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
220,815

Rowefast answered 8 years ago

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

Mark helpful

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?

Mark helpful
220,815

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.
Mark helpful
220,815

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.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 2005 Subaru forester dies when stopping, CEL now flashing, before solid and idled rough 5 Answers

    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 wa...

    2005 Subaru Forester X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • code p0171 2013 subaru forester cel and cruise light on 2 Answers

    Recently my little soobie's cel and cruise light came on. I have noticed over last month that the engine has been knocking esp at lower speeds and when under a load (accelerating) and has had slowe...

    2013 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2005 Subaru Forester 2.5x 3 Answers

    I bought a 2005 Subaru Forester a little while ago and it seems like it's shifting up late and down shifting early and it never fully reaches operation temp I think it might be to help it warm up f...

    2005 Subaru Forester X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • subaru forester 2005. misfire, flashing check engine light. 1 Answer

    I have a 2005 subaru forester. I've had the common problem of the check engine light solid and blinking cruise control going on for a few months now. As car has been running fine, i didn't look into...

    2005 Subaru Forester

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Check engine light and flashing cruise control 2006 Subaru Forester 7 Answers

    Followed the advice I read here. Disconnected the negative terminal on the battery for 30 mins, removed gas cap and put it back on securely, turned ignition to ACC for a few minutes. Then started ...

    2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 29,991 nationwide Forester listings starting at $1,250.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2005 Subaru Forester

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Forester Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,400
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,770
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
1,338 Great Deals out of 37,738 listings starting at $1,750
Used Toyota RAV4
1,952 Great Deals out of 28,859 listings starting at $2,950
Used Honda CR-V
2,045 Great Deals out of 41,117 listings starting at $1,499
Used Subaru Impreza
370 Great Deals out of 7,813 listings starting at $1,988
Used Toyota Highlander
1,171 Great Deals out of 17,832 listings starting at $2,500
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,111 Great Deals out of 18,823 listings starting at $3,352
Used Subaru Legacy
338 Great Deals out of 6,871 listings starting at $499
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,791 Great Deals out of 30,153 listings starting at $1,815
Used Toyota Camry
2,110 Great Deals out of 37,893 listings starting at $700
Used Ford Escape
2,255 Great Deals out of 45,110 listings starting at $971

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Subaru Forester For Sale
42 Great Deals out of 17,431 listings starting at $25,736
2023 Subaru Forester For Sale
68 Great Deals out of 1,308 listings starting at $24,744
2022 Subaru Forester For Sale
93 Great Deals out of 778 listings starting at $17,995
2021 Subaru Forester For Sale
208 Great Deals out of 2,869 listings starting at $13,799
2020 Subaru Forester For Sale
103 Great Deals out of 1,228 listings starting at $10,899

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.