Chrisg12222 Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 Hello i am trying to change my spark plugs in this vehicle. The issues that I am having with the vehicle is that when I go to drive it in the morning even in warm weather the speedometer doesn’t move until I hit the 2nd or 3rd gear and it’s sort of sluggish starting off. Then when I’m on the interstate my vehicle starts to jerk at 60+ mph and when I have the ac on it jerks at 40 mph. I am hoping it’s just the spark plugs and if it is would someone have a comprehensive guide on changing them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 (edited) nothing wrong with catching up on any regular maintenance, but I'm not convinced plugs will cure the problem(s) you are experiencing. Is the CEL on? have you scanned the car for codes? post them up and soeone may be able to help you. What does the trans fluid look like? remember to check it while idling - it's the only fluid checked that way. You could start a new thread asking for a shop recommendation near Omaha, someone may be familiar with a Subaru-friendly mechanic. Edited July 9, 2018 by 1 Lucky Texan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisg12222 Posted July 9, 2018 Author Share Posted July 9, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, 1 Lucky Texan said: nothing wrong with catching up on any regular maintenance, but I'm not convinced plugs will cure the problem(s) you are experiencing. Is the CEL on? have you scanned the car for codes? post them up and soeone may be able to help you. What does the trans fluid look like? remember to check it while idling - it's the only fluid checked that way. You could start a new thread asking for a shop recommendation near Omaha, someone may be familiar with a Subaru-friendly mechanic. I just used an Engine diagnostic tool on it and it pretty much showed that it is either the engine coil and or spark plugs that need to be changed. It said that the cylinder four is miss firing and the catalyst efficiency is below normal Edited July 9, 2018 by Chrisg12222 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisg12222 Posted July 9, 2018 Author Share Posted July 9, 2018 I just need to find a guide on this specific vehicle or on a 2.5l subaru engine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 (edited) many things will trigger a P0420 - even though cat. conv. is part of the definition, you are wise not to assume the problem is the cat. , sometimes it is just a misfire, vacuum leak, or exhaust leak - other stuff. NGK spark plugs are MUCH preferred. Check your manual. OEM also preferred for plug wires - your car could easily need both. If you still experience cyl4 misfires after a plug swap, swap a different plug wire with cyl 4 and see if the misfire follows the wire - or just get a new set. Sometimes spraying a little water from a plant mister around the plugs, wires, and coil at night will show bad parts arcing - might even cause the engine to stumble. In future, post the actual codes you read. search here, subaruoutback.org and even Youtube for some DIY help. Edited July 9, 2018 by 1 Lucky Texan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtdash Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 (edited) To change plugs: A search found this: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/111-gen-1-1995-1999/390178-how-i-changed-my-spark-plugs-ej25d-tips-future-readers.html It's a PITA on the EJ25D engine in you OB......done it, didn't like it. Your engine is in the '96-'99 OB/GT/LSi, '98 Forester and '98 Impreza RS Buy the NGK platinum plugs which are good for 60K or if you're cheap get the copper version and do 'em again in 30K miles. RE: the misfire? see Lucky's info above, but I'd also guess the valves have never been adjusted as that's also a PITA, or worst case scenario you have a burnt valve...been there, fixed that w/a 2.2 (EJ22e) swap. Edited July 9, 2018 by wtdash 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocei77 Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 10 hours ago, Chrisg12222 said: I just need to find a guide on this specific vehicle or on a 2.5l subaru engine http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/ O. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 you can probably find the FSM for your car here; https://sl-i.net/FORUM/showthread.php?18087-Subaru-Factory-Service-Manuals-(FSM)-Every-Model-USDM-EU Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jubilation5463 Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 (edited) Howdy and good greetings. My 1998 Subee has been doing me proud and I feel will go a bit longer...indeed mileage is high (203868) and I've been teaching myself the simple TLC tune up check list, I am now going to try and figure out replacing my spark plugs. New ones are Bosch double iridium,not sure if those will help or harm my pony. Anywho I was hoping a kind soul could lend some knowledge in regards to these codes...much obliged Edited August 17, 2021 by Jubilation5463 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 Record them, clear them and see what returns. That's a long list. How long has the CEL been on? Plugs you need to put the socket in the hole, connect a 3" extension and the ratchet. Some spots you can get a universial joint and a 3 & 6 inch extension on to get the plug out and back in. Not a good design for sure. NGK plugs for sure. I go copper core and NGK wires as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartless Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 the double iridium plugs are a waste of money on all counts - take them back and get NGKs NGK plugs are best for these cars. OEM or NGK wires - nothing else is worth the time, money or effort of putting in. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 ^^^ yep, many people report poor results with non-OEM plugs and wires. Read about it many times. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
700 Posted September 7, 2021 Share Posted September 7, 2021 Perhaps a plugged catalytic converter is also in the mix of things ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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