maq703

I just bought my 2002 WRX from out of state last Thursday and i have some concerns regarding passing emissions here at home in VA. I have a catback, straight-pipe 4" Megan Racing exhaust that im trying to get rid of and replace with a stock exhaust. Im going to trade for stock exhaust soon so this isnt that much of an issue. Im really concerned about my Check Engine Light though. When we bought it from the dealer we had him hook it up to the code reader and he cleared the code but it came back on within the next minute. He said it would do that because the car is running rich. I know I'm going to need to have the CEL off before i go to emissions but does anyone have an idea of what the issue really could be or how to get the light to go off for good? Any insight/help would be appreciated, thanks.

henryt26

first and foremost get the code checked out and then report back. was it a private dealer if so most of them make bs up to sell cars. advance or autozone will do it for free so it is worth it to know why you have a cel. probably an o2 sensor but that's just my guess.

maq703

thanks for the advice and yeah it was a private dealer haha, the car is solid otherwise but ill take it to one of those places and post the results.

Fabrik8

If you've removed the cats, the O2 sensor readings will change because of the difference in exhaust flow. There are all kinds of solutions on the market, and some work better than others (or not at all). SO that could be the issue. You really need to get the code read to find out what it is though.

maq703

thanks guys i really appreciate the help, and yeah im gonna need to get that code checked up asap but can only do so after i have stock exhaust because im certain ill get pulled over if i go out like this because i have no inspections/matching tags and my exhaust is very loud. =/

henryt26

do you have any buddies with obd2 scanners. if so try to borrow one so you don't have to risk getting a ticket.

maq703

ill ask and see if any of my friends do, thanks again.

bert_of_rob

i'm in the same boat as you..i bought my car from a private seller and I have no stickers what so ever but thats also because it was under the knife for awhile..not the tags expired. I need to see what is wrong but keep us posted on how you fixed it. Btw i have a boosted IS300..OBD2 is rough

cp44

i just registered my car (garaged) in richmond, no emission city. Do that if all else fails.

Th1

Sounds like a O2 sensor(I had a similar issue with my bugeye) I have a OBD2 scanner as well im in yorktown...