rcrooker

for a 2003 OBW, 4cyl, stick: city (5 to 10 mile trips): 22 - 24 highway: 25 - 26 mpg mileage is about 1 - 2 mpg less than '92 Camry stick

Interim update: Since I couldn't get the lurching to repeat itself when the weather was cold, I called my dealer and had a chat with the mechanic. Nothing they could do without the problem showing up and he wasn't familiar with the problem. I asked if resetting the ECU would help, he thought not, since the computer doesn't interact with a standard (stick) transmission (but he did say constant shifting to and from overdrive annoyed people driving automatics between 30 and 45 mph - guess I won't get one of those). So I'll take it in when it warms up next year. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Glenn- Does your Forrester give the same lurching when the weather is cool? (e.g., when the defroster and a/c are on) I set up an appointment for the dealer (steve moyer, Leesport,PA) to look at it next week, and the conscientious service rep called back with "talked to head mechanic, who said that's normal, but we'd be happy to keep your appointment". So I still have the appt, but decided to demonstrate the problem to myself last night. Nada. It must have known it was going under the wrench. During the summer, every time (except for the first 10 minutes or so of warm up) the a/c was on, and I was driving at constant speed under 40 mph, it lurched with small changes in pressure on the accelerator. So have you seen the problem on your Forrester disappear when the outside temp goes below 60F? Carl- Is the "ECU" the car's computer? How do you reset it? Thanks all. wongleflute

Keith- Thanks for the suggestion. I've had other cars where you can feel the a/c compressor cut in as a bit of a lack of power, and I'd notice this particularly at highway speed. In this case, though, I can feel the "lurch" forward when I take my foot off the gas (even a little bit), and then back (into the seat) when I reapply gas. I wouldn't expect the compressor to cycle (only) in concert with using the accelerator. Haven't been to the dealer yet - I wanted to hold off until I had some background on the problem, and hopefully could get to a solution more quickly. Regards, wongleflute

Got a 2003 OBW, 5 speed, 4 cyl., in June. Great car to drive except with the a/c on below 40 mph or so, I can't keep a constant speed. Trying to do so, the car will lurch (i.e., slows down, or speeds up, abruptly) with the least let up or pressure on the accelerator. Annoying on smooth roads, but bumpy ones accentuate the problem (since it's harder to keep constant pressure on the pedal). The problem goes away when the a/c is off or when the a/c is on AND the car is not warmed up (idle speed about 1300). I can minimize the problem by driving in a higher gear, but that's no fun; nor i Why does this happen (especially since only with the a/c on)? and why does it not happen when the car's cold (does this suggest an adjustment to avoid the problem?)? I'd like to get this fixed before next summer!