Odd Idling Issue

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Hey everyone! First post here smile

I have a problem with my 1995 Subaru Liberty GX with its idling issue. Basically when I start it, it idles pretty high then comes back down to the normal range but alternates to a very low rev (soundng like it could stall but it doesn't) making it shake the whole car and then goes back up and back down, so whenever I'm at the traffic lights you start feeling abit sick with all shaking going on.

When I'm driving and accelerate getting ready to change gears, as I push in the clutch the revs just continue as if I'm still pressing on the accelerator.
The Liberty seems to be missing as you can hear it in the muffler. (Can post a vid if anyone wants one)

The things leading up to it:
Check engine light on, for the coolant temp sensor - I managed to replace that and at the same time took out the IACV to see if I could clean it but it was already very clean.
Changed iginition leads (from stock) which lead to an increase in resposiveness.

Things that are noticeable:
When I'm driving(especially accelerating ) you can hear fuel getting sucked up loudly (I'm guessing fuel pump?) comingstraight from the engine bay. I didn't notice this when I first got the car over a year ago, so I think this is a new development ..

Any help would be greatly appreciated (I really don't want to bring it into the dealership,I don't have the coin and I obtained a good socket set and have already some tools from when i worked on my car last time)
I just want my little subaru back to its former glory smile
Thank you for reading smile

tumler
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Re: Odd Idling Issue

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Does the noise coming from the engine bay sound like a waterfall? Might need to bleed out your heater core.

Re the idle issue, start with spark plugs, sensors, etc.

mrgnluke
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Re: Odd Idling Issue

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Yes it does somewhat sound like a waterfall.. I remember reading somewhere in the forums that this is because of air in the heater core?

Ok I guess with the idling issue I should start with spark plugs, does that mean just taking them out one at a time and cleaning them?
And sensors? Does that just include the coolant temp sensor, is there any other ones I should check out, that could also be causing this?

Thanks for the reply smile

tumler
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Re: Odd Idling Issue

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Start with the sparkies. They often fix idling issues.


Check this DIY for bleeding the heater core

http://www.subyclub.com/topic/3435-diy- … ng-system/

mrgnluke
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Re: Odd Idling Issue

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Thanks for the link :-)

I just changed all 4 spark plugs and the idling is still bad :-(

What sensors should i check out? Or any other things?

tumler
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Re: Odd Idling Issue

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Idle issue = Idle Air Control Valve
remove, clean, re-fit

for the waterfall, bleed the system

Robbks
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Re: Odd Idling Issue

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Robbks, it's already stated the IACV is clean

It could be MAF sensor related, maybe reading incorrectly.

Could be O2 sensor is dirty or stuffed.

Quite possible it's the knock sensor as its such a common occurrence.

Dropz
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Built not bought, it's a way of life.

Re: Odd Idling Issue

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definitely a busted sensor.
sounds like the same issue I had with my wife's 2000 RX
I went to subaru (they didn't charge me to tell me what sensor was busted-can't remember the name of it sorry, but if I get time i'l take a photo of it in the engine bay tomorrow) and then pointed me in the direction of another manufacturer of the sensor that was stacks cheaper than their sensor... same thing.
I know... subaru being helpful.... could hardly believe it smile

imprezab
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Re: Odd Idling Issue

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Take some carb cleaner and clean out your throttle body, the butterfly is not shutting all the way and then sticking.......

waygone
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