Sluggish Forester Revisited

Yeah, except for the bit of sluggishness after starting, the surging doesn't start immediately - always on the far end of my trip (I travel

The fuel filter was changed 22,000 km (and 14 months) ago. Could that be the problem so soon after replacement? Faulty filter perhaps?

Or is a sticking injector possible? (I can also hear some rapid (valve?) tapping when I'm going uphill - not loud, but noticeable).

Thanks!

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Didja check for O2 sensor function?

It can do all sort's of weird stuff if it is failing / has failed. Including the stuff you are describing.

It does NOT always throw a code when it goes bad (which is how I know all this stuff, driving around a while with it bad).

The tech mentioned that and probably got sidetracked by the misfired cylinder which did show up on the scan. I'll ask them to check it. Thanks.

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I forgot, is this an auto-tranny? NMaybe a good power flush of the tranny will clean some gumminess outta some valve seats or something? Also, have you noticed ANY 'jerkiness' making sharp turns/maneuvering in parking lots?

Carl

Yes, it's an auto. Wasn't sure if they still did power flushes. I had one done to my Golf years ago, and it made quite the difference. I haven't noticed any jerkiness making turns and that, but the sluggishness when I first start it can get a little jerky as it takes a second or two for the engine to respond to my foot on the pedal. Also, the shift between power loss and sudden acceleration on the highway can definitely be classified as jerky. (It's a wonder there isn't an imprint of my nose on the steering wheel :)

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I suggest this COULD be a transmission problem. Many folks have had good results from multiple drain/refill drive/repeat - type sequences (3-5 times) or 'power flushes'.

Carl

Good point. If you haven't had it flushed it's about time anyway.

I look to get it done on Monday.

My only other question is: if it's happens to be a failing oxygen sensor, what happens if it fails altogether? Will I find myself on the side of the highway testing out my new cell phone?

Thanks!

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They usaully get 'lazy' first before failing completely. That's not to say a connectoer or wire isn't about to come loose. Plus, you would likely get some kind of diagnostic code indicating the O2 sensor after the CEL came on. I suspect the ECU would go into 'limp home' mode and default to the factory emergency map and you'd likely be able to at least drive to a safe place if not home or to a mechanic. Not sure.

Carl

T'was the O2 sensor after all. They put in a new one today and so far it's riding perfectly.

Thanks all for the info!

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