Engine hesitation/flat spot (Liberty 2.0R)

[Kormoran]

The 1 month is until Matt comes up here, Ive already booked in

[daddykubs]

Might share some little knowledge/experience here.
2.0R 2000+rpm flat spot is common I here.
So a lot of people in Europe were going with this to dealership.
After a while Subaru released so called "PAK Update" or something like that.
Which was supposed to be some ECU map update. Helps in most cases.
What I have done as alwas was simple DIY.
Carb cleaner, tools, cleaned throttle body and viola! No problem.
Due to running low quality fuel by previous owner throttle body got covered in gunk.
After operation idle is low and steady 660rpm +/-30 (warm engine, data from Torque Pro app)
Hopw that helps.

[Kormoran]

Heard about the possible map update but the flat spot hasn't been an issue for a couple of months now. I ran through a few cans of upper cyl cleaner, have only been using 98 octane and put an exhaust on.
From what I learned It was cutting timing. I can cruise in 5th at 60kmph now, with no trouble.

Cheers.

[Kormoran]

After such a good run, the hesitation came back yesterday. Sucked it up, went to Subaru and they applied the PAK update for $149.
Will post in a month or so with an update to whether or not it was worthwhile!

[KF1995]

I had this problem with my liberty 2.0r for about 3-4 months, It kept hitting flat spots in all gears between 2500-3500rpm. I tried everything possible took it to two different mechanics that did services and checked for problems, took it to subaru and they did the upper engine cleaner, tried all different types of premium 98 fuel, did the software update. The software update fixed it for about 3 days after then the problem kept coming back. I then tried reseting the battery and holding the brake pedal at home which i saw worked for someone on this forum and the problem is gone and running perfect, hopefully it stays that way.

[Kormoran]

Have you cleaned the MAF sensor? I found it made a noticeable difference.

[KF1995]

Not yet, will drop it in monday morning to get MAF cleaned as the flat spot has come back again, is yours fixed now?
My mechanic found out that it is a problem with the stock software/ECU so either getting a dyno tune or new software maybe from a 07 liberty if it fits.

[Kormoran]

Save yourself some money and DIY, $30 from supercheap!

The flat spot is caused by the ECU is retarding timing. (According to logs - torque)
I don't want to say its fixed or not (as last time I thought I had) but since the remap, cleaned MAF and another reset the problem hasn't returned.. (Touch wood!)

I guess I should mention as well that I switched from BP ultimate to shell v-power. Im not sure if this would have an effect though.

Also Im pretty sure none of the 2.0Rs can't be tuned as they have the fantastic shitachi ecu's

[KiDo_Tuning]

Not yet, will drop it in monday morning to get MAF cleaned as the flat spot has come back again, is yours fixed now?
My mechanic found out that it is a problem with the stock software/ECU so either getting a dyno tune or new software maybe from a 07 liberty if it fits.

Subaru has a software update. Stock ECU cannot be tuned nor can the larger 07 tune file be loaded.

[KF1995]

Not yet, will drop it in monday morning to get MAF cleaned as the flat spot has come back again, is yours fixed now?
My mechanic found out that it is a problem with the stock software/ECU so either getting a dyno tune or new software maybe from a 07 liberty if it fits.

Subaru has a software update. Stock ECU cannot be tuned nor can the larger 07 tune file be loaded.

ECUTEK say that they tune the subaru liberty non turbo factory ECU?
Is there no way that you can tune the stock software to a different map/ECU?

[KF1995]

Thanks matt, I will give the MAF a clean and reset it again and see how it goes. If i cant fix it within the next few weeks i think im going to have to sell it, I dont want to but the flat spot is just doing my head in.

[KiDo_Tuning]

Not yet, will drop it in monday morning to get MAF cleaned as the flat spot has come back again, is yours fixed now?
My mechanic found out that it is a problem with the stock software/ECU so either getting a dyno tune or new software maybe from a 07 liberty if it fits.

Subaru has a software update. Stock ECU cannot be tuned nor can the larger 07 tune file be loaded.

ECUTEK say that they tune the subaru liberty non turbo factory ECU?
Is there no way that you can tune the stock software to a different map/ECU?

http://ecutek.com/Products/ProECU-Progr ... -ECUs.aspx

http://ecutek.com/Products/ProECU-Tunin ... uites.aspx

Does not look like it, happy to be corrected but without flashable memory, it makes it difficult

[Kormoran]

Matt's the man when it comes to tuning, Id take his word for it

Something to possibly look at is the AF ratio sensor, do you have rough idle and/or economy issues?
Have you had the major service completed? (100k - 125k) Another thing someone mentioned was the fuel filter.


I hope you can fix the problem, they're a great car IMO!

[KF1995]

Subaru has a software update. Stock ECU cannot be tuned nor can the larger 07 tune file be loaded.[/quote]

ECUTEK say that they tune the subaru liberty non turbo factory ECU?
Is there no way that you can tune the stock software to a different map/ECU?[/quote]

http://ecutek.com/Products/ProECU-Progr ... -ECUs.aspx

http://ecutek.com/Products/ProECU-Tunin ... uites.aspx

Does not look like it, happy to be corrected but without flashable memory, it makes it difficult [/quote]


Okay thanks,
Does KiDo tune it and update the software to a different computer settings ?

[klam]

I'm occasionally experiencing the same problem as well.. I've noticed that the petrol can make the difference, though not much.. I'm not really happy with the fuel consumption neither and I reckon it might have something to do with some of the sensors... As my cruise control light and CEL came up lately, reading through forums makes me believe the problem is in the sensor(s), but not sure which, I'm not the mechanic type of guy really so pardon me my ignorance

so what options we have in order to improve the performance so far?
A) trying different petrol,
B) cleaning the MAF sensor,
C) updating the ECU (?),
D) installing after market exhaust (?)

add
a) tried, made a slight difference
b) can one do it itself? any instructions anywhere?
c) who around Sydney can do this? Subbie dealers only?

thanks!