stephenbybee

Does anyone know how to test the voltage on the terminal that connects to the mass air flow sensor on a 98 OB 2.5 L? I tried the test using instructions from the Haynes book, which aren't too specific, and can't find any voltage coming in here with key in ON position. Any idea how much voltage I should be looking for??

In December I put in Bosch platinums, in March I replaced the wires. Based upon some earlier feedback on this issue it sounds like NGK is the way to go on both. If you have a recommendation, let me know...

O.K., I am interested...as long as it is compatible. I'll try your email address.

Mine is a 98 Leg Outback w/ 2.5 with a #2 cyl. misfire...I was wondering if anyone has ever tested their igniter. I tested its voltage w/a led test light and got good results (flashing light) on both outside terminals. Are there any other ways to test this thing...resistance, continuity, anything? I am tackling this problem starting on the electrical end, then fuel, and if necessary mechanical, so I have tested the coil and am going after plugs and wires after I figure out how to diagnose the igniter w/o simply replacing it (pricey!!). Anyone here ever had igniter issues? Thanks!!

Does anyone know if I can replace my 98 Outback's (2.5l automatic) ECM with an ECM from a 97 5speed Outback?? Is there any compatibility issues here, or am I good to go?

Thanks...I will do both of these and see if anything changes. I don't mind covering a few extra bases as long as it isn't too pricey (yet).

I am going to try the seafoam flush trick, then check the coil pack and replace plugs and wires with the OEM variety. If none of these fixes do the trick, I am going to take you up on that offer. Will an ECM from a 5speed work alright on my automatic...is there even any difference?

I think I have done every other flush except this one...is it tricky to do??

I am going to try this first, along with having the coil checked, and then go from there if the problem persists. Thanks! I didn't know my Subaru was this picky about its parts, but I'll do whatever it takes to make it happy.

I have a 98 Legacy Outback with a 2.5L engine and about 167,000 miles. A month ago the check engine light came on for the first time (ever) and I noticed that it was starting to run rough and the mileage wasn't so great. I first had a CarX mechanic check it out and he hooked it up to the computer and diagnosed the problem as "multiple misfire in cylinder #2". The plugs were only two months old, so I replaced the wires at this mechanic's suggestion and the problem did not go away. So I brought it back and his second suggestion was to replace the ECM. Knowing that this was a pricey fix I took it to the local Subaru dealer (Sommer's) and had them diagnose the problem. They also said that the #2 cylinder was misfiring. Their suggestion for repair was a new head assembly...about $1700. After this experience, I took my car to a local independent Subaru mechanic, Miles Fox, and he doesn't think that it could be a head problem because there is no smoke, no oil leakage, no oil in the water. He then took a look at the #2 fuel injector and found that when he unplugged it the car's idle changed, thus suggesting that the injector is working fine, but that it might be getting a bad signal from the ECM either due to a bad ground on ECM board, or a bad ECM that needs to be replaced. Is there anyone out there who thinks replacing the ECM might fix this problem??? Any suggestions??? I have taken very good care of this car and have had the timing belt, fuel pump, oil pump, and alternator replaced over the last four years, change the oil regularly, and flush and fill the tranny and radiator every year. Very rarely do I drive it over 70mph, and most of its miles lately are between 50-65 mph. Help me out, if you have any ideas. I love this car and don't want to give it up. Thanks.