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Question

1997 Subaru Outback starts up, then stalls

Aug 3, 2017 7:00PM PDT

Hello all, I have a 1997 Subaru Outback automatic 4 cylinder 2.5 liter engine. Whenever I start it up, after a few seconds it stalls out. I've already replaced the fuel filter, the throttle position sensor, and the mass air flow sensor. I've also tried running the car with the oxygen sensor unplugged. That didn't make a difference. I am wondering if anyone knows what other parts could be related to this problem?

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Answer
check your tailpipe
Aug 3, 2017 7:06PM PDT

Maybe someone crammed something up there. Symptoms match it. If you don't see anything there, the exhaust may be choked at some other point.

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Answer
Subaru
Aug 4, 2017 11:40AM PDT

Hi, tjm; Prior to this problem, were you experiencing any problems? Was the check engine light illuminated after the engine started (prior)? As James noted, could be plugged exhaust (usually caused by a plugged catalytic converter). Almost always, there is a problem leading up to the cat getting plugged. There's a saying: Cats don't die, they are killed. But, regressing, any trouble codes stored in the computer is a place to start. Some of the larger parts stores will rent you a code 'puller'. It won't tell you what is wrong, but it will tell you if the computer 'saw' a problem. Then, post the code(s) you retrieve and we can go from there. btw, unplugging the O2 sensor will do nothing when the engine is cold. It has no effect until it reaches temp..but, it will 'set' a trouble code.