2005 Subaru forester dies when stopping, CEL now flashing, before solid and idled rough

Asked by Mreouski Jan 05, 2016 at 12:35 PM about the 2005 Subaru Forester X

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2005 subaru forester started to run rough when idling, CEL solid-ran the
code, misfire on cylinder 3.  The mechanic stated there was a loose
connection in spark plug, fixed that, sent me on my way.  Same issue
happened with an added bonus of total stalling when stopped.  Car cleared
code as I went back to the shop, couldn't find a problem (for some reason
they couldn't recall the past codes).  That shop said they would start by
replacing coil pack on cylinder 3.  Left it with my mechanic friend, he
deduced it was potentially the catalytic converter (didn't die on him, did not
fix yet), drove it today, same issues (dying, rough idle), except now CEL is
flashing and once I limped it home there was smoke under the hood-no fire.  
Anyone had this issue? Catalytic converter?  Coil pack?

5 Answers
223,905

Rowefast answered 8 years ago

Could be either or...does the exhaust sound like it is hissing? sound different than before?

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Mreouski answered 8 years ago

As far as I'm aware exhaust and everything else sounds the same other than when stopped/decelerating it starts to run rough so things rattle. I haven't paid attention to exhaust noise though, if that is hissing could there be a different issue?

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223,905

Rowefast answered 8 years ago

I was only referring to the exhaust as these symptoms you describe sound like a plugged catalytic converter. Your mechanic must have checked for a code to want to replace the coil pack. It could very well be part of the problem.

1 people found this helpful.
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223,905

Rowefast answered 8 years ago

If he finds a bad electrical connection to the coil, then it can be remedied, fixed easy enough. If the coil or coil pack is bad it needs to be replaced. The cat if plugged up would need replacement.

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