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TOTAL FAILURE!!!

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Old 24 October 2014, 08:30 PM
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Uncle Creepy
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Default TOTAL FAILURE!!!

HELP!!!

Was driving home from work earlier, cruising in 5th at a steady 65mph, when suddenly everything went wrong! Because it happened suddenly, and because I had the music on loud, and because the whole thing freaked me out a bit, I'm not entirely sure exactly what happened, but I think it went like this: -

The car just suddenly completely lost power and the revs dropped right down, so I applied the brakes, then I think the engine cut out because the brakes and steering suddenly got heavy and unresponsive. Luckily I was on a straight road with no cars behind me, and conveniently a lay-by was on my left, so I rolled in. I turned the key to start it up and it started fine, but I did notice a warning light on, which I don't recall ever seeing when I've started it up before. From looking in my manual, the light is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, which apparently indicates a problem in the emission control system. The Oil Pressure warning light also was showing. I turned off the engine again. Then about a minute later, I tried to start it again, and absolutely nothing. Wouldn't start at all, and hasn't since. Had to call a recovery truck to take me home.

Now, I'm not at all technical or knowledgeable, but the recovery guy said it wasn't the battery as windows, radio, and lights are still working. He said it wouldn't be the starter motor. He mentioned the alternator, but I can't remember what he said, but finally he said he reckoned it might be ECU-related.

I had a decat and remap four months ago. Now my car is sat there on the drive dead as a dodo. Any ideas, please? Could this be decat/remap related???
Old 24 October 2014, 09:25 PM
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Dubzy
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Im guessing that its a newage wrx you have as u mentioned steadily cruising in 5th and having a remap ??

Does the engine try to turn over but dosnt start or does the starter not engage at all ??? Does it still have oil showing on the dip stick ???? First easy thing to do is have the fault codes read from the ecu, maybe somebody local to you with a reader may help out if asked nicely
Old 24 October 2014, 09:43 PM
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can you hear the fuel pump prime(buzz for a few seconds) when you put the ignition on ,if not check the fuse
Old 24 October 2014, 10:00 PM
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Try and take a video of what happens when you start it up, it will at least least help to diagnose the issue as could be literally one of hundreds of problems. It does sound alternator related though due to the heavy steering but most people will be guessing at this point.

Do you have anyone who could come and take a look for you? If not, there's more than likely someone close to you who will be happy to help you out.
Old 25 October 2014, 11:53 AM
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First, thanks for your replies, chaps.

Dubzy – Sorry, I should’ve said. Yes, it’s a WRX. Yesterday, it didn’t make any attempt to start. No sound at all. Nothing.

Maydew – Yes, I could hear a buzzing sound for a few seconds.

Last edited by Uncle Creepy; 04 September 2015 at 10:02 PM.
Old 25 October 2014, 12:04 PM
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*matthewturb2000*
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Try turning the engine by hand to see if it's seized up( socket on the crank pully bolt turn to the right....
Old 29 October 2014, 04:13 PM
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OK gents, for an update...

Oil level is now fine. Although it was low, it appears no damage has been done. The engine certainly has not seized up anyway, and no rattles or noises. I took it to my local garage, and they said the oil level would not have been the reason the engine cut out. They hooked it up to the diagnostic machine to read the error code. It read: ‘P0230 – Fuel pump circuit malfunction’. They removed the fuel pump, cleared it, back in, cleared the error code, the malfunction warning lamp is no longer showing on the dash, and now it appears to be driving fine.

When I got the decat done four months ago, I also had fitted a Cosworth panel filter, and Scoobyworks 290 lph fuel pump. How could I have an issue with my fuel pump when it’s only four months old?
Old 29 October 2014, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Uncle Creepy
OK gents, for an update...

Oil level is now fine. Although it was low, it appears no damage has been done. The engine certainly has not seized up anyway, and no rattles or noises. I took it to my local garage, and they said the oil level would not have been the reason the engine cut out. They hooked it up to the diagnostic machine to read the error code. It read: ‘P0230 – Fuel pump circuit malfunction’. They removed the fuel pump, cleared it, back in, cleared the error code, the malfunction warning lamp is no longer showing on the dash, and now it appears to be driving fine.

