get computer out of default

[ricky]

My computer went to default with code 11, 21 & 24. Must I correct all problems to make it come out of default, or what? I replaced temp. sender and workin' on idle air valve, and then crank sensor? ... oh jeez Where do I get new timimg belt? Thanx in advance for help, Ricky

[mikeshoup]

How are you checking the codes?

If you're plugging in the black/clear connectors, this will just show up all codes that have occurred since the last computer reset. Only really useful if you have an intermittent CEL. The Crank Sensor code almost always shows up when ever the car doesn't start the first try.

If the CEL is on in the car, then don't plug anything in and just read the codes right off of the computer.

If the CEL is off, then there is no problems that the computer sees constantly.

IE: If the CEL is off, don't worry about it

[Turbone]

If you want to reset the ECU, just unplug the battery for a few hours.

[ricky]

mikeshoup, Turbone, Thank you for the information. I'm going home to give it a time out from the battery. What's an intermittent CEL? I guess I dont have one on my '88. I'm pluggin the wires together, I think mine are brown, under the package shelf to read the blinkin' light. That's a good tip also, about the crank sensor, just the type of stuff I hoped to hear. Thanks again, respects, Ricky ... PS: FYI; Carson City, NV. Pick'n Pull presently has an '86 XT6 and the most complete '88 I've seen in a wrecking yard.

[crazyhorse]

intermittent CEL=check engine light that comes & goes randomly.
HMMMMM Ricky...you make a good Subaru AD. Those animals must REALLY like you.

[Turbone]

Well, ahem, they didnt make a XT6 till 88 or 89 I think
So its probably a XT...... and I have dibs on the steering column surround!
If you could be so kind to remove these for me (very carefully, I might add) I would glad to pay you handsomely ;D

[ricky]

somehow I spread to two threads

[ricky]

Appearentyl I have mis-commumicated, I'm not quite up to speed with the terminology. When I say I wish to clear my ECU out of default mode I am not talking about removing stored codes from its' memory. Appearently my ECU has failed and entered what my Chilton's manual describes as " default,limp-in or back-up mode. These are compromosed values which allow the engine to operate, althouugh at a reduced efficency, Driveability is always affected when the ECU enters this mode. " Am I correct in assuming there is no returning from this mode and the ECU must be replaced? Thanks again, Ricky ... PS: or mabey one of my ancient timing belts jumped a tooth?

[Moody]

If you remove battery power from the vehicle for more than thirty minutes, the ECU should reset. I am a fan of just leaving it disconnected overnight just to be sure.

[ricky]

Thanks, Moody, Been there, done that. Yeah, that empties the memory of the ECU but my '88 XT6 is having serious drivability problems, it runs at about 15% power. The Chilton's manual led me to believe mabey the ECU has failed but my local Subaru guru suspects a timing belt jumped a tooth. I'll check back after checking the timing belts. Ricky

[Turbone]

Lack of power could also mean a clogged catalytic converter.
Are there still codes left on the ECU?

[ricky]

Turb, the lack of power came on instantly, like the flick of a switch, as I was mildy accelerating in third, mabey 4,000 RPM. I'm sure its' got plenty more than 50K on the timing belts. I am able to clear the codes from the ECU and re-register, as a test, when I un-plug the temp sender. When I start it and it runs rough no codes register. I am going to check the timing belts for correct time. thanx, Ricky

[Turbone]

Hmmm, I can think of 2 other things that might be causing this. The coil and the module in the disty. The latter might be a shot in the dark tho. But it almost sounds like a spark problem now.

[kingbobdole]

check the ignitor at the coil as well...