Loss of Throttle Power
Asked by piney15 Oct 04, 2019 at 05:52 PM about the 2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited Wagon AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Hello,
This afternoon while driving on the highway (appx. 55 mph), my check
engine light came on and my car immediately decelerated to 40 and wouldn't
go higher even with my foot planted. Got off the highway, hit a red light and
dropped again to 20 and wouldn't go above. Idled to a parking lot and once I
put it in park it revved up to 3K and seemed like it wanted to climb. Shut the
car off. Once I tried to start it, it wouldn´t turn over. Got it to start and limped
it back home.
Anyone have any idea wha\t could be the cause?
Additional note: check engine light has been sporadically on and off for close
to 4 months due to a failing catalytic converter. It had been off for about a
week prior to today. Car has just over 200,000 miles.
7 Answers
lincolnscott49 answered 4 years ago
sounds like a clogged catalytic converter. You used the right wording as it's referred to as limp mode
What's the code? I wouldn't spend $1200 on a new cat for a 13 winter old OB just because of a PO420 unless it's truly clogged, as this code only refers to sufficiency as compromised for richer fuel than programmed for as a PZEV vehicle (started in 2005 Legs/OBs).
GuruSW818, it had been throwing the p0420 code for the cat. You are right, it doesn't make sense to spend that kind of money. I have run multiple bottles of cataclean through the system so I'm skeptical of it being completely blocked.
lincolnscott49 answered 4 years ago
Partially clogged is still a problem and can cause this problem. The cost of the part is under $200 from carparts.com and it isn't rocket science to change it out. I wouldn't spend $1200 on any cat either as it doesn't have to be OEM done by a dealer.
Generic cats are not legal in many states. In California you need the exact correct part as approved by the state which can easily run a grand. If you do not have inspections install a generic cat.
Was able to get the codes read today. Turns out that is now throwing a P2138 code which is the throttle/pedal position sensor. Any ideas where to go from here?
