1999 Subaru -

DAVEMC

MEMBER
1999 SUBARU OUTBACK
4 CYL
AWD
MANUAL
190,000 MILES

Hi - I have a 1999 Subaru Outback- I replaced the 2.5l DOHC engine with a Japanese Domestic Market engine a few months ago-- used the old
manifolds and pollution control equipment - it ran fine for a few weeks - then had a bad oil leak - loose screws on the oil pump Fixed that. Now I consistently get trouble codes po130, po136, po500, po1100, po1101, po1120, po1540 and one more. I have Changed plugs, changed o2 sensor, checked the spark and the injectors. Car has a severely bad idle, chugging, and you can smell unburned gas, runs better above 3000 rpms. I suspect the ECU. Is it possible to reboot the ECU? I have disconnected the battery many times, did the timing belt again to make sure it was timed right. Checked vacuum lines Good battery, good alternator - Ready to junk the car. HELP?

Thanks Dave

1 Reply

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Hi Dave, You say the car ran all right for a few weeks? You can clear the codes by disconnecting the battery. Make sure the ignition is in the off position before disconnecting it. While the battery is disconnected check all the wiring that was moved when you put the engine in, especially by the exhaust. There could be a broken wire a loose wire or a wire that shorted out. When you reattach the battery the codes will still be there. On newer cars the car needs to be driven about 50 to 70 miles before the computer resets. Clean out the throttle body with some throttle body cleaner. I had to do that to my subaru a couple times over the past 5 years. Sometimes even a little carbon in the throttle body will mess up everything. Make sure you follow the instruction on the cleaner. Check the wires on each of the sensors on each wheel.