H6 Cold engine start, erratic idle

[null]

FYI

Just took my scooby in for service due to a cold engine start problem. The
engine idle would be erratic
and sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Service manager stated that the
new firmware for the ECM that open
up the various 'windows' for fuel trim, etc. He said what's happening is
the engine is fighting itself and
running lean then rich then repeat.

My dealer doesn't have the capability to reflash the ECM so its a two day
process to mail it to Subaru >
flash it > then mail it back.

 

[imaginuity]

bloody ridiculous - I bet the code is 5k or less ..... but even if it were 5
meg why would dealers not be allowed to have and install it? Isn't that the
point of dealers?

sigh

 

[null]

Well the ECM won't be back till Monday, in the meantime I've got a GMC
Sonoma to drive that reeks of stale
cigarette smoke, but I digress. The mechanic said that something to the
effect of "there's so many inputs
into the ECM that they're computer doesn't have that many inputs and can't
do it." A confusing message as
the mechanic apparently knows nothing about how the process works and
being a Software Engineer myself I confused
him more by injecting with how to flash a PROM.
They have the equipment to do the H4 but not the H6 (which is apparently a
very complex engine).
I guess if they send it out in the morning they'll get it back before 4pm
the next day but since they didn't
send it out until after 2pm I have to wait to Monday, which I actually
don't mind as now I don't have to
get my H6 full of pine needles getting the Christmas tree this year.

He did mention a few times how much more complicated the H6 is with
diagnostics and sensors. He lemented that
he dreads the day he has to inspect a timing chain on a H6, 59 bolts (4
lengths) and 'Subaru Seal' holding the cover on,
which spans the engine front of the engine.

 

[Dominic Richens]

Well [...repeat various apocryphal statements make by mech...]

Sounds like you need to find another mechanic...

 

[John M.]

He did mention a few times how much more complicated the H6 is with
diagnostics and sensors. He lemented that
he dreads the day he has to inspect a timing chain on a H6, 59 bolts (4
lengths) and 'Subaru Seal' holding the cover on,
which spans the engine front of the engine.

But what a beautiful piece of machinery the H6 is. I love mine. And yes,
that pretty much describes the timing chain cover. Good thing the chain is
rated to last the 'life of the engine'. The service manuals do an excellent
job of describing how everything works and what must be done.
I was under mine the other day for the first time... the joint between the
thermostat housing and the engine block was so smooth and tight, it almost
looked like there was not a joint there at all! I was very impressed.
John

 

[John M.]

He did mention a few times how much more complicated the H6 is with
diagnostics and sensors. He lemented that
he dreads the day he has to inspect a timing chain on a H6, 59 bolts (4
lengths) and 'Subaru Seal' holding the cover on,
which spans the engine front of the engine.

But what a beautiful piece of machinery the H6 is. I love mine. And yes,
that pretty much describes the timing chain cover. Good thing the chain is
rated to last the 'life of the engine'. The service manuals do an excellent
job of describing how everything works and what must be done.
I was under mine the other day for the first time... the joint between the
thermostat housing and the engine block was so smooth and tight, it almost
looked like there was not a joint there at all! I was very impressed.
John

 

[Verbs Under My Gel]

FYI

Just took my scooby in for service due to a cold engine start problem. The
engine idle would be erratic
and sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Service manager stated that the
new firmware for the ECM that open
up the various 'windows' for fuel trim, etc. He said what's happening is
the engine is fighting itself and
running lean then rich then repeat.

My dealer doesn't have the capability to reflash the ECM so its a two day
process to mail it to Subaru >
flash it > then mail it back.

Why the hell can't they send the dealer an ECM with the latest
firmware, then have the dealer mail them yours as a replacement?