When I got the decat done four months ago, I also had fitted a Cosworth panel filter, and Scoobyworks 290 lph fuel pump. How could I have an issue with my fuel pump when it’s only four months old?
i wouldnt worry too much as the engine will shortly blow up due to you fitting mods without a remap. mainly the decat which will cause overboost and running lean and engine destruction, shortly followed by a post on a facebook page about how "unreliable scoobys are innit".
Old 29 October 2014, 04:34 PM
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Thanks for such a helpful and constructive post, Tubby Tommy!

But if you actually read my first post, you will realise that I have had a remap. I had it at the same time as the mods. Have a good day!
Old 29 October 2014, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Uncle Creepy
Thanks for such a helpful and constructive post, Tubby Tommy!

But if you actually read my first post, you will realise that I have had a remap. I had it at the same time as the mods. Have a good day!
he cant read
Old 29 October 2014, 04:38 PM
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fat-thomas
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Originally Posted by fawor
he cant read
and you cant write, well apart from pigeon english
Old 29 October 2014, 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Uncle Creepy
OK gents, for an update...

Oil level is now fine. Although it was low, it appears no damage has been done. The engine certainly has not seized up anyway, and no rattles or noises. I took it to my local garage, and they said the oil level would not have been the reason the engine cut out. They hooked it up to the diagnostic machine to read the error code. It read: ‘P0230 – Fuel pump circuit malfunction’. They removed the fuel pump, cleared it, back in, cleared the error code, the malfunction warning lamp is no longer showing on the dash, and now it appears to be driving fine.

When I got the decat done four months ago, I also had fitted a Cosworth panel filter, and Scoobyworks 290 lph fuel pump. How could I have an issue with my fuel pump when it’s only four months old?
The car should still crank over mate it just wouldnt fire if the fuel pump was gone.
Old 30 October 2014, 02:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Uncle Creepy
OK gents, for an update...

Oil level is now fine. Although it was low, it appears no damage has been done. The engine certainly has not seized up anyway, and no rattles or noises. I took it to my local garage, and they said the oil level would not have been the reason the engine cut out. They hooked it up to the diagnostic machine to read the error code. It read: ‘P0230 – Fuel pump circuit malfunction’. They removed the fuel pump, cleared it, back in, cleared the error code, the malfunction warning lamp is no longer showing on the dash, and now it appears to be driving fine.

When I got the decat done four months ago, I also had fitted a Cosworth panel filter, and Scoobyworks 290 lph fuel pump. How could I have an issue with my fuel pump when it’s only four months old?
Hi there

Yes when is there fuel pump malfunction/CEL then yours car wouldn't start,without the fuel pump car simply can't run

Oil levels I would keep eye on this for little longer,I would suggest get oil pressure gauge at least and I would monitor Oil pressure

Yours mods are not very OTT and not what I would say dangerous to drive,although fuel pump is bigger than you are really need,255LPH is good enough

And about the fuel pump,fuel pump can fail,in my life,no fuel pump failed on my cars,but yes this can happen

Did you fit alone Fuel pump,did you fit old fuel sock/strainer ?

Similar happens to us,when fuel pump started to lean out on the RR,this hasn't been down to the fuel pump,but fuel sock which has been clogged,for some above reasons we've Fuel pressure gauge in the car and we can see what his happening,now with Syvecs is bit easier

In yours area you have few Subaru specialist like Surrey Subaru specialist and TFS,both are good and they can help you

Hope this help and good luck

Thanks,Jura

Originally Posted by fat-thomas
i wouldnt worry too much as the engine will shortly blow up due to you fitting mods without a remap. mainly the decat which will cause overboost and running lean and engine destruction, shortly followed by a post on a facebook page about how "unreliable scoobys are innit".
Hi Dan

His mods are NOT dangerous to drive or what,WRX is more forgivable as yours STI,overboost will cause for sure,if will be dangerous for short period time,he will not make any harm,for longer period of time yes can off course,running larger fuel pump this only cause he will be running bit richer and decat too,if he will fit intake mods like induction kit,FMIC or STI TGVless intake,then I would say yes this can cause lean running,but with those mods I would doubt he will be running lean

Just don't pain everything so grim


Thanks,Jura
Old 30 October 2014, 09:22 AM
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Jura you are wrong and tubs is right because he read it on the internet.

Made a muppet of yourself there tubbs, nothing new though eh!
Old 30 October 2014, 03:25 PM
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Once again, chaps, thanks for your replies.

