1999 outback starts, but won't keep running. After initially going to idle rpms in a few seconds rpm's drop and it quits running. If I give it gas after it starts and try to hold rpm's steady the same happens: RPM's drop and it quits running. Has anyone had this problem and know what is malfunctioning. Thanks.

is it throwing a check engine light?

Did anything unusual happen prior to the problem?

Anyone under the hood before, to do work or check oil, etc.?

Driving in a lot of snow or rain recently?

When it first starts and runs, is it smooth RPM or stumbling before it quits?

 

Could be any number of things from a loose connection of a hose or wire under the hood to a clogged fuel filter or just a dirty air filter.

I replaced the air filter the day before problem started. I also checked the oil level and the EGR valve. When it starts up it runs smooth before quitting.

It is not throwing a check engine light.

did you check to make sure all hoses an vac lines connected??

did you check to make sure all hoses an vac lines connected??

 

Ditto... check all hoses ...

Now do it again.

This happened to me once, after an air filter change. I accidentally disconnected the IAC hose, which is out of sight underneath the main air intake pipe. Get a flashlight and hunt it down under your bonnet.

 

Also, check you air filter box, it might not be closed properly.

agree, sounds exactly like the iac hose. very easy to unhook it doing the air filter

Thanks to all who responded. It was a hose that came loose while manipulating the air filter housing to replace the filter. Problem fixed. Thanks again.