Subaru Exiga caught fire today..... :'(

[produkt-nz]

Hi Team,

Posting here as the Exiga is based on the Legacy platform so it's the closest match.

Today my partner drive with bubs to get her flu jab - she said the car was 'making a funny noise' - thanks for that hun - I instantly thought big end's ..... Turns out there was a small fire in the engine bay, standing in front of the radiator, right-hand front side as per photo's below.

Can anyone knowledgable tell me what the component is and why it might've done this?

Part close up

 

General overview
 

 

Noise video (forgive dirty suby - storm yesterday in chch)

While engine running, dashboard chowing check engine light and flashing Sports on the Si-Drive icons

 

Edited May 1, 2019 by produkt-nz
Additional information

[Jono24]

Isn't that the emissions air pump thingy which works at start up to make the exhaust cleaner? (or something like that)

 

Have you checked to see if there are any recalls on your model? Would be worth a look i reckon.

[Joker]

bugger! too new for me

 

secondary air pump?

[produkt-nz]

10 points to that man - someone on facebook had the answer  = 

 

where would I source one?

Assuming from research that it was stuck open as it is a valve and exhaust gases cooked it. Thoughts?

[Jono24]

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15344939/subaru-recalls-100000-cars-for-smog-pumps-that-could-melt-and-catch-fire/

 

And the NZ recall, although Exiga isn't listed, I'm guessing this is because it wasn't officially sold here.

 

https://www.recalls.govt.nz/recall/subaru-forester-impreza-legacy-outback-wrx-model-years-2007-2014

[Gripless]

1 hour ago, Jono24 said:

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15344939/subaru-recalls-100000-cars-for-smog-pumps-that-could-melt-and-catch-fire/

 

And the NZ recall, although Exiga isn't listed, I'm guessing this is because it wasn't officially sold here.

 

https://www.recalls.govt.nz/recall/subaru-forester-impreza-legacy-outback-wrx-model-years-2007-2014

Interesting that relay is the same as the one for the aircon clutch which seems to fail a lot too. 

 

From the sounds of it, it’s just the pump running from the relay fault and not the valves sticking so all the bad parts are up front and easy to get too. 

[JordanfromNZ]

Wow. Today I learned..

[Batbaruman]

You can delete the air pumps instead of replacing right? Think they’re quite expensive to replace and common aftermarket thing to do is a delete procedure


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[1randomkiwi]

Might be worthwhile contacting Subaru NZ with your registration (number plate) and VIN number and ask them to check if they are carrying out recall action on behalf of Subaru Japan.
That way you can take it in to a dealership to be repaired/replaced at no cost to you.

I've emailed them before to check if my car had any outstanding recalls. They are a bit slow to respond, but they do get back to you.

 

Either fill out the contact form on their website or call 0800 SUBARU (0800 782 278)

[Andy_Mac]

Try Subaru direct as a first option.

 

Being that it is probably just the relay and pump you should be able to find a used one cheaply from someone who has deleted it. I kept all my air pump stuff for a few years in case anyone needed anything but chucked it all last year sadly.

 

Deleting it is cheaper than fixing but is a pig of a job so wouldn't want to be paying a mechanic labour to be doing it.

[flyingbrick]

Excellent advice