Car will start up strong, then idle pretty rough and shut off, any ideas?

Asked by TSumm Jun 02, 2019 at 04:30 AM about the Subaru Outback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

hello, so I have a subaru outback, and every time i start it, it starts great, fires
up, then the rpm goes down on the dash even when i give it gas. this results in
it roughly idling afterward and dying. if i start it up again, same thing  battery
connection is fine, bought a new one yesterday. clamps are brand new, and
the fuses are in good shape. any other ideas? before my Dad died, he replaced
the camshaft and crankshaft sensors, so I do not think its that. Before this
happened, at red lights I had to put one foot on the break, and use the other to
lightly rev the engine on occasion to help keep the rpm from dropping while
idling. it didn't need much, but now it won't even stay running.

2 Answers
40,075

beatupchevy answered 5 years ago

sounds like a bad IAC , of course things should be tested , fuel pressure , spark , timing , compression

Mark helpful

TSumm answered 5 years ago

The fuel pressure is good, and the filter was replaced about five months ago, my Dad checked it before he died recently.so I don’t think it’s the likely culprit. Fuses are checked and fine too. Could it be the spark plugs? Also, would it be better to replace the whole IAC or the motor? Also have been having a few electrical problems. Things like lights inside car going out on occasion, the headlights not as bright and sometimes dim while driving. I had to jump the car every time I started it to get it running. Not with the new battery however; I have a new alternator I bought a little ago and was thinking about trying that first? Thanks!

Mark helpful

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