Checking Engine Codes

I was out in the driveway today with the hood up making sure that the tick I was hearing actually went away once the engine had warmed up. Well, it did. I was going to turn the car off when it started shaking (I was standing beside the car and could see it shaking). I got into the car just as the check engine light was coming on and went ahead and shut the car off. Came back 10 minutes later and started it again...engine light's still on. It was Idleing at about 1300RPM. I reved it a very small amout (maybe up to 2000) and then let off. The Idle dropped to about 400RPM. Now, being new to the subarus, I'm not sure if this is normal. I'd like to know how to get the codes from the car without a diagnostic unit, because right now it has to stay parked due to the lack of insurance. I won't risk taking it to AutoZone to have it checked. I checked the oil and it looks fine in color. Not very dirty at all. It's right around the middle of the Low and Full Holes on the dip stick. Any help is appriciated.

Edit: Sorry. It's a '98 Legacy L Sedan

John,

I wouldn't know how you would get the codes from the engine without a diagnostic unit, I am sure if it can be done though, somebody on nasioc would know.

I can tell you my Impreza idles really low in neutral but it doesn't idle that low, then again, I have the 2.5 DOHC engine.

If the engine was warm when you checked the oil, that sounds about right for the oil level, check the owner's manual, it's covered in there.

Did the person you bought the car from give you a reason why they were selling it?

I went out again and now the idle only drops to right around 900RPMs. The owners manual was lost by the previous owner somewhere in their house. They said if they found it, they'd give me a call. They stated that they were selling the car due to the fact they had just bought a Lexus on a good deal from a coworker. The car ran fine until I let it idle for about 10 minutes. What's NASOIC by the way?

North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club.
The Impreza was available with the same 2.2 at one time so the transmission is pretty my the same.

You should go on Ebay and see if you can get an owners manual cheap.

:eek7: I checked the gas cap...It was majorly loose. I tightened it up and tried it again. Still ran rough, so I went about taking off the dealer decal from where the previous owner had bought it, washing, and waxing it, then I had to put it back in the driveway (had to pull it out so I had room to work). Started it up and the tick I'd spoken of earlier isn't even there. The engine light is gone. The rough idle is gone. I'm so happy. :cwm27: