99 BH9 Wagon - Poor acceleration and CEL on - intermittent SOLVED

[Responder]

Need help on what could be causing this - Car will run normally then the CEL will come on and it struggles to accelerate, put foot down and will hardly do anything. Sometimes start with CEL on and sometimes not, no real pattern. After a while (while driving) the CEL goes out (if I'm lucky) and the car performs normally. Just after some ideas on what to look at first e'g' MAF etc Also unsure if I can check codes on this using a Scan tool (OBD). I also run it on 91octane, should I be?? Thanks in advance.

1999 BH9 Legacy Wagon 2.5 NZ New 183000kms

[petrolheadjman]

There's a guide on how to check the codes yourself on here!!

Could be o2 sensor ?

[DRFVDR]

Just been thru this with my brothers car

firstly U will need to have it scanned as it is OBD11 and as such you can get codes BUT they dont make much sense , it should be run on '95 minimum ( but that wont cause this issue).

My brothers car had 2 issues number one which was giving the same issues was the Knock sensor was toast, it also has an issue with the VDC sensor that is intermittent

[neodowd]

My forester is doing that at the moment its the knock sensor, It puts the car into limp mode that's what the lack of power you would be feeling. The cel light comes up intermittently when it goes into limp mode.

[Responder]

Thanks, I will read the codes tomorrow.

[Responder]

Checked codes today using black wires (was using an OBD reader previously which of course didn't work), got a code 22 Knock sensor, removed it and it has 2 large cracks in it. It was also attached to the intake manifold not the head, gather it has been moved. Will purchase a new one and relocate it. Do I have to clear the code or will it clear itself?? Thanks

[DRFVDR]

Yeah thats exactly what the one i had to replace looked liked.

Should be bolted to the BLOCK

I would clear the codes ( although I think it should self clear )

[Responder]

Ok thanks! 8)

[pedro]

Orientation of knock sensor is important as is torque on retaining bolt.A quick search should provide info required

[Responder]

Thanks, will look it up

New sensor purchased $70, installed, I don't have a torque wrench, but all is fine. ;D