Shona WRX

Hi people!

My '99 GC8 import wrx has been getting very lumpy in the mornings recently. There seems to be quite a bit of hesitation, and generally what I can only describe as the feeling you get when a misfire occurs, but without the misfire. The first month or so of ownership has been fine up until this recent problem.

This only happens for the first 5 or so minutes of a journey when my scoob has been started from dead cold....I used to have a problem like this with an FTO, and it was down to a throttle position sensor that played up when cold - is there anything similar I can check / clean on a scoob?

Thanks in advance,
Shona.

Shona WRX

BTTT

fivepint

hi ya, can u perfrom an ecu check?


How to read your ECU’s stored error codes…

All modern engines are managed by an ECU. As well as running the engine at optimum effeiency, the ECU also monitors the engine and will self test all sensors. If it finds an error (short or long term) it will store this information, which can then be read by a computer which a trained technician will plug into the ECU to read the codes.

This is also of benefit to the average DIY’er, these codes can also be read by simply plugging two connectors together and knowing how to read the check engine light. Why would you want to this this you might ask… if your enjoy looking after your car this procedure will allow you to check sensors between servicing which may catch a problem early so no other damage is caused, allowing you to fix the problem quicker. It also makes you look like you know what you’re doing ;-)

Below are the instructions on how to read your ECU, at NO TIME DURING THIS PROCEDURE START YOUR ENGINE, the term "turn your ignition on" relates to turning the key until dashboard warning lights are illuminated without the engine firing.

The BLACK connectors are located below the steering column behind the dash, sometimes they may be pushed out of the way… easily visible if you’re on the ground looking into the drivers footwell.

To read the codes the "engine check light" will flash, if all is well the flash will be consistant, every half secon or so *_*_*_*_*_* etc.

If an error code is stored the flash will not be constant, example for a code 24
*_*___*_*_*_*____*_*___*_*_*_* etc. What u may also see is more than one code, which at first can be difficult to read, so look at the light for a little longer to see the pattern.

Standard Disclaimer: Modification/Servicing of your car involves risks and may void your warranty. I or ISDC members can not be held responsible for the modifications/servicing you consciously decide to undertake nor for the results of doing so.


This is out of the Subaru ECU diagnostics manual.
(The green connectors are only required for the ECU reset).

1) Make sure ignition is OFF.
2) Connect the 'read memory' black (1 pole) connectors, located under the steering column.
3) Turn ignition ON (do NOT start the car).
4) The 'Check Engine' lamp should flash, steady * second intervals to indicate
all o.k.
5) Turn ignition OFF, then disconnect the black connectors.
6) Done!




LIST OF DIAGNOSTIC CODES

CODE 11 CRANK ANGLE SENSOR LINE
CODE 12 STARTER SWITCH LINE
CODE 13 CAM ANGLE SENSOR LINE
CODE 21 WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR LINE
CODE 22 KNOCK SENSOR LINE
CODE 23 AIRFLOW SENSOR LINE PRESSURE SENSOR LINE
CODE 24 ISC VALVE LINE
CODE 26 INLET AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR LINE
CODE 31 THROTTLE SENSOR LINE
CODE 32 O2 SENSOR LINE
CODE 33 VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR LINE
CODE 35 CANISTER PURGE SOLENOID VALVE LINE
CODE 38 AT COORDINATION CONTROL LINE
CODE 44 SUPERCHARGE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID LINE
CODE 45 ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR·EATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE CHANGE OVER SOLENOIDLINE
CODE 51 NEUTRAL SWITCH LINE
CODE 54 ABNORMAL INLET LINE
CODE 61 INLET CONTROL SOLENOID LINE
CODE 62 EXHAUST CONTROL SOLENOID LINE (NEGATIVE PRESSURE)
CODE 63 RELIEF SOLENOID 2 LINES
CODE 64 RELIEF SOLENOID 1 LINE
CODE 65 DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE LINE
CODE 66 TWIN TURBO SYSTEM
CODE 67 EXHAUST CONTROL SOLENOID (POSITIVE PRESSURE) LINE
CODE 68 EXHAUST VALVE DUTY SOLENOID LINE
CODE 85 CHARGING LINE
CODE 87 VARIABLE INLET SOLENOID LINE
CODE 89 AVCS SYSTEM
CODE 91 TCS RELIEF VALVE LINE

fivepint

also worth checking is when the plugs were changed last, usually every 15k on a standard car... it may be the MAF which will show up on the ecu check... also worth doing is claening the IPS idle switch on the inlet manifold a good squirt of carb cleaner at 2000rpm idle may help...

Cheers

Shona WRX

Cheers for the replies - will do the ECU check tonight.

She's only done 22k miles, so may have the plugs looked at when she gets serviced next.

Shona WRX

that's certainly not a nice thing to hear

What sort of labour charge would I be looking at for the plug change?

One side looks ok-ish and might even be a DIY job. The other, however.....looks very nasty indeed and not keen on even trying!

Mac's Power

Your plugs should be fine at this milage but it's worth changing them anyway as it's been my experience that many (not saying yours has) imports have lower milage on the clock than on the engine


[Edited by Mac's Power - 9/12/2002 9:58:28 AM]