Questions/Advice on Tune-Up for 2000 Outback Sedan

[ThomasJacobs]

Hi, I have done the tune up procedure three times now as the car has 80K miles (2.5 L 4 cyl). I have accumulated the following list of questions and would appreciate any help you could share.

 

1. Upon completion of tune-up (air and fuel filters, plugs and PCV valve) should I reprogram the ECM, particularly if the car was running rough prior to the tune-up? If so, how does one do this?

 

2. No matter how I try to remove the rubber hose connections to the fuel filter, I always end up having to use a vice grips over a rag to twist the connections off. In the latest case, I scratched part of the hose - not split but still a deep enough scratch to concern me even though the scratch is inside the extreme point of the metal tube emanating from the fuel filter on the inlet side. Is there a better way to do this?

 

3. If I were to decide to replace the rubber tubes that connect to the fuel filter (each is about 8 inches in length 1/2 inch in diameter and labeled "HP 9805 Fuel" followed by what looks like a small "DTR" inside of a triangular icon) are these considered OEM parts or does one simply buy these anywhere at an autoparts store? Any suggestions?

 

4. While I have replaced the plugs 3 times, I have never replaced the wires. What is the suggested interval for these as there is nothing in the owner's/service manual? How about the coil?

 

5. Further, and to illustrate my ignorance level, what does the term wires include? There is a square block bolted in the center of the engine from whence the four wires originate. The wires then connect to "thingamajigs" that clip onto the plugs. Which of these, if any, is the coil?

 

6. For replacing the wires and/or coil, is it as straightforward as it looks or is it wise to purchase any special tools?

 

Thanks very much.

 

Tom

[richierich]

1. Can reset the ECM by leaving the battery disconnected overnight

 

2. Put a little grease on the fuel filter lines so next time it won't be so hard. There is a special tool for removing hose, might want to get it if you continue to do your own filters.

 

3. Just need to get fuel line at the parts place,, not sure of diameter.

 

4. I recommend replacing the wires, I do mine every 60k. If it a 2.5DOHC (it has platinum plugs so I doubt it) they are going to be expensive. If it is 2.5SOHC (all after 2000) then they are like $35 bucks from the dealership. No replacement on the coil.

 

5. Wires run from the spark plugs to the coil. (that black box thingy )

 

6. No special tools.

 

On a side note if the spark plug wires have oil on them, they have a spark plug seal leaking and need to replace the valve cover gaskets, grommets and spark plug seals.

[2.5GL]

#2. prior to removing the hoses spray a WD-40 type spray on the connections, and use fuel line pliers (one black, one silver handle) designed to "spread" hose from filter. A small pick or screwdriver used under the edge of the hose helps get the lube under the hose. I got mine from snap-on but they were of the generic sort, should be able to buy from a decent tool store. $4-6

[Dickensheets]

If you haven't done it already replace the coolant. A good way to drain is to pull the thermostat housing, for filling go through the top rad hose. Do a search of forum for more exact procedure.

 

ryan

[dxrflyboy]

The fuel hoses must be replaced with high pressure fuel injection hose. Standard gas hose isn't made to take the higher pressure. It's available at any auto parts store. Just make sure you specify the right hose.

 

The coil pack only gets replaced if it fails.

[ThomasJacobs]

Thanks very much for the replies. I have one follow-up and one original I neglected to ask.

 

1. Is it recommended to reprogram the ECM each time a tune-up is performed or will it ultimately learn on its own?

 

2. The service manual directions for replacing the fuel filter specify that first the fuel pump relay connector should be disconnected (lower of two circular connectors underneath the dash on driver's side) and the car run until it stalls to reduce the pressure in the system. However, when I do this the car never stalls. It runs rough but never stalls. Does this mean I should simply skip this step or is there some benefit to doing this anyway?

 

Thanks again.

 

Tom

[idosubaru]

1. Is it recommended to reprogram the ECM each time a tune-up is performed or will it ultimately learn on its own?

i don't know, but i never do it and don't have issues. but i've never worked on a rough running newer soob either. i've done tune ups, timing belts, water pumps but all on good running cars. even still, i wouldn't do it. but if you're having driveability issues, it certainly can't hurt.

 

2. The service manual directions for replacing the fuel filter specify that first the fuel pump relay connector should be disconnected (lower of two circular connectors underneath the dash on driver's side) and the car run until it stalls to reduce the pressure in the system. However, when I do this the car never stalls. It runs rough but never stalls. Does this mean I should simply skip this step or is there some benefit to doing this anyway?

 

don't bother relieving the fuel pressure. have the battery disconnected or make sure the key isn't in the ignition so the fuel pump doesn't come on with the hose off. have a towel or something handy to cover the lines so the fuel doesn't spray every where, not much comes out (in my oppinion). definitely not enough to bother with the "fuel pressure relief suggestions" in the manuals. and the hoses get scored over time, i cut off an inch or so with a razor, there's usually enough slack to do this a couple times though i can't recall on the 2.5's as i've never had to do it yet on those. if you can't you are fine to buy any fuel injection suitable hose from the parts store and use it.