hi i have a 94 impreza and recently has been running really lumpy. When i start it from cold it ticks over for about a second then conks out after about 10 attempts it stays on (sometimes the check engine light comes on), then for the next 5 mins it splutters and hesitates to drive when changing gear, after its warmed up i dont get any of these problems only that it really lacks power and the idle speed seems to be low. also when i drove it last was down the motorway another light came on which the only way i can describe it as is a saucepan with steam coming out. The user manual is in japanese hence why i dont know what it means. Any ideas what the prob is. Thanks

 

Maf sensor maybe? Have you got an induction kit?

 

i have a hks but its been on for bout a year and a half and the problem has only been for bout 2 months, i had some holes in the exhaust just been replaced it runs a bit smoother when the cars warm since i had it done thanks

 

Thermostat is the most likely culprit.

Tony

 

I I didnt think a thermostat would make the car struggle starting in the morning and run bad I will maybe change it anyway cheers

 

coolant temp sensor?

 

The light you describe sounds like the CAT temp alert, could be that your cat / sensor is up the swany. Try reading the ecu codes and check what ever is reported.

Dave

 

I wouldn't bother wasting your time and money on a thermostat as it can't affect the way a car starts from cold.

It does however sound like you have the classic signs that the coolant temp sensor has started to fail as ariser has sugested.

 

Thanks for advice will try both things see if it makes a difference a couple of other people have said it could be the lambda sensor will let you know how I get on cheers

 

COULD BE YOUR CRANK SENSOR?

 

It could be that your cat has broken up. Blocking the exhaust which would make it an **** to start an be low on power, also with the cat temp light coming on. Try giving the cat a few taps with a hammer to see if you can move it.

 

The light indeed is the cat on fire sensor , maybe the cat has collapsed inside as burbling1 said . Once you sort out the poor cold starting and why the light has come on you should have an excuse to rip that nasty cat off and put a nice decat pipe on (i picked up one of them on here for my 93 wrx for about 80 quid). This will add a few ponys and nice spool up turbo sound

 

as said read the ecu codes that will point you in the right direction, no use replacing parts when you dont know what the problem is

 

thanks just going to check the cat. where did you get ur decat downpipe ariser cos i had to leave the cat on and just replaced the rest i would love to get rid of it

 

You had any joy with this?