Well here’s ANOTHER update!!! Went for a drive last night. It ran OK for a couple of miles, and then the exact same thing happened as in the first place: lost all power, revs dropped, engine cut out, and the same malfunction warning lamp appeared on dash. The car started again immediately afterwards, but then cut out every couple of hundred metres. When it did run, it was misfiring... very spluttery and jolty. Every time it cut out, it started again straight after. I deliberately hadn’t strayed too far from my house, so I just steadily made my way home, hugging the kerb with my hazard warning lights flashing, a couple of hundred metres at a time, breaking down, restarting, couple more hundred metres, coasting when I could, getting overtaken by Micras and the like. I must’ve looked ridiculous!

Yesterday afternoon, before this happened, I spoke with a couple of specialist Subaru workshops, and, basically, they both said the same thing. Although possible, they doubted the fuel pump would have failed, giving that it’s only several months old. Therefore, they said that, without looking at the car, it could be:

1) Fuel pump relay
2) A relay inside the (alarm/immobiliser?) has burnt out, which is affecting the fuel supply. I could get a new alarm/immobiliser (but pricey!), or I could bypass the wire/system to the immobiliser, which would sort the problem, but would just mean my immobiliser, when armed, would not cut off the fuel pump. (Sorry if this is a really inaccurate explanation – I’ve tried my best to remember what they said, but I may have got some things confused!)

I’ve also made some calls this morning, and air flow meter, filter sock, etc. have been mentioned.

So I’ve got it booked in for tomorrow with somebody local. Even though it’s nearby, I’m probably going to have to get the recovery van to take me... again! Fingers crossed the guy will be able to diagnose the issue and solve it quickly and cheaply.

Jura – the new fuel pump came with clips, sock, and anything else needed to fit, so the sock is not the old one.

Cheers
Old 30 October 2014, 05:15 PM
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Hi there

I would doubt this will be relay,I would suggest put standard fuel pump again to yours car and start from this,because with this you can do more damage

Second bit what I would have look is OE FPR,looks like you have issue with Fuel pressure/delivery this can be like fuel pump or fuel pressure or fuel filter,fuel hoses are clogged etc

Fuel pump can fail if its new or old,friend bought new Aeromotive Stealth Fuel pump and this Fuel pump failed after 3 days,not sure why,but Aeromotive replaced him fuel pump without the questions asked although they moaned this shouldn't happen

Please recheck the hoses and recheck the connections on the fuel pump if they're attached

Hope this help

Thanks,Jura
Old 08 November 2014, 09:39 PM
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It was the fuel pump!!!

Apparently there was a small number of Scoobyworx 290 pumps that were faulty. I got a new one sent out, and the garage fitted it yesterday. They took it for a decent test drive, then I took it out for a good drive last night, and it seems to be running completely normally again. So I'm really hopeful that's it and I won't have any more issues.

A couple of things I want to say:

I know he has received praise on here before, but I just want to say that, over the last week, I have received the best customer service from Scoobyworx (Darrell) that I have ever experienced in my life. I first emailed him last Friday at about 11.30pm (after reading a post on here about someone experiencing something very similar to me, and that, for him, the problem turned out to be the Scoobyworx 290 fuel pump) and Darrell replied within 10 minutes... at almost midnight on a Friday night! He also despatched a replacement pump in record time, no arguments whatsoever!

Next, if any of you ever get used to your Scoob's power and forget how much fun they are to drive, hire a 1.4 Corsa from Enterprise for a week! With it being practically off-the-road for two weeks, getting back into my Impreza last night and feeling that boost kick in resulted in one serious brain boner!

Cheers for all your posts!
Creepy
Old 08 November 2014, 11:50 PM
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Glad you got it sorted mate and its good to hear the great customer service you received from Darrell at scoobyworx, were all aware that that things sometimes go wrong and that products can fail but its definitely the way its dealt with that makes or breaks a businesses reputation so credit where its due

Ive also purchased from Darrell and would happily recommend scoobyworkx as a good honest company
Old 09 November 2014, 10:51 AM
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very glad all worked out good in the end and what a good recommendation for Scoobyworkx . nice to know theres someone good and reliable
Old 09 November 2014, 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Uncle Creepy
It was the fuel pump!!!

Apparently there was a small number of Scoobyworx 290 pumps that were faulty. I got a new one sent out, and the garage fitted it yesterday. They took it for a decent test drive, then I took it out for a good drive last night, and it seems to be running completely normally again. So I'm really hopeful that's it and I won't have any more issues.

