2012 Outback engine stalls at stops and runs like crap -- easy DIY fix

[@restoreclassics]

Very good.....a mechanic that actually takes the time to Drive the car!! Tries to duplicate the complaint. Seen so many shops over the years that don't do this. AND....they don't adequately test drive AFTER repairs!! Kudos to you!

[@baja-automotive]

First rule in diagnostics Duplicate customer concern

[@musicgravelvideos]

Thank you, Baja Automotive for putting this video out. I've had trouble ever since I bought my 2014 Subaru outback 3 1/2 years ago, with low RPMs and the exact same issue when I come to a stop. Cleaned out the throttle bottle yesterday and did the relearn idle from Mr Subaru 1387 and she is as good as new! Thanks again!

[@baja-automotive]

Glad it helped

[@evanbrillhart8178]

Great video. Had the same problem with my 2010 impreza hatchback. Cleaned the filthy throttle and cleaned the MAF sensor and it doesn't bog out at all anymore

[@gustavomartinez324]

Yes the throttle will fix air fuel ratio making the car run closer to 14:7:1 air fuel ratio and that most car don’t have idle control valve it’s all built into the throttle body great job

[@JhonBlades]

This car looks similar to my sisters Legacy with similar issues. I see the throttle body has carbon build up. So they don’t have idle air control valves?

[@caraficionado4724]

As soon as I saw the first two minutes, I knew what the problem was:). Customer changed battery without resetting windows, or servicing throttle body and relearning throttle.

[@baja-automotive]

Good eye. It's a great diagnostic observation to use on any vehicle.

[@masterasia4175]

My car was already having idling issues when i came to a stop. I just changed my batter and it got even worse! What do you mean restarting windows? lmao im about to clean the throttle body and hope that it helps

[@byronmyers96]

@@baja-automotive do you have a video going over the throttle body relearn?

[@baja-automotive]

@@byronmyers96 I do not have a dedicated video I’ll add it to the bucket list. Subaru TB relearns are like trying to get old NES games to work; everyone has a minor different technique. But the results are the same. Mine is: Disconnect the battery pod and neg terminal, and short the battery leads together. This helps deenergize the computer memory better. 2. Clean the TB 3. Reconnect battery 4. Times turn ignition to “run” do not start car; leave for at least a min 5. Turn ignition off for 1 for at least a min 6. Start engine and let idle for 5-10 min. 7. Test drive vehicle normally around the block a couple times. Avoid driving like a car thief 8. Now open the throttle more and accelerate harder but avoid goosing it. 9. Done My technique has many steps and people will argue them. I recommend all these steps because the battery was disconnected and the learned ECU data was lost. These extra steps helps the ECU learn faster and accept the TB

[@byronmyers96]

@@baja-automotive thanks man. I've tried a couple different ways so far. and it runs better for about thirty minutes and then the problem comes right back.

[@VideoNOLA]

So same customer's scheduled for a rear hub(s) replace? Nice throttle body diagnosis. That's what immediately came to mind when I read the video Title. My Forester's relearn took a tad longer than expected, but settled down nicely after a few drives/miles.

[@Jordan__Sloan]

Keep the diag videos coming bro!

[@baja-automotive]

Will do!!

[@hfxpro]

Little late to this video, but I just noticed you had this labelled as a 2012 Outback. However, when you are servicing the engine, it appears to be the FB25B instead of an EJ253. Either they ran out of EJs at towards the end of the model year, or that is a 2013.

[@whoputyouontheplanet768]

I have a 2003 subaru outback ll bean edition, and when I come when I'm at low speed it cuts off and throws on the hazards any suggestions could cause that?

[@Blinknone]

I had a 2004 Subaru outback running a bit rough.. put in a new air filter, cleaned the MAF sensor, cleaned the throttle-body.. It drives like new now.

[@vansh1844]

Hey I got a 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5L whenever I stop at the lights my engine tries to shut down and my rpm goes low but when I drive it it’s good to go.I have replaced my ignition coils and spark plug but it didn’t help, what else can be the reason behind it?

