I had my UK 2000 in at Subaru yesterday as its been running rich and it sometimes idles dodgy.Its also lost power at low revs and sometimes backfires.Ive been told it could be the MAF sensor or the Lambda sensor.I was told by the mechanic that he couldnt find the fault using the diagnostics machine because the cats had been removed and someone has wired the lambda sensor wrongly.It looks as if its been by-passed ,tricking the engine into thinking theres nothing wrong.
He told me the best thing to do would be to put my standard system back on and re-wire the sensor.

Has anyone had this problem as i thought it wouldnt make a difference if there were no cats?

Does it sound like the Lambda sensor is shot and all i need is a new one fitting properly?

 

I would put money on the MAF

99% of running problems seam to be MAF related.
The re-wired Lambda would be to stop CEL issues regarding emisions...

I am sure someone with more knowlege will post soon..

Hope it's the cheapest answer...

 

The classics don't have the decat CEL issue do they?

 

What is CEL,and whats the issue?

 

Check engine light.
As far as i know, the bugeyes and later have the CEL come on when they're decatted. It's a simple fix apparently I don't know of the same issue with the Classic shape

 

So what would anyone advise me to do as im at a dead end?

 

First things first! Get the lambda sorted. If things are still dodgy then do the maf. I personally would do it anyway as it will fail sonner or later.
Ps - if the maf is failing then careful with your right foot as the maf may take the engine with it

 

Would you take it to the dealers? Or is it a lot cheaper to do myself? And how easy would it be to fit a Lambda sensor and MAF?

 

I may be wrong, but doens't running lean point to MAF failure and not running rich

James

 

Well i asked the mechanic if he thought i would be ok driving the car in the state its in and he said it should be ok.If he thought it could be the MAF,wouldnt he have advised me to take it easy?

Also,how much am i looking at for a Lambda sensor and wheres the cheapest place to get one?

The same with a MAF too if anyone knows,cheers.

 

LAMBDA SENSOR
Just changed one on my 95WRX. It cost £44 with postage (Bosch LS02 3 wire).
a 4 wire Bosch LS 05 is the 4 wire version - a ground wire added. Check how many wires yours has first.
Look on ebay.
Ade

 

Failing/Faulty LAMDBA sensor = Runs rich
Failing/Faulty MAF = Runs lean

Both are easy to swap yourself

Dave.

 

You could check your ECU http://www.saxonfields.freeserve.co....iag%20Page.htm but sometimes the faults may not show

Genuine parts from any dealer are: 22690AA321 Lambda
22794AA010 MAF

and if you're in the North East try http://www.tyneteesscoobies.com/

 

22794AA010 MAF = £77.19 from a dealer and takes about 5 minutes.