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2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 Sport Wagon- VIN JF1GG67555H8XXXXX- mileage about 80,000.Traveling at 65 mph on Interstate, the engine suddenly began misfiring and shuddering violently- the check engine light went on and the cruise control light began flashing on and off. The problem continued for the 10 miles to nearest exit even though slowing to 55 mph. Once off the Interstate and moving at about 40 the engine smoothed up even though the warning light stayed on, and we were able to continue at 45 mph with the cruise control functioning. The next day the engine seemed normal again (CC light no longer flashed) and mechanic felt the problem lay in the "coil pack" which he replaced with Subaru part. This seemed to cure the difficulty until this evening (2 weeks after) the check engine light and flashing CC lights went on even though the engine did not seem to revert to misfiring again. The inability to use the CC suggests a real problem exists which needs to be corrected. Please help!!
Country: United StatesMake: SubaruModel: ImprezaYear: 2005Engine: 2.5 L non-turbo Already Tried: Replaced coil-pack with Subaru part
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Hello, I'm Kevin
Hi
Hi! Can you help?
I can try..Have you scanned the car to get the code? When the Check Engine Light comes on, there is a code in the computer related to the reason for the light coming on
The Cruise light flashes anytime the CEL come on by default
The mechanic read the code.
P0420?
Don't know. He just said it told him the engine was misfiring. Uncertain which cylinders he said
I mean this last time..this evening?
without knowing the code, it's difficult to diagnose
May be different than 2 weeks ago, there are many possible codes
Are you still with us?
Yes, did you see my response about the latest code?
just scrolled and found your text. sorry -
Tno problem
sometimes this chat format is glitchy
If CEL stays on, does that mean CC won't function?
yes, by default
Did you check the latest code from this evening?
Should Subaru dealer be reasonably able to pinpoint the problem via fault code? Our regular mechanic gave us many maybes.
We can't check the code without an analyzer. It will have to go to mechanic in the morning.
yes, the first step is to access the codes so they know what system to look at... you say you have about 80, 000 miles on the car...is it over or under 80,000 miles?
Under 80,000
Okay, this is a good thing, the reason I ask is this....
I cannot say for sure since we don't know your fail code yet but... I have found that when a car has experienced misfire issues in the past, frequently the engine misfiring ends up damaging the Catalytic Converter, sometimes you wont see any indications of this for up to a month later (P0420 code) The P0420 code indicates a failing Converter... a converter costs around $1000.00
Now the good news... If it is a P0420 code... Subaru covers the total cost for 8 years or 80,000 miles
try not to mention you had a new coil installed for the misfire though (cough)
Keep in mind, you may have another code...from a loose gas cap to a number of other failures but I would check this out before you hit the 80,000 mile mark
In case it is the Cat
Makes sense?
Yes - so you think we should go right to the dealer tomorrow?
I would, they will want to get check out time up front..usually an 1.0 hr, assuming this issue isn't under warranty...ask them if this is a warranty issue like a converter, you will not be charged...You shouldn't be charged
but they will want 1.0 hrs authorized in case it is not a warranty failure
Keep in mind, if it isn't a Cat..it will be your cost to fix
OK and thank you!
My pleasure
one thing
if you have the code checked anywhere else first and it is a P0420, do not clear the code, then go to the dealer
Experience: 34 years of Subaru service experience, ASE Master Technician