The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > SVX Main Forums > Technical Q & A

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-27-2010, 06:40 PM
chimmychongaz chimmychongaz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 16
eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQZQZfkRPBQ

Ran fine for first few weeks. Then it would randomly lose power while driving or just sitting at a red light. When I press the gas pedal, the RPMs will drop, when I let off, the RPMs will surge up (in a tapping the pedal type manner).

If I hold the pedal down, it has troubles trying to rev and sounds as if it's misfiring or not getting fuel.

This happens intermittently and randomly (cold engine or warm engine). No CELs. It's happening more commonly over the past week. I was only finally able to get a video of it because it did it in the driveway today without even having to drive it.

It won't stall unless I let it idle for a few seconds. Has no problem starting, it will start every time. But most of the time I can still fire it up and drive to work with no problem.

When it happens when I'm driving, it only last a few seconds usually and then goes away and I'm able to drive home like nothing happend. Sometimes, it won't go away and I have to turn my car off for a few moments.

-new spark plugs
-cleaned MAF, didn't work. Opened it up to check solder points, they were fine.
-EGR works perfectly.
-New fuel pump.
-cleaned dirt off of Crank sensors and Cam sensor
-Grounds are good and connected, even did the extra grounding mod.
-I've tried wiggling wires to death to see if something is loose, to no avail.

It's hard to check voltage range for the sensors when the car is running like this because it won't idle by itself for very long and I usually have no one around me to keep it going while I try. When the car is running fine, everything is in spec.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-27-2010, 08:40 PM
SoCal LS-L's Avatar
SoCal LS-L SoCal LS-L is offline
Avalanche Alcyoneer
Subaru Silver Contributor
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 2,130
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

Swap in a known good MAF, mainly because it happens intermittently, in closed and open loop... and you can immediately restart it. A MAF sensor can be bad and still have good solder connections.
__________________
Chris

"A person convinced against their will, is of the same opinion still"

New?? Find the downloadable SVX Online Service Manual Here
RECOMMENDED READING for newer SVX owners Here some cool info if not fully accurate.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-27-2010, 09:05 PM
torxxx torxxx is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Alaska
Posts: 126
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

I will second the MAF problem. I've seen this many times on soobs (not just the SVX). I was having the same problems with mine and luckily just cleaning it took care of it (on my SVX) If you have a spare, swap it and test drive.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-27-2010, 09:52 PM
chimmychongaz chimmychongaz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 16
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

I don't have another. And Subaru's in general (especially the svx and parts) aren't common in this area.

I do have one from a ej18 that worked fine, but I don't know if that is usable for this motor. I read somewhere that even though there are different part numbers that the MAFs are the same. But I'm not too sure on that.

Anyone got one for sale?? I can only do paypal and shipped to 32507.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-28-2010, 09:48 AM
lhopp77's Avatar
lhopp77 lhopp77 is offline
Old Timer (age that is)
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico
Posts: 3,514
Send a message via Yahoo to lhopp77
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

I don't see where you ran diagnostic codes. Do this first BEFORE you start replacing and buying different parts. Go to the How To Section and look up the procedures.

Actually sounds like a cam sensor to me, but if it is the codes would indicate that.

Lee
__________________
SVXx2
92 SVX LS-L Silver
92 SVX LS-L Burgundy (structurally challenged with 2792 miles)
96 SVX LSi Red
92 SVX LS Pearl (Parts)
01 F150 4X4 Red
(+6 with other members of the family)

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-28-2010, 10:20 AM
chimmychongaz chimmychongaz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 16
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

There hasn't been any CELs, and nothing when I pull from the memory.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-28-2010, 10:23 AM
Cam Cam is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Posts: 1,029
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

It sounds like it could be an coil maybe. Have you checked for spark on all your ignition wires?
__________________
Cam

'92 Ls-L Dark Teal
11:1 CR ECUTUNE pistons
ECUTUNE .256 duration intake/exhaust cams
ECUTUNE STAGE 2AV1 ECU
Z32 MAF/SR20DET injectors
Balanced & Blueprinted
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-29-2010, 03:39 AM
subarufamily subarufamily is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: columbia, missouri
Posts: 237
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

mine did same thing before, swapped mafs, fixored it right up
__________________
William
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-29-2010, 07:31 PM
chimmychongaz chimmychongaz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 16
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam View Post
It sounds like it could be an coil maybe. Have you checked for spark on all your ignition wires?
Not yet. I'm dreading it since they are pretty hard to reach in my car. I'll be swamped with work until the weekend, I'll do it then and post with the results.

Any other testing of sorts that anyone would recommend?

