JoshNZL Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 Hi guys, I have a 2004 legacy, 2.0 auto. I know that is prior to this sub but from memory it has the fourth gen chassis code, I'll confirm tomorrow. In any case, almost a year ago I couldn't get it started, cranked and cranked I could hear what sounded like low compression firing and after minutes worth of cranking (not all at once) it sputtered to life, eventually cleared and ran fine. Its since become a second vehicle, I've held off selling it until I saw the problem again and could diagnose/repair and for about a year it hasn't missed a beat. Yesterday it started playing up again, gf complained about lacking power when she got home. It did start after a slightly longer than normal crank but wasn't running right. If I cracked throttle wide open it would bog, and pop and carry on down at 700rpm or so (but wouldn't stall - held here for 15secs or so). I was glad to finally see it again - went out later in the day to film it for the forum here and it started and ran fine. Maybe a bit hairy on throttle up for the next few times but hasn't missed a beat since. I can't wait another year to see the problem so I hoped these symptoms might ring a bell for someone more experienced. Both days I've had trouble have coincided with rain. Though I can't see any water anywhere it shouldn't be. Any thoughts appreciated, thanks in advance of course! Josh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 I'm guessing the fuel pump may be the problem. with everything turned off in the car, you should be able to hear it prime when the key is turned "on". 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshNZL Posted August 23, 2020 Author Share Posted August 23, 2020 The only thing that makes me think it's not that is when I was playing around with getting it to show these symptoms, if I eased it past it's blubbery range then it would rev out nicely. I tried driving it like this to, if you nursed it passed ~1700rpm I then had full power available. Only if I cracked WOT would it bog and sputter, which had me thinking more electronics, or sensors. Too much fuel landing in the pots for some reason. I don't remember noting if the fuel pump primed while I was experiencing these problems, but it is now. Are they submerged in the tank or external? I.e. easy enough to pull and check? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 In the tank under the back seat. Lot's of DIY's for the pump if you want to see. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvick08GT Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 Sounds more like a MAF issue to me. You can try and clean it first, it should drive better after. Could also be a tear in the intake plumbing after the MAF. Good luck! P.s. moisture in the air can definitely make it more pronounced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 (edited) To clean the MAF use a the cleaner made to clean it. Not brake cleaner. I clean my MAF once a year, a quick spray keeps it clean. Edited August 24, 2020 by Max Capacity 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvick08GT Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 Thanks for adding Max, I can't tell you how many master techs have told me they have used carb cleaner for years to clean MAFs with no issues.. smdh They don't even pay for it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/crc-mass-air-flow-sensor-cleaner-11-wt.-oz.-05110/7070079-p?product_channel=local&store=9671&adtype=pla&product_channel=local&store_code=9671&gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGWsRAn9U8KSw0yhxWwFk-wFq04ZO6UiXAb3qLgyDemcoVJM8O8_I3RoCMbwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Better safe then sorry, for the $7.00 The can will last you a life time. The two Phillips screws should come out easy and don't need make torque to tighten them. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshNZL Posted August 25, 2020 Author Share Posted August 25, 2020 Thanks for the responses - I don't know a lot about modern auto engines but it definitely sounds rich to me and I know being injected it must be doing that to itself due to a failure or erroneous sensor reading so the MAF sensor sounds like a good place to start. I caught it playing up again today, have a listen if you're interested - prob need max volume, mind the radio coming on =/. I intentionally gave it no time to prime to see if the fuel pump was weak. A little more cranking than normal. Every rev up is cracking and holding WOT, except for the last where I eased it into higher RPMs and then it is fine, flat foot normal power. As the engine warms it is impossible to repeat this symptom. I'll get back to you when I get some time to dig that MAF out and clean it. https://youtu.be/Ho7dedCA0Ek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now