Hi-I just bought a very nice 1990 Subaru Lagacy wagon with 122k miles. Very well cared for by original owner for many years. It has an idle problem in that the idle fluctuates all over the place. Shop said to replace the "fast idle control"-did at a cost of $500 and problem still exists! Car runs fine-just won't idle right. Any suggestions?

Check for a vacuum leak. Make sure all hoses are connected properly.

 

Also check error codes there might be something there.

 

Hope this helps.

What?????? fast idle control??? are they talking about the IAC valve?? That is crazy you could have probably just sprayed some throttle body cleaner down the IAC tube and the problem would have been gone. Other thing is vacuum leaks as mentioned. After they replaced it was the problem worse or better? At $500 they better fix it.

[...]It has an idle problem in that the idle fluctuates all over the place.[...]Car runs fine-just won't idle right. Any suggestions?

Welcome to the forum.

 

Can you be a bit more specific about the symptoms? Exactly what sort of fluctuations -- too low, too high, both, how frequently, for what duration, etc.?

 

Does the idle shift suddenly, or does it slowly "drift"?

 

Does the problem occur when the engine is cold, after it warms up, or both?

 

Is the trans manual or auto trans? If auto, does the problem occur in both neutral and drive equally?

Go get your money back! Cheap B@$T@RD$!

wow. did you pay with a credit card? Call them and get your money back I am sure the shop will not part with the money the took from you. Did they give you the old part?

I had the same issue but mine was the cause of a bad mass air flow sensor. You might want to give that a good looking at.

Hello can you fix my car:confused: ? SUre wE cAn! Thanks alot.......... oK wE gOt eR aLL fIxEd tHaT iLL bE 500 pEsOs! Hey my cars not fixed!

 

What needs fixed here is this repair shop! That being said it sounds like an idle air valve or temp sensor or vacume leak, that car with that low of mileage sould not have a serious/expensive problem.

 

Sorry to hear about such a thing, you have come to the right place in this message board, stay tuned for the correct diagnosis and suggestions for a fix

G.