2016 - Base - Newby to Suby questions?

Putzking · 2025-09-19T06:43:52-0400

2016 Forester 2.5 base, first ever Subaru

You know, that thing when I take off and the Taco goes to 2k as the car starts to move then it drops to 1200rpm and if it had a Traditional Auto it feels like it's jumping straight to second gear,... The car dies, bogs down, I almost get rear ended but then it recovers to head down the road

I don't believe that it's a CVT problem because it behaves well all other times with no slipping or anything,... I have tried a couple of different suggested TPS Reset/Relearn procedures which makes it worse for a while until I get some miles in,... What's the deal with this car ?

OutbackJon · 2025-09-19T21:00:38-0400

Have you cleaned the throttle body?

Before and after pics are in the following post. That thread might make a good read, too.

https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2018-xt-throttle-body-cleaning.870353/?post_id=7991135#post-7991135

Putzking · 2025-09-19T21:11:48-0400

Thanks for the reply

I actually installed a new one today, did the Idle Relearn and it was good for a while but now it's back to it's old habits

I did clean the MAF Sensor and the MAP Sensor but will replace the MAF Sensor tomorrow along with cleaning/inspecting the PCV Valve just for fun.

OutbackJon · 2025-09-19T21:44:34-0400

Be advised, these cars are very sensitive to parts like MAFs. (And O2 sensors, spark plugs)
OEM Subaru is the way to go.

maller01 · 2025-09-19T23:41:43-0400

@Putzking Welcome to the forum!

How many miles on your Forester? Has the CVT fluid ever been changed? Just because it behaves well at all other times, doesn’t mean you should completely rule that out either.

Putzking · 2025-09-20T07:13:14-0400

Yes, true and I will be going that direction soon,... It has 165,000 miles and the only thing I know about the history is that it was owned by a couple and mostly driven by the wife.
My local dealer can do a Flush & Relearn for about $600.
The symptoms do feel more Air/Fuel related though but I could be wrong.

2016 - Base - Newby to Suby questions?

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