[@cseliman]

I had same issue. I did exactly like in this video, cleaned throttle body and the problem disappeared. I changed my PCV Valve with a new one while I was there. I would also look into cleaning EGR Valve just to be on the safe side. Some of the hoses tend to get brittle so make sure you have some available just in case. Good luck.

[@hnd2893]

YT will only let me Thumbs Up once :O) Sometimes I'll mark the RO, C.O.D. (customer on drugs)🤪

[@wichoricardo]

Thanks for the video. I have the stall issue in my manual transmission 2015 forester. The throttle body was cleaned but the issue persists. Do you think it might be the clutch?

[@baja-automotive]

Put the car on a flat surface and walk the clutch (1st gear) in without using the accelerator pedal. If the clutch walks in without a problem and there is no clutch when driving; then I suspect the clutch system is good. If you’re having stall problems at stops (with a clutch) and the throttle plate is clean; then I would look at the lamda and fuel trims. Using a scan tool data log the AFR while monitoring the lamda. I would be looking for exhaust leaks on the exhaust manifold and around the o2 sensors. An exhaust leak around the O2 sensor will allow outside air to enter the exhaust stream when the clutch is pressed in at stops. The O2 sensor will read the air and change the fuel maps. Other people have an AFR that reacts slow

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

LOVE THE LOCATION OF THAT OIL PUMP.

[@baja-automotive]

Sarcasm?

[@sinistar426]

If you undid the battery terminals, regardless of cleaning the throttle body, dont you have to run an idle relearn just from taking the battery terminals off?

[@baja-automotive]

Subaru doesn’t have a throttle body relearn that requires a scan tool; like Chrysler. Just turn the key to the on position for 10 seconds and back off. I heard of other techs due a crazy key cycle sequence but I’ve can’t find it in service data.

[@andybowes5163]

I'm getting cylinder 4 misfire code...

[@CoastalCollectors]

Bro I vibed with that intro beat so hard.

[@user-wf4of7qk9p]

Would cleaning my throttle body fix the shuddering issue when coming to a stop?

[@kathylewis7543]

2010 subaru legacy over heated stopped immediately. Put water in it blasted heater got it home . Backyard mechanic replaced thermostat and rad cap. Ran for 9 days not an issue now today over heats again. God help everyone wants to just jump to head gasket. I'm poorer then dirt work at Wally World no one to help me. I'm the one helping others giving them rides. Any ideas. The belt on the 2.5 looks not great cracks in it. I bought one have to fix d someone to replace it. Why would it drive 9 days no issues now here we are again. Fans working. I done see if the water pump is leaking but coukd it be that? Coolant temp sensor? I'm driwni g right now scared out of my brains my life is over if I don't figure this out!?it's sink or swim time S.O S thank you😢

[@baja-automotive]

this sounds like a serious situation. I recommend your mechanic friend use this a.co/d/flxuA7A this device is used to determine if the headgaskets are leaking into the coolant system causing the overheating problem. If there is no combustion problem then the coolant system still has a bad air pocket that needs to be burped. Good luck

[@KaranGurjar-k3v]

Hello there, I have the 2013 subaru legacy 2.5. It’s been doing the same thing stalling whenever I put it into the gear after a cold start ( I let it warm up for 2-3 minutes). Went to mechanic yesterday (cleaned the throttle body). Also, I did the relearn by removing the battery for half an hour and then turning it on for 10 minutes and then again for 5 minutes and let it idle in Park mode. Note* relearn was done before throttle body cleaning. Any idea on what’s going on?

