shutting off when stopped

10

Asked by kaileealyce Jul 25, 2016 at 02:33 PM about the 2003 Subaru Forester XS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2003 subaru and it keeps shutting off whenever I drive it. It only
shuts off when I have to stop completely and it will start right back up. I do
not think its the battery because the lights and radio stay on. I took it in to
get it looked at and they thought it was over heating so every morning i
check the oil and water in it and its fine. I know I have a oil leak. What
could be making it just shut down ?

12 Answers

103,215

Does it idle at all? May have a bad IAC (idle air control valve). Should also check the EGR, if it is opening when low RPM or at idle it can kill an engine.

2 people found this helpful.
10

no its not idleing at all. its like i just turned the key once and its just sitting there

1 people found this helpful.
48,700

As Ken said, check the air control valve (ACV). If you've got a CEL then for god's sake read it!

2 people found this helpful.

If the battery was disconnected (mine stalled did that after the battery was disconnected). The onboard computer needed to re-calibrate the idle level ect. Drive it for 400 km or take it to a mechanic to put their "gun" over it.

10

Help.... 2011 Subaru Impreza 2.5 4cyl 5 speed non turbo sedan shutting off while driving... new battery... alternator checked (voltage fluctuates between 14/15 while cars on) Batt test at 14 while cars off... slight high/ low idle... power steering goes car shits off lights stay on

10

Yes, all the lights when on, after driving and restarting they went off... I've also noticed while turning in slow speed brake or clutch in sometimes it also shuts off... found corrosion on positive batt terminal (even though it was cleaned before). Disconnected batt... took apart throttle body and cleaned it with a rag and carb cleaner.. it had stuff caked around it it. I cleaned both terminals and put special spray on terminals to avoid future corrosion and covered it. I noticed the idle would cycle high to low and I read about reprogramming idle.... idk if I did it right but seems to drive better.. key in ig for 10 sec w/o turning it on take out key in ig for 30 sec w/o turning it on then turn it on wait till fans kick on then turn on ac run for 3 min.... seems to idle better... had factory recall for airbag and lamp assembly and replaced a broken ground wire.. seems ok noticed radio lights left/right arrows flicker on and off.... short?

1 people found this helpful.
48,700

Did you hold the throttle body's venturi sprung open (horizontal) while spraying and then scrubbing the best you can the upper and lower "ring" surfaces. The throttle plate must sit on a perfectly clean venturi in order for the idle system to be stable. Check for a dislodged hose (vacuum leak) while you're under there too. No CEL?

10

No CEL ... I have checked the hoses and didn’t find anything.... cars been at the dealership for 2 recalls and now because they broke my dash (and didn’t say anything) I should be picking it up tomorrow and checking how it drives after the clean... fingers crossed!!! TY Boston Subbie God... I’m actually going to Boston on Monday lol

Your Answer:

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 34,037 nationwide Forester listings starting at $1,999.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Subaru Forester

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,630
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,970
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
1,202 Great Deals out of 34,028 listings starting at $900
Used Toyota RAV4
1,968 Great Deals out of 34,284 listings starting at $2,300
Used Honda CR-V
2,003 Great Deals out of 37,778 listings starting at $1,600
Used Subaru Impreza
322 Great Deals out of 9,251 listings starting at $2,650
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,003 Great Deals out of 10,615 listings starting at $2,995
Used Subaru Legacy
324 Great Deals out of 7,064 listings starting at $1,250
Used Toyota Highlander
1,457 Great Deals out of 14,925 listings starting at $1,825
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,176 Great Deals out of 55,929 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda Pilot
1,066 Great Deals out of 31,451 listings starting at $1,500
Used Toyota Camry
2,124 Great Deals out of 43,930 listings starting at $1,150

Used Cars for Sale

2025 Subaru Forester For Sale
22 Great Deals out of 19,043 listings starting at $27,999
2024 Subaru Forester For Sale
85 Great Deals out of 3,664 listings starting at $25,188
2023 Subaru Forester For Sale
84 Great Deals out of 862 listings starting at $19,500
2022 Subaru Forester For Sale
89 Great Deals out of 1,333 listings starting at $14,995
2021 Subaru Forester For Sale
121 Great Deals out of 1,619 listings starting at $11,955

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.