Scarpace

I started up my 2002 WRX wagon today and when I jumped onto the highway, I noticed that the normal "get up and go" power was missing. From 500 to 3500 RPM's, the car feels normal. However, when I get the RPM's up over 3500, the power seems weak. I suspect there is something going wrong with the Turbo. I am seeking any and all help in regards to steps that I can take to try to TEST or FIX this myself. If you have any input or information as to what might be happening or things that I can test out try out, PLEASE HELP!!!

So far this is what I have done:
*** 10/20 - I had the oil changed (which I do ever 3K miles) and had the fuel filter replaced as well (which made NO difference).

What I am doing next:
*** I am going to reset the ECU to see what happens.

ANY HELP WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED!!!! THANKS!!!!

 

Dyjital

ok.

1. do you have a Psi gauge?
2. if you dont have you checked to make sure the "E" Clip that holds the wastegate cylinder to the arm???? I've had that come undone. Had an amazing time driving for a day with NO GET UP... 2.0L NA WRX isn't cool.

Look at that connection. If your turbo's heat sheild is off that should be an easy looksee.. I dont know if you can look under that but if it's off you'll probably have to take it off to fix that clip.


Lemme (us) know!

Scarpace

Thanks for your response "Dyjital". I just noticed the problem you mentioned about the E-CLIP about an hour ago. Good call!

PROBLEM FOUND & FIXED!!!

I looked all around the turbo very closely with a good flash light and I noticed something that didn't look right. It was very hard to see, but under the turbo heat shield I noticed a control arm that was loose. I removed the turbo heat shield with six bolts and found the problem. The E-CLIP that holds the control arm to the waste gate cylinder had fell of somehow. I re-connected the control arm and twisted a piece of bare wire in place of the E-CLIP as a temporary fix. Then I went for a quick drive and DING... the FULL TURBO POWER was restored. I have included a few photos of the problem with instructions for the repair below.

Dyjital

Sweet.

Scarpace

I KNOW!!! How often can you fix anything on your car for $0.48 ? I suspect that the extreme heat conditions of the turbo and exhaust probably had something to do with the E-CLIP popping off or breaking over time. This was a quick fix that I feel anyone can do on their own!

Dyjital

I actually have 2 of these clips extra in the bottom of my center console box. I figured I'd be prepared next time.

oldirtdog

Nice job man! That's how you stick it to the mechanics with a little internet know-how

Gryu-UZB

I got the same problem but, things are much sadder my end. I have an '07 WRX with 11k on it, ONLY!

I just checked my E-Clip, hoping that that was the problem. However, it seems to be on place. The waste gate seems to be in closed position too (engine off). If there are any ideas, please share. I really don't want to go to the dealer "blind." I was already told once by a Subaru mechanic that the shifter goes down THROUGH the floor to the transmission...
Oh, one more thing, Exxon messed up once with gas. The car would not accelerate for life!!! Then, when I gassed it up again, things got better but not as good.
My seat is not being ripped by the acceleration anymore.
Please HELP!

visualsinz

bad gas sucks

Scarpace

I don't trust Exxon gas anymore... Just a year and a half after I bought my WRX new, one day the engine died while driving on the freeway. After spending $275 at the dealership to replace the oxygen sensor on the exhaust, I realized I need to try to fix more things on my own. For starters, I learned that my WRX would run at it's best with Chevron gas that includes Techron. After learning a little more about gas and the differences between major gas stations, I found that Chevron was clearly tested to the best. Also, I found out that the Techron additive that Chevron includes is really beneficial to the engine as well. I got schooled on this from a friend of the guy who invented Techron. Apparently Techron actually helps to clean your engine parts internally (including sensors) and helps to maintain your engines overall performance as well. So long story short...

ONLY USE CHEVRON WITH TECHRON SUPER UNLEADED GAS!!!
This gas price is worth it to keep your car running smoothy!!

Scarpace

I don't trust Exxon gas anymore... Just a year and a half after I bought my WRX new, one day the engine died while driving on the freeway. After spending $275 at the dealership to replace the oxygen sensor on the exhaust, I realized I need to try to fix more things on my own. For starters, I learned that my WRX would run at it's best with Chevron gas that includes Techron. After learning a little more about gas and the differences between major gas stations, I found that Chevron was clearly tested to the best. Also, I found out that the Techron additive that Chevron includes really is beneficial to the engine as well. I got schooled on this from a friend of the guy who invented Techron. Apparently Techron actually helps to clean your engine parts internally (including sensors) and helps to maintain your engines overall performance as well. So long story short...

ONLY USE CHEVRON WITH TECHRON
SUPER UNLEADED GAS!!!
This gas price is worth it to keep your car running smoothy!!