billwrx

had my import all of 3 weeks now
it is a 1992 wrx

quite a few things have went wrong so far
1 lost 1st gear? (wont go into 1st got a spare gearbox if i need it)
2 wont boost above 0.4 0.5 bar? (autometer boost guage)
3 broke down twice (not getting fuel maybe)

any ideas on the above faults/problems?

Cornelius

iTrader: (2)

The gearbox could be due to the fluid, it does need to be changed regularly, a mate had problems getting int 3rd gear, he changed the fluid and it's a lot better.

As for the running, it could be a dodgy MAF sensor, or you could be losing boost through the elbow on the intercooler, or one of the turbo hoses have split

axgt_bwaii

iTrader: (6)

where are you from?

stew

billwrx

im from scotland

what is and where is the maf sensor

Matthew

maf = Mass Air Flow

It's part of the induction system and is just after the air filter. Have you tried connecting the diagnostic connector under the dash to see if you get a fault code?

Not boosting may be because the engine is in "limp home" mode because of a duff sensor - the fault code will give you an idea where to look.

Matthew

billwrx

got codes 12 and 32

axgt_bwaii

iTrader: (6)

1st id reset ecu to clear them faults to see if the same ones come up again

Matthew

12 = Starter switch, The starter switch signal is abnormal.
32 = Oxygen Sensor. Oxygen (lambda) sensor is not working or the wire is broken.

The poor running is probably the lambda sensor - its screwed into the exhaust just after the turbo and is quite likely to have failed given its age. If you have a multimeter you should be able to measure the output voltage, and once the car has warmed up it should go up and down. If it doesn't then the sensor needs replacing.

Matthew

pslewis

Its a 13 year old Import of a Performance Car .... the fact that it is still running at all should give everyone a very warm feeling indeed!!

Lambda sensor could account for your rough running .... buy a generic Lambda

Pete

NotoriousREV

Lambda sensor on the early cars is actually in the headers before the turbo (just ahead of the uppipe)

timmyajmy93wrx

iTrader: (27)

all i can say is dont buy a cheap lambda sensor from 'people who sell them for every car' i had loads of probs - bad fuel economy, poor running, always replacing plugs.
Speak to dave at api he sorted a bosch sensor for my 93 import wrx and its ran great ever since and not caused a prob for the plugs either.
Its worth paying that bit more in the first place than keep shelling out for plugs and lambda sensors.

Cret

My old RS Legacy is 16 now and still going strong aside from its current CEL problem.

Could be wise words mate. I bought a new lambda from buypartsby about 6 or 7 weeks ago and it appears to be dead already!!!

Tone Loc

iTrader: (1)

I bought a generic one for about £20.... two years later it was still working fine (before it was replaced by a wideband completely... with simulated narrowband output).

Seems some people are fine with generics, others fail after a few weeks. You pays your money

Tony.