2005 Subaru Outback 2.5l wagon
Asked by Subaru_tric3 Dec 08, 2016 at 05:33 AM about the 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 i Wagon
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I rwplaced he o2 sensor upstream and the code
went off then back on again both times a constant
check engine light with a flashing cruise control
light. It is good for about a day then comes back on
after being reset. Bought it with a bad o2 sensor
and after replaced the oil got really dirty as it's
cleaning the cars system out as it was not working
when the bad o2 sensor was in. I'm gonna replace
the valve covers cause I noticed it burns oil at idle.
Having a lot of blow by. The thing I don't
understand is the car chugs a bit when I use cruise
then cruise stops working and the lights back on.
What does this sound like the issue might be?
7 Answers
2005 Subaru has a very overly complicated emissions system... Good luck. Problems, see a professional. If it were my car, I'd try and change out the system if possible, probably NOT possible. Or, maybe it's time to retire the car?? If you haven't had head gaskets failed, get rid of it before you do....it's just a matter of time. Sorry.
Leaking valve covers, oh boy, it's a ticking time bomb.... and blow by, oil burning. I don't know how many miles are on your car, BUT, it's 12 years old. I would NOT proceed ... How long have you owned this car?? I'm guessing that you haven't had it long enough to know the history of the car?
I doubt the emissions system on your car is anymore complicated than any other car of that year but you are due for an engine rebuild. If the job is done right then you could get another 200,000 out of the car but you will have to decide if it is worth it.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 7 years ago
2005 and late 2004 PZEVs were "mongrels" in that they had weird emissions systems comprising FIVE O2 sensors. O2 CEL codes seemed random, leading us wrenches to pull our hair out. Great simplification occurred with the variable-valve motor in '06-'12. Sorry, but '05s will always be problematic.
Ernie, thanks for clarifying this for the record. I seem to recall that you said that the 2005 Subaru's had a problematic emissions system. Happy Holidays.
Could also be that you need to have your accelerator pedal replaced. Same thing you mentioned here happened to me and this fixed it. Very easy repair to do yourself too :)
