Hello friends,
After owning my first high-mileage forester for a bit over a year, it has finally presented me with a challenge I need some back-up for.
About a month and a half ago, I was pulling out onto a road and noticed my car hesitated badly and the CEL flashed and then resorted back to its usual solid lit position lol (evap leak - gas cap even though i just replaced the gas cap and it didnt fix the issue). Obviously this threw a red flag, so I went on to my bluedriver app and ran the code. (Misfire cylinder 2). I continued driving and observing and eventually got around to replacing my plugs and wires. (NGK)
That fixed my problem misfire issue. Hasn't happened since, car felt like it was running stronger than ever. Cool beans. Or so I thought.
Shortly after, my car developed a low idle when cold condition (temperatures in Pittsburgh began dropping significantly after the change which is why I think it is coincidental) Its quite strange. if it is lower than about 47 degrees outside, my car will have trouble idling. If it is about the 47-35 degree range the car will start, run a bit rough for a few seconds, and then settle out slightly over 1000 rpm. If it is lower than about 30 degrees, the car will start and then immediately stall, unless I give it throttle (which i will hold it at around 1500 rpm) for a few seconds and then very slowly let off the throttle and then car will idle low (around 350-500 rpm). This all goes away once the car hits operating temperature, its almost like a switch is flipped and the car remembers how to function correctly. Also the car runs great in any state other than idle.
Here's what I've done so far to try to fix the issue with help from various sources:
Removed and fully cleaned throttle body and replaced gasket with OEM
Cleaned IACV (was nasty)
Cleaned MAP sensor
Gapped new plugs
Replaced PCV (was nasty)
Replaced fuel filter w/ OEM
Checked fuel pressure (around 37psi at idle)
Replaced ignition coil w/ OEM (was getting strange primary resistance readings on the old one so i was really hoping this was the issue, but no)
I'm beginning to think my alternator might be the culprit as the issues seem to magnify when its cold and the car has a high electric load.
Next steps I was thinking:
Check/ replace alternator
Replace IACV
I'm able to track just about any OBD2 reading that the foz can give me so if there is a reading that will help clear something up let me know and i will get it for you.
I would appreciate any input anyone might have for me.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Zach
After owning my first high-mileage forester for a bit over a year, it has finally presented me with a challenge I need some back-up for.
About a month and a half ago, I was pulling out onto a road and noticed my car hesitated badly and the CEL flashed and then resorted back to its usual solid lit position lol (evap leak - gas cap even though i just replaced the gas cap and it didnt fix the issue). Obviously this threw a red flag, so I went on to my bluedriver app and ran the code. (Misfire cylinder 2). I continued driving and observing and eventually got around to replacing my plugs and wires. (NGK)
That fixed my problem misfire issue. Hasn't happened since, car felt like it was running stronger than ever. Cool beans. Or so I thought.
Shortly after, my car developed a low idle when cold condition (temperatures in Pittsburgh began dropping significantly after the change which is why I think it is coincidental) Its quite strange. if it is lower than about 47 degrees outside, my car will have trouble idling. If it is about the 47-35 degree range the car will start, run a bit rough for a few seconds, and then settle out slightly over 1000 rpm. If it is lower than about 30 degrees, the car will start and then immediately stall, unless I give it throttle (which i will hold it at around 1500 rpm) for a few seconds and then very slowly let off the throttle and then car will idle low (around 350-500 rpm). This all goes away once the car hits operating temperature, its almost like a switch is flipped and the car remembers how to function correctly. Also the car runs great in any state other than idle.
Here's what I've done so far to try to fix the issue with help from various sources:
Removed and fully cleaned throttle body and replaced gasket with OEM
Cleaned IACV (was nasty)
Cleaned MAP sensor
Gapped new plugs
Replaced PCV (was nasty)
Replaced fuel filter w/ OEM
Checked fuel pressure (around 37psi at idle)
Replaced ignition coil w/ OEM (was getting strange primary resistance readings on the old one so i was really hoping this was the issue, but no)
I'm beginning to think my alternator might be the culprit as the issues seem to magnify when its cold and the car has a high electric load.
Next steps I was thinking:
Check/ replace alternator
Replace IACV
I'm able to track just about any OBD2 reading that the foz can give me so if there is a reading that will help clear something up let me know and i will get it for you.
I would appreciate any input anyone might have for me.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Zach