[@zzoinks]

Did you check the basics already? Like on eric the car guys FAQ he says first thing with performance issues is to make sure the basic items like oil level and filters have been checked before moving on to more complex checks and causes. That's to narrow down the possible causes and make sure the basic but essential systems are working first

[@jerrytalley802]

I have this exact issue of stalling, almost cutting off, getting worse over time.mine even does it when sitting at a light for example, just locking the door makes it sputter

[@baja-automotive]

Discounted the battery Clean the throttle Put back together and drive If problem persists after that perform a “stall test” Warm up engine and transmission Apply parking brake Step and hold down brake pedal hard Put car in drive and mash the accelerator pedal (pedal to the metal). Do not exceed 10 seconds Record max RPM Now put car in neutral for ten minutes Third step. Make sure parking brake is still on. Hold the brake pedal hard. Put car in reverse. Step on the accelerator pedal. Do not exceed 10 seconds. Record max RPM value. The recorded numbers should be between 2000-2300 rpm. If the numbers are off then the torque converter is failing

[@kevingeliu1759]

@@baja-automotive Hi baja, Thank you for the video. My outback was made in 2010 with 2.5i. It has the stall issue. I do the stall test as your instructions. The rmp is 2500 at both D and R range. Is that a pass or fail?

[@DaDaDo661]

Have you done this on a Gen6 yet? Do you have to pinch off the cooling lines going through the throttle body?

[@Argentinagang2022]

2012 2.5 w the CVT. All the sudden the car at 190k started to have the same stall issue and the revs would hunt around while idling in D. I took the time to clean out the throttle body and change the CVT fluid. It’s still happening, less, but it still happens. Plugged the battery back up, drove it around and all check engine lights went away. The battery is pretty shot so it has died on me fully a few times after doing the “repairs.” But now I’m a stand still not sure what else to now besides pull the engine. Any tips?

[@baja-automotive]

A good battery can make all the difference. Batteries do more than just start the engine, they work as a capacitor for the alternator. If the battery is failing to work as a capacitor for the alternator, then the load is going straight to the alternator; that can hamper the load on the engine and cause a rough idle. Think of it like this: Amperage draw is an angry leprechaun that wants to kick the alternator in the balls, the battery is the safety and takes one for the team. When the battery can no longs do it’s job correctly/or as sell then the alternator gets kicked in the balls and the engine suffers. When the battery is replaced I suggest performing a stall test.

[@andybowes5163]

Brother you've made it very clear... my 06 outback 186,000 mi is stalling when I reverse. I changed the sparkplugs, confirmed wires and spark are good, listened to the injectors... TIME TO PULL THE THROTTLE BODY! Head gaskets have been leaking for 90,000 miles but it doesn't seem to care. What is your opinion about upper engine cleaning? Subaru kit? Seafoam? Or don't bother? I'm definitely removing and cleaning the throttle body next. Thanks! My first SueBee Roo was an 87 GL-10 turbo front wheel drive... what a sleeper! 😂

[@andybowes5163]

Cylinder 4 misfire... 🤔

[@meestadeuce]

​@@andybowes5163misfire even tho you changed the spark plugs?

[@andybowes5163]

@@meestadeuce no compression... it probably burnt the exhaust valve or rings... it's been sold for scrap or auction. Thanks

[@samhill2655]

I have a 2013 2.5 cvt outback, and I’ve been having some weird issues, whenever I’m driving at slower speeds, parking lots/stop & go traffic, whenever I take my foot off the accelerator to coast I get a sort of loudish hum from the engine bay like it’s engine breaking and searching for that next drop down “gear”. It’s always sort of done this, I bought it new in ‘13, but it’s become much more pronounced lately. Any ideas? I was wondering if it’s a torque converter issue, and did the stall test you used jn this video and it registered about 2,200 rpm in Drive, and 2,100 rpm in Reverse. Could a cleaning of the throttle body & idle relearn help this, or does what I’m describing sound more like a transmission issue? Thanks for your time!

