when i start up my xt6 on cold mornings, it seems like the gas pedal is stuck or somthing. it idles between 1800 and 2200 rpms, and when i put it in reverse, and as soon as i let out the clutch even a little bit it goes backwards quite quickly. if i put it in 1'st gear, i can drive around a parking lot at roughly 7 mph without touching the gas. this problem lasts for about 5 minutes of driving, then it stops, idle goes back down to normal, and the check engine light immediately comes on. im completely stumped, any ideas?

Sounds like the choke to me. Though I've never owned an XT6, so I don't know where the cold idle is or why the CEL is on. Have you tried pulling the codes?

I would ask the previous owner, he might know a trick...................

 

Jeff

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Edited April 7, 201015 yr by john in KY

when i start up my xt6 on cold mornings, it seems like the gas pedal is stuck or somthing. it idles between 1800 and 2200 rpms, and when i put it in reverse, and as soon as i let out the clutch even a little bit it goes backwards quite quickly. if i put it in 1'st gear, i can drive around a parking lot at roughly 7 mph without touching the gas. this problem lasts for about 5 minutes of driving, then it stops, idle goes back down to normal, and the check engine light immediately comes on. im completely stumped, any ideas?

 

hi,

you will find more xt6 folks at subaruxt.com . but briefly, the clutch cable likely needs a small adjustment , and check the hill holder cable system also. the idle is close to right for cold start, but warm up is slow, try a OEM thermostat, the original unit has a 2stage opening and the warm up period is noticably quicker. you need to check the codes to find the ****** engine light problem. if you know how its easy, if not you'll need some help there, info available in the search over there. ecm is under the package tray in the trunk, and the connectors. i would advise staying away from repair shops unless they really know about these cars, and xt6 uses special steering fluid. lol

The XT6 has no choke. Research IAS and CTS. Also check the trouble codes stored in the ECU in the trunk.

 

Well, the cold idle then. My bad, here I am thinking in carby terms

doesn't sound weird to me. you're having issues and the check engine light is on telling you most likely exactly what the problem is. check the code and get back to us.

 

the IAC or throttle probably just need cleaned, both very simple and nearly free.

 

like i said - start by reading the code, the answer to your question is right there most likely.

 

+1 for subaruxt.com for your XT6 specific needs too.

While I don't mind you guys refering people to other forums on here I would appreciate it if you would try to answer the question here. A majority of the people at XT6/xt site are here as well. Thanks.

 

Almost got to be the idle air control valve or the coolant temp sensor but I think IAC first. The early ones on the legacy and the xt6 were notoroius for weird behavior.

I'm sorry you got my gremlin car, if you need any help we could get together and try to figure it out

i think im going to start out with a general tune up...spark plugs, distributor cap, timing, air filter, ect....and replace the O2 sensor, the PO said that it acts up from time to time. And the throttle actually is sticking open a bit when the engine is cold, im going to lube it up and see if that fixes anything....oh, and the check engine light no longer comes on. not really sure why.