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Subaru Legacy/Outback Wagons Maintenance & Repair

8641 messages,  Last post on May 03, 2013 at 9:35 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Wagon

Messages Page 592 of 865

#5902 of 8641 Re: Oxygen Sensor 1991 Subaru Legacy [fibber2] by goosegog

Mar 02, 2006 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: fibber2 (Mar 01, 2006 7:29 pm)
I agree that you cannot tell the condition with OBD1 unless it fails. OBD2 is more sensitive and does more diagnostics. I don't know if replacing before failure is useful, unless the thing is a helluva lot cheaper than mine. I think I'd just wait unless there's already a driveability problem.
 
I posted about 3 weeks ago about the upstream O2 sensor in my 2000 OB. Well it's replaced now. Instead of buying the Subaru part for CAN$379 + tax I ordered from an online US supplier for US$97. The correct part arrived and I opted to have it installed. It's just as well I didn't try it myself because he couldn't get it unscrewed without sawing it off first and using a big socket. The thread stripped and had to be recut. Total cost was <CAN$150 before tax.

#5903 of 8641 Re: Oxygen Sensor 1991 Subaru Legacy [goosegog] by fibber2

Mar 02, 2006 (1:04 pm)

Replying to: goosegog (Mar 02, 2006 12:42 pm)
My limited experience with pre-OBD2, Brian, was that it had to be near truly, totally dead before the system would log a code. I thought from the tone of his note that he was having driveability issues (maybe I read too much into it?), so given the age & mileage, it seemed like a worthwhile stab in the dark.
 
Steve

#5904 of 8641 RE: Oxygen Sensor 1991 Subaru Legacy by 95clubwagon

Mar 02, 2006 (8:14 pm)

Thanks for the pointers. Yes this Legacy just hasnt been running like it used to and the fuel economy has been lower than its previous average. If I disconnect the Cat Converter, and it does run smoother should I buy another cat? I assume the OBD1 are the type of oxygen sensor used in this legacy model? Any suggestions on the cat or sensor to purchase?
Thanks for your help.

#5905 of 8641 New Legacy Gt & want better handling by subiesinco

Mar 03, 2006 (12:42 pm)

Just got a new Legacy GT and have heard some after market upgrades are avaliable I'm interested in handling performance first ANY IDEAS on first steps and/or recomendations ??
Rich

#5906 of 8641 RE: Oxygen Sensor 1991 Subaru Legacy [95clubwagon] by goosegog

Mar 03, 2006 (1:49 pm)

Replying to: 95clubwagon (Mar 02, 2006 8:14 pm)
OBD1 or 2 refers to the type of On Board Diagnostic system. OBD2 has been mandatory for about 10 years or so and monitors more stuff in greater detail than OBD1. It also has a standardized connector for a scanner whereas OBD1 may or may not have a connector and is not standardized very much at all. With OBD1 typically you must dig out the computer from under the seat or wherever and then watch some lights flash. That tells you nothing unless you have the information to interpret them.
 
You car is OBD1 and the only good thing about it is that items like O2 sensors are simpler and cheaper than those for OBD2. You just have to buy the appropriate parts for your model and year and they will have the appropriate functionality and connectors (if required). I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong but I think a cat is a cat and the only requirement for your car will be the physical fit. Any muffler shop can provide one for you and I doubt if brand makes any difference. The sensor you can get from Subaru or most after market suppliers, and replace yourself if you are handy with wrenches and stuff. It probably has only one or two wires, unlike my 00 OB which has four.
 
I'm not sure how you propose to disconnect the cat. If you mean replace it with a piece of straight pipe I'd be surprised if the car ran better unless it has collapsed internally and is obstructing the exhaust flow.

#5907 of 8641 Re: New Legacy Gt & want better handling [subiesinco] by garandman

Mar 04, 2006 (7:27 am)

Replying to: subiesinco (Mar 03, 2006 12:42 pm)
Just got a new Legacy GT and have heard some after market upgrades are avaliable I'm interested in handling performance first ANY IDEAS on first steps and/or recomendations ??
 
Lose the OEM tires.
 
You can go to a site like LegacyGT.com and learn what aftermarket swaybars, springs, coilover shocks, harder bushings, and other things can be done so that the vehicle will handle better, at the expense of thousands of dollars and terrible ride quality.
 
The best return on investment would probably be from Skip Barber.

#5908 of 8641 Hesitation 2005 Outback 6.0 by richz3

Mar 04, 2006 (11:51 am)

This Outback performed beautifully for about 4 weeks when new, then started hesitating when the pedal was floored starting, coming off a ramp or passing. It's worse when engine is cold, but persists when warm, and more hesitation in colder weather. Happens with high test or regular fuel. Took it back to dealer, who re-flashed it, and it did well for about 2 weeks, but now back to hesitating. Back to dealer again and Service rep felt it, but said it was "normal" for this to happen because the transmission was learning and takes time to make a decision about which gear to choose! Now has 13000 miles and clearly hasn't "learned." Hesitation is about 1 second into first downshift, then about 2 seconds into the next lower gear downshift, and then it takes off fine. Any thoughts on getting this fixed?

#5909 of 8641 RE: Oxygen Sensor 1991 Subaru Legacy [95clubwagon] by fibber2

Mar 04, 2006 (10:16 pm)

Replying to: 95clubwagon (Mar 02, 2006 8:14 pm)
Brian filled in the info about OBD1 & 2 systems. I have a laptop package for OBD2, and you can really learn a lot about how things work by watching a bunch of different functions graph at the same time.
 
The newer cars have O2 sensors with multi wires because they incorporate quick warmup heaters and other functions. The older cars were often just 2 wire. The parts counter will give you the correct one for your year.
 
My suggestion about removing the cat was only to help diagnose if the present one was clogged to the point that it was restricting flow & causing driveability issues. If not, put it back on. If it is, replace it. I value the air we breath very much, and do not advocate permanent removal the cat.
  
Steve

#5910 of 8641 Re: "96 legacy outback stalls [lindasubaru] by relisii

Mar 06, 2006 (5:05 am)

Replying to: lindasubaru (Jan 15, 2002 10:06 am)
Hello Linda. My wife and I also have a 96 outback and we are experiencing the same issues. We also had plugs and wires replaced and it addition had Oxygen Sensors replaced and we still have the same issues...Car stalls when cold and going up hills...Loss of power followed by engine shut down. If you've had any luck lately please pass on the advice.

#5911 of 8641 Check engine light by markk1

Mar 06, 2006 (10:32 am)

My 2000 Outback 82K has had the check engine light go and off for the last month or so. It seems to come on for a day or two and then go off for a week or so, probably done this about 3 times. It turned out coincidently I had a dealer visit just after the first time. The dealer told me not to worry about it since it turned off. I should note that I have been carefully checking the gas cap so that is not the issue and my car passed the emissions inspection when it was at the dealer.
 
Any thoughts? should I be concerned about this?

Messages Page 592 of 865

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