Unsteady idling? Vid attached

[Mav954]

Hey guys, picked up our MY06 GT wagon today! Our first subaru and I don't think it'll be the last, really happy!! Noticed on the way home when stopped at intersections/lights etc that the idle seems to hunt, I thought it may be because it was in Drive but even when in Park it does the same thing, probably only 50% of the time though, has anyone experienced this before?? Attached a video of the tacho to try explain what I mean. Thanks in advance!

Note - this was one of the more extreme ones where it nearly stalls as you can see the lights come on the dash
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r170 ... E2C131.mp4

[ferret89]

So that was it in park, without you touching the accelerator? Thats definitely not normal and I'd get it checked out fairly quickly

It should sit around 500-700rpm once warmed up while idling and not jump around like that at all

[Mav954]

Yeah no throttle what so ever except when it went up to about 2000rpm then it sat down around 700rpm

[Dropz]

It's probably a sensor dieing, or dead. Get it into a dealer so they can check everything is operating ok and check any stored codes in the ECU.

[Mav954]

Okay thanks guys will pop into subaru Friday, hopefully covered under statutory warranty... Haha

[cruisn]

Good chance its the '02 sensor in the top of the dump pipe just after the turbo.

Mine did exactly the same thing. New JDM '02 sensor fixed it.

[Mav954]

Maybe ill tell the missus it'll need a new dump and system to cure it . Is it a prick to get to if that's the problem? Haven't look that hard yet and never owned a boxer before

[Dropz]

Its really easy on these. You don't even need to remove anything else. Either an o2 sensor socket and wrench, or a 22mm spanner is all you need.

[Mav954]

Thanks mate hope that's all it is! Will keep you posted, do you guys use your local dealer for parts or is there an online store that's better?

[Dropz]

Well I work at a dealer, so I use them.

But if not I use Bursons and Repco as I know people there and get good discounts.

[Kekotic]

Did you buy private or from a dealership?

[Mav954]

From a dealership but it's about 4 hours away

[Dropz]

I would phone them up and report the problem and see what services they offer you to fix it. ie. will they cover the bill if you goto a closer mechanic, or if you come into them would they cover the fault under warranty.

[Mav954]

Yeah might give them a call in the morning!

[maj]

Lib's do sometimes adjust their idling up and down but yes that's definitely in the realm of "something is wrong". Again most likely dirty/faulty sensor.

Once my Subaru dealership forgot to plug the MAP sensor back in at the intake manifold after spraying their upper engine cleaner in. Car drove fine back to my work but when I started it to go home that afternoon it was idling very similarly to that.

Popped the bonnet and could hear a slight sucking noise. Took off engine cover and could see the black vacuum hose unplugged, clear as day. You can definitely hear where it's coming from too.
Good thing I didn't boost it much on the drive back to work, could have overboosted and caused issues.