FSRBIKER

I know I don't have NGK's in there now so i will swap them out this weekend. I went to Advanced Auto Parts website and it shows either the Iridium or Platinum as OEM and not the V Groove...anyone found one preferable over the other?

Interesting, did you have work done before this happened? I had my Outback about 20,000 miles before the CEL came on so I don't think it would be a valve adjustment but I am willing to try just about anything right now since I have to go for inspection this month and NJ FAILS any vehicle with a CEL on.

I have a 97 Legacy Outback, 2.5L, 5 speed and I plan on removing and checking the plugs again...you can read here what problems I have been having http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30462 What plugs do these engines like or dislike, standard gapping?

Ttt

Well replaced the PCV, air filter(again) and the ECM with one from a boneyard and then reset the computer. I then went for a hard drive taking the car close to redline a few times and parked it at work, coming home from work I could swear the car felt more powerful but had a slight stumble off the line but the conisitent hesitation was gone. It was good for about 100 miles and then in stop and go traffic this morning the light came on after about 30 minutes. Any more ideas? Knock sensor?... and if so how easy is it to replace??

I would buy another Subaru without hesitation, 163,000 on my 97 Outback and the car is still a blast to drive. Plenty of power still and can honestly say my Outback is better in the snow then any truck I have owned. Hopefully Subaru's new SUV entry that is coming will have 3 rows of seats and I can trade the minivan in for one for the wife and kids.

Turn the key on and hold in the alarm programming button for a few seconds and it will stop. The button is on the drivers side under the dash by your left foot, right near the kick panel. It might take a few minutes to find it, mine is ziptied to a bunch of other wires.

Here is a copy of the TSB: HESITATION ON ACCELERATION - 11-53-98 (2/99) Applicability: 97-98 Legacy, Impreza, and Forester Manual Transmission Vehicles with 2.5l and 2.2l engines. In the event you encounter a customer complaint of a slight engine hesitation between 1500-2500 rpm's when the engine is cold or hot, perform the following Eliminate all external influences, such as an incorrect or dirty air filter, loose or tracked intake duct, dirty fuel filter, low fuel pressure, PVC system, or low engine vacuum that would indicate an external leak or an internal engine component. If all external components are confirmed to be operating within vehicle specifications, the hesitation may be caused by the ignition control logic in the ECM. Under certain low rpm driving patterns, the ignition control system can pick up engine vibrations through the knock sensor and may retard the ignition timing. This ignition timing is learned by the ECM and placed in memory. NOTE: This area of memory can not be viewed by using the Select Monitor. When the vehicle is driven uinder these conditions, the timing may be retarded and could cause the engine to hesitate on acceleration. To confirm this condition, road test the vehicle while viewing the Knock Sensor Signal on the Select Monitor. If you duplicate the hesitation, and the reading on the monitor is around -10 degrees, you will need to change the ECM to correct the concern. [my note: this is an enhanced ECM, not a replacement with the same component

It shows a misfire. I had my buddy check it out with his OBDII code reader from Lexus after we reset the computer and he would swear the car had 20,000 miles on it not 160,000. It is a 2.5 5 speed and the hesitation is off the line to 3,000 rpm...after that you can't really feel it.

I have replaced the plugs, wires(OEM), air flow meter and coil pack and my car still hesitates when accelerating. The check engine light is on and if I reset the com puter it used to run fine for a few hundred miles and then the light come on and slowly the hesitation would get worse...now it only takes 25 miles or so. I even had a local Subaru dealer look at it and they scratched their head saying lets start with plugs and wires first again. I found out that Subaru has a TSB(Technical service bulletin) out on thsi very problem and what they will do is replace the computer with a new one with updated fuel/air and emmissions info that cures the problem. Since this was never made a recall i can't get them to replace it for free, has anyone had their computer replaced because of this? If so can you look and get me the part number(and any other numbers) on the computer so I can search the local boneyards for a replacement. Thanks in advance