Also yesterday, I took off my Crank Angle sensors and saw that they were pretty covered in oily dirt. I cleaned them off with a dry paper towel and it sounded like my car would idle and rev a lot smoother (when it runs right), but it still after a few minutes it started to do it's failure thing. I did notice that on one of the sensors, the metal covering to it (cylinder shaped piece that goes in to the block) was able to move from side to side, as in spin a little bit. The other side was stationary. Is that okay, or a bad sensor?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-29-2010, 09:06 PM
lhopp77's Avatar
lhopp77 lhopp77 is offline
Old Timer (age that is)
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico
Posts: 3,514
Send a message via Yahoo to lhopp77
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chimmychongaz View Post
Not yet. I'm dreading it since they are pretty hard to reach in my car. I'll be swamped with work until the weekend, I'll do it then and post with the results.

Any other testing of sorts that anyone would recommend?

Also yesterday, I took off my Crank Angle sensors and saw that they were pretty covered in oily dirt. I cleaned them off with a dry paper towel and it sounded like my car would idle and rev a lot smoother (when it runs right), but it still after a few minutes it started to do it's failure thing. I did notice that on one of the sensors, the metal covering to it (cylinder shaped piece that goes in to the block) was able to move from side to side, as in spin a little bit. The other side was stationary. Is that okay, or a bad sensor?
You say no CELs and that you have check codes, but have you actually followed the procedures in these instructions??

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/How-To/14337.doc

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/How-To/14340.doc

Believe me if you have followed these instructios and you have any of the problems that you indicate---YOU WILL HAVE SOME CODES!!! (This assumes that you have a 92-95 SVX)

If you have not actually done this--do it.

Lee
__________________
SVXx2
92 SVX LS-L Silver
92 SVX LS-L Burgundy (structurally challenged with 2792 miles)
96 SVX LSi Red
92 SVX LS Pearl (Parts)
01 F150 4X4 Red
(+6 with other members of the family)

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

Last edited by lhopp77; 03-29-2010 at 09:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-29-2010, 09:22 PM
chimmychongaz chimmychongaz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 16
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

I didn't know there was any other way to check the codes.

Yes, I have done those procedures, minus the TCU procedures as I have a 5spd. No CEL when symptoms are happening, and nothing stored. If you need proof, I can make a video or whatever you want showing no codes be thrown. Then of my trying to pull non-existent codes while engine is on. Then of me trying to pull non-existent codes from the memory.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-29-2010, 10:54 PM
Cam Cam is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Posts: 1,029
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chimmychongaz View Post
Not yet. I'm dreading it since they are pretty hard to reach in my car. I'll be swamped with work until the weekend, I'll do it then and post with the results.

Any other testing of sorts that anyone would recommend?

Also yesterday, I took off my Crank Angle sensors and saw that they were pretty covered in oily dirt. I cleaned them off with a dry paper towel and it sounded like my car would idle and rev a lot smoother (when it runs right), but it still after a few minutes it started to do it's failure thing. I did notice that on one of the sensors, the metal covering to it (cylinder shaped piece that goes in to the block) was able to move from side to side, as in spin a little bit. The other side was stationary. Is that okay, or a bad sensor?
Are you referring to your knock sensors? If so they will make your engine lean out the air:fuel ratio. This could cause some of the conditions you have described, I suppose. Could be worth a try.
__________________
Cam

'92 Ls-L Dark Teal
11:1 CR ECUTUNE pistons
ECUTUNE .256 duration intake/exhaust cams
ECUTUNE STAGE 2AV1 ECU
Z32 MAF/SR20DET injectors
Balanced & Blueprinted
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-30-2010, 04:22 AM
chimmychongaz chimmychongaz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 16
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

No. These were the two sensors that are side by side, sitting directly above the crank pulley.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-30-2010, 11:11 AM
SoCal LS-L's Avatar
SoCal LS-L SoCal LS-L is offline
Avalanche Alcyoneer
Subaru Silver Contributor
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 2,130
Registered SVX
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lhopp77 View Post
Believe me if you have followed these instructios and you have any of the problems that you indicate---YOU WILL HAVE SOME CODES!!! (This assumes that you have a 92-95 SVX)

If you have not actually done this--do it.

Lee
OBD-I is notorious for being a bit blind to component failure.... and it can only detect electrical failure in most cases, not mechanical. Most of the sensors do not have 3rd signal wires so their ECU cant detect if the sensor or control valve is at a correct position for the setting given.

Basically if an OBD-I system gives you a correct code for the failing component, you are lucky.
__________________
Chris

"A person convinced against their will, is of the same opinion still"

New?? Find the downloadable SVX Online Service Manual Here
RECOMMENDED READING for newer SVX owners Here some cool info if not fully accurate.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-30-2010, 04:50 PM
chimmychongaz chimmychongaz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 16
Re: eg33 misfiring and sputtering at random times (have video)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCal LS-L View Post
OBD-I is notorious for being a bit blind to component failure.... and it can only detect electrical failure in most cases, not mechanical.
I was wondering why "open/short circuit" was the only reason provided when looking at codes for the sensors.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:32 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122