Hi,

I have a 1995 Legacy wagon with 199,000 miles. Lately, whenever I try to climb a fairly steep hill, it starts losing power and chugging and the check engine light comes on. I've had the engine light checked and it reads misfire No. 1. I don't have a dealership nearby. I've taken it to a couple of repair shops and they can't seem to find anything wrong with it. I used to pull over, turn the car off and wait a few minutes then start it back up. I've learned that if I downshift into 4th I usually can get over the hill and things seem to go OK after that. The chugging feels like a car that's run out of gas. I'm thinking maybe the fuel pump is going, but I didn't want to ask the repair shop to put in a new one in case that's not the problem. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

If the fuel filters haven't been replaced then I would do that and if that doesn't work then replace the pump. You have the classic symtom of a bad pump.

Agreed on the filter. Replace that first. Then consider replacing the fuel pressure regulator (easy acess in engine room) before tackling the fuel pump.

.......... you could check the fuel delivery pressure downstream from the regulator.

The fuel filter is new. I'll have the regulator checked then replace the pump if necessary. Thanks everyone.

You may be able to get a fuel pressure gauge for about 20 bucks to check pressure on a hill. also try pinching the FPR and see if pressure goes back up.

 

Joe