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Stalling "Outback" Engine

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Hi,

 

I have been having an intermittent stalling of my engine. Here are the details:

1996 Outback 2.5L Autotrans.

 

It used to happen when I would come to a complete stop and sometimes while driving, my foot off the gas or on the brake (basically the RPM's were going back to idle at this time) then it dies. The RPM's just drop to "0" and the car stalls.

 

I replaced the plugs and wires because they needed it. I checked the coil pack and the primary side had about .9 ohms and the secondary had about 20K ohms, but both had continuity. The fuel filter is less than one year old and I even tested it by bypassing it and the car still died.

 

I need more ideas of what could be wrong? The check engine light has been on for about 4 months now, I replaced the O2 sensor (front one) back then.

 

Thanks for everyone help!

Chuck in mpls

Is the CEL still on? Do you know what the code is? If not get a code reader or go to a store such as Autozone and get the code read.

I just started having the same problem With my 98 OB manual. In addition, my speedo stopped working. Could they be related? Gonna check the CEL code tommorrow.

  • Author

ok so I tried testing the MAF/MAP sensor and it read ok for now.

 

Upon starting it tonight, the AT temp Oil light kept blinking before the car stalled again.

 

What are the chances the Idle Air Valve is going bad?

 

Does anyone have any specs for the IAC valve or the MAF sensor for Ohm readings?

 

Thanks a million peeps!

Chuck in mpls

Does this problem I have sound familiar?

So AT Temp light was blinking... did you readout the codes from TCU?

I had a similar problem in my 94 Legacy (2.2 liter, MT). The engine would shut off when I was coasting in neutral. No check engine light came on. I mentioned it the the dealer during a routine service. They couldn't get it to happen, but they checked a half a dozen things, found nothing wrong. But they did say that sometimes the "idle air control" valve (I think that's the name), gets gunked up and can cause this. So they cleaned it and the problem was solved. Didn't charge me anything either!!! Maybe that's your problem.

 

JDW

Had something like you have. Stalling without a 'check engine' warning. Cleaned the MAF sensor (very carefully). Symptoms gone now for 6 months.

Had something like you have. Stalling without a 'check engine' warning. Cleaned the MAF sensor (very carefully). Symptoms gone now for 6 months.

MAF sensors? the one for 200$? :-)

 

was it dusty? well - probably I should look in mine as well because codes from ECU and TCU said about MAF sensor failure... but after reset of them + stalling again, the same codes weren't present so I thought that it is not it...

Had something like you have. Stalling without a 'check engine' warning. Cleaned the MAF sensor (very carefully). Symptoms gone now for 6 months.

 

I woud very much like to know how you did the cleaning exactly. Excuse my barging in.

I used a thin brush and white spirit (others use brake disk cleaner). I gently cleaned the wire on the inside. Didn't see any dirt but it seemed to solve the problem.

 

I know the MAF is very delicate, so be carefull with this procedure.

 

Prob. the problem will return, but up to now it helped me.

 

Jaap

96 OBK

(The Netherlands)

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