A couple of things I want to say:

I know he has received praise on here before, but I just want to say that, over the last week, I have received the best customer service from Scoobyworx (Darrell) that I have ever experienced in my life. I first emailed him last Friday at about 11.30pm (after reading a post on here about someone experiencing something very similar to me, and that, for him, the problem turned out to be the Scoobyworx 290 fuel pump) and Darrell replied within 10 minutes... at almost midnight on a Friday night! He also despatched a replacement pump in record time, no arguments whatsoever!

Next, if any of you ever get used to your Scoob's power and forget how much fun they are to drive, hire a 1.4 Corsa from Enterprise for a week! With it being practically off-the-road for two weeks, getting back into my Impreza last night and feeling that boost kick in resulted in one serious brain boner!

Cheers for all your posts!
Creepy

I to had a very similar response from scoobyworx, unbeatable response and service.

Look on the bright side this failing pump made you check your oil, ifyou hadn't... Well you know the rest.
Old 09 November 2014, 11:37 PM
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...

Last edited by Uncle Creepy; 04 September 2015 at 10:00 PM.
Old 10 November 2014, 09:57 PM
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Good to hear you got it sorted mate!

That problem can also occur when you run out of fuel or fuel pump clogged like you said. Next time (hopefully there won't be one) take the fuel rail off to check if fuel is getting to the rail from the pump, also check plugs and cool as part of the ignition which would lead to a misfire if they're knackered.

Thanks,

Tom.
Old 15 November 2014, 01:19 PM
  #23  
Bob Rawle
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Go back to your mapper and get the whole thing checked over again, I have mapped cars with the Scoobyworx pumps and they can "appear" to work at point of mapping but they are "failing" and performance degrades during the mapping session
Pump failure is not just stopping, they can slowly drop performance to the point where not enough fuel is being given to the engine and then problems can obviously result.

So strongly suggest getting the map checked and adjusted as the new pump could now be over fueling the engine
I have had nine cars now with the S-Worx pump for mapping and none of the pumps were working in a correct way just to say, one of those was in Germany

Same for "Walbro" pumps there are so many Chinese copies out there and the same problem can occur.

So I only recommend using the Roger Clark stage 2 pump, one of the HRC Performance range or the DW300 pump. I know those normally perform solidly

Just to emphasise that a fuel pump "fails" when its performance degenerates, thats when it can cause engine damage, when it just stops its likely to be too late.

Nothing against Scoobyworx by the way but the pumps have been a pita with customers having to pay out for more than one mapping session as a result. End cost is far more than just a pump.

cheers

bob
Old 16 November 2014, 12:59 AM
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...

Last edited by Uncle Creepy; 04 September 2015 at 10:00 PM.
Old 16 November 2014, 07:35 AM
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(So I only recommend using the Roger Clark stage 2 pump, one of the HRC Performance range or the DW300 pump. I know those normally perform solidly) . There's your answer bite the bullet
Old 17 November 2014, 04:32 PM
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Hi Guys,

Ive PM'd Bob for more info as all the other mappers havnt had issues with our pumps but up-to now ive not received a reply.

Ive now also arranged some bench and flow testing on our pumps and going forward all pumps we send out will have been individually flow tested in the UK before been dispatched.
Old 18 November 2014, 10:45 AM
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Just to update this thread, I have just had a very productive discussion with Darrell and given him as much information as I could on the behaviour of the pumps I have seen issues with.

It does appear that they could all be from the defective batch that he was supplied earlier this year.

I would just like to say how impressed I am with Darrell's determination to ensure that any product he supplies is to the best quality level and the action he is taking will do that.

Great to see a company stepping forward to ensure issues are sorted properly instead of sweeping things under the mat !

bob
Old 18 November 2014, 12:01 PM
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It was great talking to you today Bob and some vital information from a experienced and well educated mapper who clearly knows his stuff.

To identify if you have a pump from the bad batch ive added a picture,

Old 18 November 2014, 01:17 PM
  #29  
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Great to see a company going out of their way to get things sorted
Old 18 November 2014, 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by banny sti
Great to see a company going out of their way to get things sorted
+1. Good to see a company act quickly and decisively in the event of an issue.


Quick Reply: TOTAL FAILURE!!!



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