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94 FWD with CEL code 23, won't idle but runs at 3k RPM
Hi all,
I bought a 94 FWD LS (Pearl White) a month ago. It's at the garage while I'm working 3,000 miles from home. The previous owner was getting a code 23 (MAF) and it wouldn't run properly at times. Then he got a code 11 and couldn't afford a repair, so he sold it. I got a nice deal on the car, but now I need to get it running and the garage has been troubled as to where to begin. The radiator was cracked in a minor collision before previous owner decided to sell it (the final straw), so it has a non-functioning radiator right now. The symptoms:
I pulled the alternator and used electrical contact cleaner on the 2 sensors beneath it and the garage hasn't mentioned anything about Code 11. The sensors were clean when I saw them, so it may have been a fluke? Does any of this make sense? For replacement radiators, I found these on eBay. I see the Silla 7420A is $153 and $296, for the same unit. Is this the best one? A local mechanic guy where I'm working (in Las Vegas) said if I get a plastic top/bottom radiator, it'll only last a few years. I'll normally have this car in western Massachusetts so I don't think it'll be so short-lived? Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong here? Where should the garage check first? They were going to have a guy come in to check continuity on the MAF wiring to the ECU over the weekend, but I'd like to have more ideas for them if possible. Is this common at all? Thanks! Eric Last edited by Shep2112; 12-02-2012 at 05:31 PM. |
#2
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Re: 94 FWD with CEL code 23, won't idle but runs at 3k RPM
Code 11 is for the crank sensor and will prevent it from even starting in most cases. Pull the sensor and look for dirt or debris that could affect the magnetic field of the sensor.
You may need to replace it as they do fail over time. The rule with Subarus is to fix the lowest number code first. Also, having a bad MAF sensor could also cause the car to start and immediatelly stall. The Outback MAF will work just fine. Seems like you may actually want to sort that out first as it doesn't seem like a crank sensor problem. It may have been a code it threw once when it died. Try clearing the codes and rechecking once you try the "new" MAF sensor. You're likely going to have to sort out that wiring first. Also, with the MAF unplugged or a significant problem with it, the car will not stay running on its own. |
#3
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Re: 94 FWD with CEL code 23, won't idle but runs at 3k RPM
Thanks for the info, Nate. I added one line to my post a few mins after posting, maybe you replied before I got that in there. I had cleaned both sensors below the alternator, which were already nice looking, no gunk of any sort on them. Since it only gave that code once, I think it was just a random thing.
Does the 94 have a limp mode or is that only OBD2 based Subarus? I'll try to have someone bring the other MAF to the garage this week for them to try out. Should there be 4 or 5 wires going into the MAF harness? The connector that's on there has the first hole plugged (looking at it from the back end of it, from the left side of the car). Thanks, Eric |
#4
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Re: 94 FWD with CEL code 23, won't idle but runs at 3k RPM
OBD1 definitely don't have any type of limp mode. With a MAF sensor problem or disconnected, you have to hold your foot on the gas to keep it running.
Also, there are radiators on ebay as low as $130 or so. People have had relatively good success, a few early failures but with a lifetime warranty, you can't go wrong IMO. |
#5
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Re: 94 FWD with CEL code 23, won't idle but runs at 3k RPM
Okay, I suspected a lack of limp mode as a possibility. It runs *great* with the gas on. 3k RPM and up it sounds really nice. Except I've never driven this car.
Is the Silla model a good deal for $153? The only reference I have is other people selling it for double that in the same place. I don't want to go crazy, but if I can get a "$300 radiator" for an extra $20 or $30 over "a cheap one" (whatever that means), maybe it's worth it? Eric |
#6
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Re: 94 FWD with CEL code 23, won't idle but runs at 3k RPM
I've had the Silla radiator for a few years now. It has not given me any trouble.
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1992 LSL ebony pearl 170k - Thank you Ron Mummert Reading Box of Wine Car ----------------------------------- 1992 SVX LSL 5-Speed Sold at 180K 2019 1995 SVX Lsi Polo Sold at 118K 2007 |
#7
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Re: 94 FWD with CEL code 23, won't idle but runs at 3k RPM
Thanks Sean! I think I'll go with the Silla one, it seems somehow like it's a better deal. At least it has a big logo on it, which implies performance..
I'll get the Outback MAF to the garage and see how that goes. Is it possible there's a vacuum leak? They felt it could be a leak, because vacuum pressure is much lower at higher RPMs. Would it be worthwhile to get a hose kit while the garage has it and the radiator will be removed? This one came up as fitting my car, but I don't know about the quality, etc. I'm thinking red would look better under the hood than blue too, but just an idea. I've had my Outback for 13 1/2 years and never really felt inclined to do anything to it, but now that I have this car, I want to make it as good as I can, inexpensively if possible. Eric |
#8
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It's running!
Good news, the garage got it running. They used the spare Outback MAF and continuity checked the MAF wiring to the ECU (which was all working). The throttle body needed to be cleaned a bit but it's running really nicely now!
I went with this radiator: http://www.ebay.com/itm/230887012198...84.m1439.l2649 It's not mentioned, but it's the same Silla that others are selling for up to $300 on eBay. I talked to a salesperson on the phone there and asked what the make and model was and he looked it up and it's the same model, so I suggested they listed that in the auction. The shipping was free and no tax was charged and it was received overnight in Massachusetts, all the way from Florida, for free! So now to replace the hood and bumper and headlights and corner markers and figure out why the ABS light is on. Garage suggested it might be a speed sensor. The ABS computer was sitting in about an inch of ice when I wanted to check the lights on it. It's thawed out now and the garage will check it all out. Then to register and insure it and drive my new car for the first time! -Eric |
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