mkdwalk

Thanks to all who responded. Turns out to be an $80 Mass Air Sensor (??). Should have it back tonight. And, Nip, the only issue troubling me w/ the car was the fuel pump. As stated in my initial post, CV Boot & tires didn't surprise or bother me. "I take the car in for the 60K service, they tell me I need to replace the FR CV boot. Fine, I understand and I'm not surprised." Having my car drive great on the way to the 60k and dirve like crap after the service does irritate me to no end. This is my 1st Subaru, and I owned 4 Honda's prior -- so forgive the Honda reference, but its the only car experience I can compare to. I was growing to love my Suby, this week de-railed me, and hopefully tonight I can begin to love it again.

Nipper, how much $$ are we talking about for the fuel pump assembly and how much $$ for the fuel pump only at a parts store? After the 60k + cv boot + 4 new tires soon + fuel pump, I'm thinking I'd rather sell it and go back to good 'ol Honda (or the nice '06 Forrester loaner they have me in).

Thanks for your replies. I guess, what I'm really trying to ask is this: In your opinion, is the fuel pump related to my 60k service?

Alright, I need opinions from you Subaru guys. Here's the story. Bought my 1st Subaru (2000 OB Wagon) 2 yrs ago. Fine car. No problems except replacing the FL wheel bearing. I take the car in for the 60K service, they tell me I need to replace the FR CV boot. Fine, I understand and I'm not surprised. So, here's where it gets good. . . I picked up the car Saturday afternoon after the service. Immediately I notice something wrong. The car won't go over about 3k RPMs. Pulling onto the interstate I can't get it to kick into 4th gear, but again, the RPMs aren't spiking either. I call the dealer and they tell me to bring it in immediately. I return immediately. The mechanic drives it, comes back and tells me he didn't notice anything. I drive it with him, and sure enough, its driving like a charm. He mentions it could be some fuel additive remaining from where they had flushed the fuel lines. Makes sense, I leave. By the time I get home (30 minutes) the car is basically stalling out at stop signs. We don't drive the car on Sunday. Monday morning my wife calls w/ the same issues. She calls Subaru and takes it in. The mechanic rides w/ her and it drives fine, of course. I insist she leave the car, get a loaner, and let them drive the car when its "cold". Next morning, I drive the car w/ the service guy and it FINALLY acts up. Its as though when you push the gas, the engine doesn't get the message. In my non-mechanic mind I tell the guy it seems to be a fuel-line issue or a bad plug. He agrees. Then, the mechanic drives it home last night and back this morning so he can experience this problem because we think its primarily happening when the car is 'cold'. I call this afternoon to get an update and they tell me the it looks like I might have a fuel pump going out. The tone of his voice hinted that this would not be a free fix and he believes the 60k service and this fuel pump are not related. I didn't argue or push the point as this will be a discussion for tomorrow. Now, is it me, or does this seem WAY too ironic for my fuel pump to start acting up w/i 3 miles of me picking up my car from its 60k service? The service guy who finally experienced my hiccups even noted that the car was undrivable in this condition and he believes me when I say this was not a pre-existing condition. Am I off-base in assuming that the 60k and my new problem are related? Any and all comments/suggestions are grately appreciated. Thanks!!!