Forester problem

[Thevet]

We've got a 56 plate forester non-turbo that has started to cut out when idling, no fault codes have been found and the local subaru garage has said the only way they see forward is to start replacing parts and see what works, which they have said could be expensive. Apart from this cutting out, the car appears to be driving well, but if for example, you pull up at a junction or traffic lights, it usually cuts out, and restarts with no problem. Does anyone have any ideas of the cause, the cure or even a list of most likely faults. Help much appreciated.

[loskie]

try
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/

[Thevet]

Thanks for that, they seem to suggest ECM needs reset after battery change, and that dealers are unaware of this!! Will try it tomorrow.

[PomBstard]

Thevet said:

We've got a 56 plate forester non-turbo that has started to cut out when idling, no fault codes have been found and the local subaru garage has said the only way they see forward is to start replacing parts and see what works, which they have said could be expensive. Apart from this cutting out, the car appears to be driving well, but if for example, you pull up at a junction or traffic lights, it usually cuts out, and restarts with no problem. Does anyone have any ideas of the cause, the cure or even a list of most likely faults. Help much appreciated.

Had similar with our 2007 NA Forester a couple of years ago. Main agent plugged it in, found no fault codes but reset the throttle somethingorother - it wasn't recognising an idle speed. Took all of 5 mins. Been fine since.

[Thevet]

Tried the reset procedure 2d but it was not a consistent result, some occasional improvement but still cutting out. The problem has been worse over the last two months since a new battery was installed, and a possible poor battery connection looked suspicious 2d but made no difference. Its off to an independent autoelectrician next week. Maybe you could get me the name of the thingummy that was replaced to solve your problem?

[v8250]

Tim, before sending to yet another garage, Foresters [most Subaru's and many manufacturer's cars] benefit from leaving the -Ve lead off the battery for a good 45-60 minutes before reconnecting. This forms a factory default 'reset' within the ECU. Some guys have found leaving the battery -Ve off overnight, connecting in the morning...and off you go. If this doesn't work, then take to the garage...and/or, have you posted the same Q? on the Forester forum? If not, do so here before you part with any of your hard earned groats...

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/

[Thevet]

As ever, thanks for the suggestions, I'll try the disconnect overnight and see what that brings. I haven't posted the question on the forester forum yet as it seemed to already be there, so tried their advice yesterday with equivocal results.

[Crazysteve]

Hi, have a look at the iacv, our old non turbo impreza used to do the same. Remove it and give it a clean (carb cleaner), just be careful with the 2 screws that hold it on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi-7eJOC7bM

[Thevet]

Thanks for the info, looking on the web it does seem as though the iacv issue would explain the problem on the forester, but, having looked at the webpics of foresters galore, I cannot fing the iacv on this forester, so tomorrow it is off to an independent autoelectrician with the wisdom given here. Hope to have good news to report soon.

[loskie]

Where are you "thevet"?

[PomBstard]

Thevet said:

Maybe you could get me the name of the thingummy that was replaced to solve your problem?

If that was in response to my previous post, nothing was replaced - something relating to the throttle and idle speed was reset via laptop, was quick and did the job. Can't for the life of me remember what it was called though.

I remember when all this was carbs and points and idle jets and timing guns...

[Thevet]

loskie said:

Where are you "thevet"?

I'm in Strathaven, just below East Kilbride.

[loskie]

There is an indy garage "Craigie Bank Garage" near Dumfries. The owner/mechanic rallies Imprezas so should know his way around them. £35 per h labour I think. There will be rally prep places nearer you that know Subarus too. Is there not one about Lesmahagow?

[Thevet]

Well, thanks to all for help, car has been sorted by a local autoelectrician. Appears that the throttlebody had lost its continuity, and the ecu needed telling that it was a "new" throttlebody!! Don't quite understand but the car is fixed with apparently no new parts so I am pleased at that despite being a bit baffled.