987 2.5/2.2 Kennedy kit) to Fair Oaks Auto (fantastic shop if you’re in the Sacramento area) to deep clean the engine. I’m running it for a hundred miles or so to see if a leak is evident.? In this process I discovered that the catalytic converter was hosed. Lori at Kennedy Engineering was great about getting me the converter specified in the new Executive Order, the?Walker 81101. Runs like a champ now, but still in the weeds on this oil thing.? Bob <image001.jpg>
On Nov 22, 2024, at 7:51?PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote:
? Hi all - this is kind of a follow up to the issues I was experiencing several months back, many mentioned in this email thread. After several months of odd, then ok, behavior, the engine finally failed wholly. I'll jump to the end to save everybody time: I had lost an injector for whatever reason. Running on 3 cylinders is, uh, not advised! I literally packed off the van to an auto transport service and they delivered it to California Westys, El Cajon, Ca. That is about a 6.5 hour drive for me normally (I am up in the Central Coast area). Over a couple days, they did a handful of maintenance things (new fuel filter, oxygen sensor, Air cleaner, engine oil filter, changed the oil) and of course had the fuel Injector replaced. Took Amtrak to San Diego (9 hours!), the guys at Ca Westys graciously picked me up, and 20 minutes later I was able to drive it all the way home, no issues. Long - but satisfying - day. The one real lesson was: keep an eye on the oil level. While there is NO sign of any oil leakage, this engine likes to drink a bit of oil.? I check after any significant trip now, and usually find it slightly low. Example: took a short trip out to Yosemite Valley last week (about 400 mile round trip), plus some driving while there. I added about 1/2 quart to refill the oil level once home. That sounds like a lot to me, but...if the van is happy, I'm happy. Thanks again for all of your input,
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If you have a Subaru using oil, it's probably a sign you need to re-ring the engine.
When I prepped my ej22 I did this and the rings were completely gummed up. Now I don't add oil between changes.
Some good info on the Samba.
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Excellent input - I thought I might land on a ring job to work out my oil issue
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On Nov 24, 2024, at 7:49?AM, mtnhome1955 via groups.io <carlcoy@...> wrote:
? If you have a Subaru using oil, it's probably a sign you need to re-ring the engine.
When I prepped my ej22 I did this and the rings were completely gummed up. Now I don't add oil between changes.
Some good info on the Samba.
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Terry Cline
Brent Weide
Joe Bagadonuts