2011 Subaru Outback Limited, P1208 code, says thermostat issue...

P1208 is for an air injector issue, not for the thermostat. Possible Faulty Injector Air Control Solenoid.

@F_O_R...thanks for the info, that would be better! IDK why his reader said anything about the thermostat with that code then? I was worried when I checked the reservoir and it was bone dry, yet had no signs of leaking anywhere, as I've heard there's a head gasket issue and was dreading such a possibility, I am taking it to my mechanic tomorrow (as I know he has a better set up in terms of diagnostics+a lift to inspect under the vehicle). I know that when I purchased the vehicle I was told it would be due for a 'radiator conditioning' (not sure what all that means? lol) but it has 163,000 miles on it, at this point I'm hoping beyond hope that it's not the head gaskets+antifreeze 'disappearing' issue that I've since looked up!

@F_O_R will do, and thanks a lot for the help. I did notice on the OBDII site mercedes kept coming up alongside the subaru code...so maybe that's what the issue was, hopefully tomorrow my mechanic will have a better understanding, I shall try to obtain some Subaru brand antileak as well just in case (do you know if you have to get it from subaru dealer? Or can you just order some online?), and I shall let him know that it may be either something to do with the thermostat or more than likely the air injector issue (injector air control solenoid). I'm not as familiar with Subies (I.E. this is my 2nd one) so when issues like this pop up I'm at a total loss, lol.

You can get the antileak at Subaru or on Amazon.

@F_O_R....hmm, I can't find the Subaru antileak on Amazon, maybe they only carry it themselves now? I did find some conditioner+subaru brand antifreeze that I ordered though, as that will come in handy for doing that whole 'radiator conditioning' I was told about at least. It sort of sucks I couldn't find the antileak on Amazon though, I guess I shall try a dealership or something, Thanks a bunch for all your help though, it means a lot!

@F_O_R...okay, never mind, I guess the 'conditioner' IS the anti leak! lol...I'm used to it actually being called 'Anti Leak'...but I guess with a 'radiator flush' and new subaru coolant, I just take out some of the coolant from the radiator and add in the bottle of 'Conditioner' (AKA 'anti leak' lol) and then drive around for a bit and that should cycle it through the system, just to 'be safe' on the whole head gasket thing (with 160,000+ miles, I'd rather be safe than sorry!)

You found the right stuff. Forgot they call it "conditioner".

@F_O_R, yes most definitely, this needs to be MANDATORY info for Subaru owners IMO...you know...like: "hey, you know how most manufacturers recommendations are over exaggerated and are just targeted at getting you to spend more money on their products, even when you don't really 'need' to, and so you can always just go with a myriad of other 3rd party options that are undercutting them on the price?...yeah, so Subaru's, with the whole 'coolant system conditioning' IS NOT that! and It actually serves a very VITAL purpose in stemming off a very widespread+known flaw with their head gaskets! and this 'Conditioner' stuff...yeah that's the CHEAP solution to fix this problem before it's eventual onset, so you need to take it seriously as a subaru owner...unless you want to fork over $2-3k for a head gasket replacement in your near future!" lol... ...that would have been AWESOME advice to know about beforehand, but I do love my subaru, I just wasn't aware of ANY of this info, like at all, until this engine code came up and I started researching into it more...pssh, yeah "you'll need to do a radiator conditioning in the future" indeed, I didn't really understand what the guy was even talking about when I bought the car (I.E. never had to with my previous vehicles so I didn't understand the relevance, lol). But hey, at least I know now, and at least there are some awesome people like you who are willing to help fill others in though, right?! lol. Thanks A TON!!!

@NinjaXxChicken...bwahaha XD..."boots" is that you? My buddy does the same thing, and it is likewise hilarious.

Ninja forgot the frangirator and the disgronifier.

@F_O_R...the frangirator and disgronifier? aren't those connected to the tetrahedral cross frame of the doohickie? The one's regulated by the by the spiff chip.

Did you say 163,000 miles on your 2011... How's your CVT transmission holding up??? I would like to think you're getting a lot of value for this service.......I replaced my thermostat, water pump and all the other components right around 90,000 miles on my 2010...

@Markw1952, haha, yeah 164,120 now...my CVT is holding up well, I saw your pic and I have the same color on my outback Limited edition as you, oddly enough. I got my car back today from the shop, and it was indeed a thermostat issue, apparently the initial code reading was correct, but the p# was wrong? but my mechanic replaced the thermostat+flushed the coolant system and added the 'conditioner' to the new anti-freeze in the radiator and all codes went away thus far, so I shall see in the next few days how it all went. *fingers crossed*

Sinistergrey- that's fantastic...you know... there's a lot of people on this forum who have repeatedly said that the CVT transmission is an "accident waiting to happen"...and paint dark clouds around this ....they even think I work for Subaru... I do NOT...... AND I don't care about resale value....it's the service I'm interested in....SO... when I hear people like you going 165,000 miles or even someone else I know going 290,000 ....i just have to say I hope I'm as lucky as you are... congratulations. Keep doing whatever you are doing to service and maintain your car....--Mark