[@baja-automotive]

That’s an interesting noise. If you can make a detailed video with goo audio samples I would love to help. As for the throttle, the answer is yes. Subarus CVT start doing weird things when the throttle gets dirty. Depending on the fuel and type of driving. A throttle plate cleaning is recommended at least once a year. Most DIY folds do it every oil change

[@JasonB72481]

You might need the car to relearn the idle. Not to promote someone else, but MrSubaru does a video teaching how to relearn the idle. It's an easy but lengthy process. I believe you have to turn off all accessories, lights, radio, and etc. It would be best wind down the window so you don't have to open the door. Now with the door closed and car off, unplug the negative terminal of the batter for 10-30min. Reconnect the battery, then turn the key to the accessories on position(it will do the tach sweep, but not turn on the engine), don't start the motor. Wait 15-20 seconds, After that turn the car on for 10 min and let it run, don't use anything. Then turn off without taking the key out and wait 20seconds. Then turn back to the accessories on position for another 15-20 seconds. After that, turn the engine on again for 5 min and let it run again. Ater 5 min, turn off the engine wait another 20 seconds. Finally, you can now start it and go for a test drive. That worked great for me. I had my car at the dealership, they did the timing belt. But when I got it back, it was running like crap. I did the idle relearn procedure. And now it's so smooth. I have a 2010 2.5i Limited Legacy.

[@soccerdommer]

Filling their washer fluid with water?

[@baja-automotive]

Eagle eyes! Yup, that was water. The vender who supplies our concentrate washer fluid forgot to change the barrel.

[@huskeygaming94]

Alittle wheel bearing action as well

[@themessesIallow]

Me watching this intensely trying to figure out how to get my 2010 Subaru Outback to stop cutting out at stop lights AND stop signs SOS this is my first car too lmao and I'm still paying it off fml....... so I just need to have someone clean my throttle body?

[@baja-automotive]

It can be that simple! It’s all about measured air

[@baja-automotive]

Keep in touch is this doesn’t work. I’ll walk you through a stall test

[@snipusmaximus]

I got a 2009 forester. Basically same engine...had same prob, i was maybe a bit more thorough- subies are super touchy when it comes to anything on the intake I did the TB cleanout...id also give the mass airflow sensor a good squirt of MAF cleaner as well (check your airbox filter since your there) Once those are done, go through the idle relearn, you should be gravy Mines was a little more uncommon, it was actually the EGR with some bad buildup, it wasnt letting the valve move freely, i popped mine off, let the mechanical portion soak in some seafoam for an hour or so, got in with a wire brush and cleaned out that carbon buildup - i was able to actuate the solenoid on the bench and the valve was free again, popped that baby back on...and shes good to go

[@eriomnyc6073]

Hey Baja automotive - are you avail for a walk through on a 2012 outback ? I had my throttle body replaced actually , filter replaced, and I am still stalling out sometimes at stops - hard stops mostly. I was prepared to take it in to get the Torque converter replaced, But you think it may be a battery reconnection issue ? Did I understand that right ? Thanks so much for this! Moire

[@ranger178]

why am i the only person who got the engine with horrible oil filter underneath engine in the Y of the exhaust manifold. In the ring of fire where it is a complete pain to replace must be the limited or sporty models got the better engine with filter on top

[@Nockn0ck]

This was painful to watch , didnt even do the repair in camera , 19 min of him tryna play blueclues with the viewer

[@bobhemphut4011]

Well heres ur problem lady

[@stephenguthrie3907]

Sounds like he came to have you put on an egr valve .which I would have done after informing him it's the throttle body that needs cleaning .. Then when he came back I'd fix it .thus making two service fees .and the customer pays for the education .

[@baja-automotive]

I understand your position but that would cause a lot of headache eternally the tech and service manager. If the tech suspects the customer is making a bad call, we voice our concern. If the customer insists we perform the work anyways, the customer signs a statement of understanding and we proceed with repairs. It sounds like a waste of time but it never takes more then 5 minutes.

[@cjoakman7715]

I don't care if you're a random mechanic, or a friend of mine.....if I find out anyone has ran my vehicle up to almost 6k RPMs, we're having words! Wtf man!

[@franciscodupetit8780]

jalaste demasiada nafta boludito ?

[@baja-automotive]

Ok?!