Hi

hope someone can help - my car has just recently started idling erratically ( though strangely not all the time) Used to be static at 800 rpm but has started going from that to 200rpm then blipping up to 1000+. My car is UK my99 with downpipe and backbox mods only.Optimax always in the tank. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

 

Ritchie,

If you do a search on here there's been quite a few threads about idle problems lately. Highly likely (as its a MY99) that the MAF is on its way out and you'll need to get it replaced asap. Get the car on Delta Dash or the Subaru Select Monitor and check out the lambda readings. It may not show up as a fault but a good diagnostic mechanic should be able to identify if its reading wrong. The element can now be bought seperately so its not too bad - again details in the other threads!

Cheers
Neil.

 

Could just be a leaky air pipe.
Check all the pipes from the filter and intercooler first

 

It was the lambda on mine which gave the above problems. Its not only the MAF.

MB

 

Ritchie,

I too have an MY99, which had recently experienced irratic idling. Delta dash showed the front oxygen sensor (lambda) to be misreading that the car was running very lean after any period under load. The voltage would gradually decrease to just over 0V. As a result the ECU would dump in extra fuel causing the problem, plus increased consumption. There was no fault code logged as the sensor wasn't completely bust. As a result I had a bit of difficulty getting the subaru dealer to replace under my extended warranty, but thankfully they eventually saw sense. It's about 130 quid for them to replace otherwise.

Cheers

Si

 

thanks for the replies folks - i'll get it checked out asap.

Regards

Ritchie