high idle on 1990 loyale

[lisakdavis]

Hi....I need help with my 1990 subaru loyale....just had the timing belt replaced....but now the car idles high on start up (2500 rpms) and stays that way for about 15 min....then once driving it is fine....also sometimes wont start at all especially when cold outside....the guy who put on the timing belt has no clue what to do next.....I have been reading thru the posts....and checked ce code under dash....light blinks 5 times....help....I am spending more on mechanics than i paid for the car:mad:

thanks Lisa

[PonchoCatalina]

The high idle at start up may be caused by a sticky idle air control (IAC) valve. The five flashes from the ECU means everything is okay in the U-check mode, so the computer isn't finding any problems with any of the car's sensors (or the wiring that goes to them). Sometimes a faulty coolant temperature sensor can cause erratic idling, but it should throw a code if its resistance is out of spec. The idle air control valve can be cleaned, but I'll leave it up to someone else to officially endorse a recommended cleaning product (although carb cleaner seemed to work just fine for me with no ill effects). Good luck.

- Ian