I know this has been said before but I can't find the answer/solution on the pages.

When I accelerate, it seems as though the car just won't pull cleanly. It feels like its holding back and picks up in fits and starts. Is this the dreaded solenoid problem or is it something else? Any help would be appreciated. If this is the problem, where is the solenoid? (Still getting to know the ins and outs of Impreza engines)

Mark,

Have you checked the plugs etc'.The easiest way to find the solenoid(normally by front offside strut mounting) is to follow the hose
from either the turbo,or the actuator(waste gate).

Hope this helps,

Mark.

Mark, mine was down to a bodged repair job on one of the coil packs (one on the end of each plug). Worth checking. A word of warning - they're nearly £50 each. Check the plugs first.

Regards, Zip and his '93 WRX (Scoobied and Ramaired)

Mark, I had a similar problem which was caused by one faulty coil pack. I endorse the "check plug" option. Gaps should be 0.7 /0.8 mm. Any more could cause this with good coil packs.

Bob Rawle
MY96 Sti Wagon
FGK exhaust
Blitz cone
PE phase 1

I believe it could be the Knock sensor!

I had the same problem. I've changed the knock sensor even though I didn't relate it with the problem. Now it pulls away better...even though it could be just my imagination...
I read somewhere, it must have been in one of the threads that the plug gap is between 1-1.1...which is right??