infamous 5MT low idle stall

[mbtoloczko]

After the 5MT swap, my car was stalling occasionally when I would push in the clutch when bringing the car to a stop or pulling into a driveway, etc. I was hoping the ECU would sort itself out and the stalls would cease, but it didn't happen. Then, I was hoping that when I rewired the ECU input to make the car think it was in neutral, that would fix the problem. It hasn't though. I've been looking through the threads here, and it appears that everyone with a 5MT has the same stalling problem. Anyone found a fix?

[svxsubaru1]

I never had had the probelm, and iam using the NSS to let it run right now. My car does idle at around 500 rpms tho, right on very bottom bar on the tach.

[svxsubaru1]

Originally Posted by svxsubaru1

I never had had the probelm, and iam using the NSS to let it run right now. My car does idle at around 500 rpms tho, right on very bottom bar on the tach.

Now my car does have the stalling issue, it went for about 1/2 a year with out it. hopefully its tune up/Vacume hose thing.

[SVXer95]

I still have the 4eat, but I have a similar issue that may or may not be related. Possibly if we figure out one it will be the answer for the other.

When I put my car in park with it idling, and move the selector toward reverse without using the brake or pushing the shift button, the car goes into a high idle. After letting go, it tries to stall. I understand why it would idle high while doing that, but I don't get why it tries to stall. Sometimes it stalls (very rarely) and most of the time the rpms just dip way down without stalling.

Perhaps the two are related and it is not a MT thing. Possibly a computer related issue like you thought.

[RisingPhoenix]

Originally Posted by SVXer95

I still have the 4eat, but I have a similar issue that may or may not be related. Possibly if we figure out one it will be the answer for the other.

When I put my car in park with it idling, and move the selector toward reverse without using the brake or pushing the shift button, the car goes into a high idle. After letting go, it tries to stall. I understand why it would idle high while doing that, but I don't get why it tries to stall. Sometimes it stalls (very rarely) and most of the time the rpms just dip way down without stalling.

Perhaps the two are related and it is not a MT thing. Possibly a computer related issue like you thought.

Agree. The computer is telling the engine to run rich (excessive air) or run less (restricted air) or retard the air, thus, I think a reducer at the Air box might solve this.
Has anyone tried installing a resistor/transistor to any of the transmission wires?
A resistor just may be enough to give that proper 'balance' the computer needs between engine control and transmission. JMT

[SoCoNoHa]

I believe it's already been proven to be the Idle Air Control Valve (not sure if auxiliary or main) that can't open fast enough when the clutch is pushed in and the rpms start to fall. Someone in this forum removed their IACV but left it connected so as not to throw a code, then installed a non functioning valve in its place that always allowed enough air for idle. Boom. No more stalling.

We should be able to do the same thing, maybe with a cheap plumbing valve from home depot, just to make sure the engine doesn't choke when the throttle closes.

I'd love to tinker with this theory myself, but my 5mt swapped SVX just doesn't stall. No idea why but I'll take it

[huck369]

None of my 5-speed swaps have had the stalling issue....

[SoCoNoHa]

Originally Posted by huck369

None of my 5-speed swaps have had the stalling issue....

Isn't it strange how some people get it and others don't? Seems to me it's either an electrical issue or a mechanical condition. Basically people don't get the wiring JUST right (missed a ground or something) or a component that's on its way out before the swap starts causing issues afterwords. But what do I know?

By the way Huck, did they offer the XT6 with a manual or did you have to swap that as well?

Perhaps you should consider raising the idle RPMs. Let's be realistic, eh? The SVX engine is still smooth and quiet at, say, 900 RPM. That factory default of 610 is a little conservative just for the purpose of keeping things quiet in the car.

You've got a Stebro anyways, Mychailo.

I believe I once remember NikFu mentioning that he has raised his idle RPMs to about 900 - 1000. I don't remember how though.

[mbtoloczko]

It seems that there is no idle adjustment. The idea of adjusting the idle has been tossed around quite a bit in the forums, but the consensus is that the ECU sets the idle, and there's no way to adjust it. Its too bad because it sits right at 600 rpm now, and if I could get it up to 800 rpm, that would solve the problem.

[BLKSVX92]

mine also does this. It has happened while turning(scary) and other times. However, it is not consistent, it doesn't happen all the time, it seems to happen only when it wants to.

[Chiketkd]

Mychailo, have you ever posed the question of idle adjustment to red95svx? He might know (or could ask one of the mechanics at his dealership) how to adjust the idle on the SVX, and if not he could send a request to Subaru of America...

Just a thought.

-Chike

P.S. On most manual cars (like my old '90 300ZX TT and '95 Camaro) there is an idler adjustment screw near to the throttle body that can be adjusted with a screw driver. Automatics are probably different though (as all SVX's started out this way)...

Originally posted by mbtoloczko
It seems that there is no idle adjustment. The idea of adjusting the idle has been tossed around quite a bit in the forums, but the consensus is that the ECU sets the idle, and there's no way to adjust it. Its too bad because it sits right at 600 rpm now, and if I could get it up to 800 rpm, that would solve the problem.

I havent experianced this condition.

[mbtoloczko]

Originally posted by Green1995SVX
I havent experianced this condition.

Cool. That means I should be able to stop it from happening on my car. I guess I'll have to clean the throttle body again and clean the IAC.

[Jade Dragon]

To raise the idle, its easy. I did this to my 93 legacy. unscrew your TPS and adjust it up/down until you find the idle you want. the ecu thinks its getting the correct data, so it wont adjust it down