impreza running rough as guts/backfiring
- RSR 555
- Elder Member
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- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
It will continue to scroll through all codes but yours appears to have just the one.. #12
Ok.. Code 12 is the Ignition Start Signal, so I'd replace you Ignition Relay.
This is the little light brown coloured relay behind your inside fuse box (bottom RHS of your dash). I'd see if you can borrow someones that is known to be good, as they aren't cheap to buy. Thinking about it, someone made a post relating to changing them for standard 87a relays.. let me see it I can find it.
Ok.. Code 12 is the Ignition Start Signal, so I'd replace you Ignition Relay.
This is the little light brown coloured relay behind your inside fuse box (bottom RHS of your dash). I'd see if you can borrow someones that is known to be good, as they aren't cheap to buy. Thinking about it, someone made a post relating to changing them for standard 87a relays.. let me see it I can find it.
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
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- RSR 555
- Elder Member
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- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:42 am
- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
If you try the above and it works, try and do this conversion...
showthread.php?t=19809&highlight=ignition+relay
showthread.php?t=19809&highlight=ignition+relay
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
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Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
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- RSR 555
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- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
I'm going to say yes but very hard to tell over the net. This is why I'd try it first with a known good one, then make the changes if it works. I have seen Subarus do some weird sh*t when these Ignition Relays play up.
These Ignition relays are the same from the early Gen1 (BC/BF) and Gen2 (BD/BG) Libertys, early Imprezas (GC/GF model) and the early Foresters (SF models). Not sure what other ones use them but this should give you a good range of cars to try from.
You could also try going to your local wrecker and if you have a good rapport with them, they might let you try one first?
These Ignition relays are the same from the early Gen1 (BC/BF) and Gen2 (BD/BG) Libertys, early Imprezas (GC/GF model) and the early Foresters (SF models). Not sure what other ones use them but this should give you a good range of cars to try from.
You could also try going to your local wrecker and if you have a good rapport with them, they might let you try one first?
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
I hate to ask but how much do you think a mechanic would charge if it does turn out to be the problem,i have had a look at a few wrecks on ebay see if they get back to me have to ring mate from all things soobaroo they have closed now but he may have some stuff laying around.
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Now-00 Impreza 00 GT Forester
Then-5xVortex's Glf Hardtop
Now-00 Impreza 00 GT Forester
Then-5xVortex's Glf Hardtop
Have you read the relay conversion thread? It seems pretty straightforward to do, esp if you have someone to help you who is confident with wiring...
showthread.php?t=19809&highlight=ignition+relay&page=2
Make sure you read the thread from post 1, it has all the necessary info. One of the later posts mentions problems similar to yours so I'd def give it a go. From whats been said on the thread, if you get a OEM relay from a wrecker, chances are you'd be putting in another faulty relay. You'd have to check its ok 1st. As Paul said, try one from a known fault free car.
Also, make sure you have a Jideco ignition relay, 2M (MR5A414A1K12V)
My personal opinion is do the conversion as its cheap, effective & not too hard.
showthread.php?t=19809&highlight=ignition+relay&page=2
Make sure you read the thread from post 1, it has all the necessary info. One of the later posts mentions problems similar to yours so I'd def give it a go. From whats been said on the thread, if you get a OEM relay from a wrecker, chances are you'd be putting in another faulty relay. You'd have to check its ok 1st. As Paul said, try one from a known fault free car.
Also, make sure you have a Jideco ignition relay, 2M (MR5A414A1K12V)
My personal opinion is do the conversion as its cheap, effective & not too hard.
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Owner SubieLiftOz, lift kits for Subarus
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- RSR 555
- Elder Member
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I'm guessing too much, so best to try it yourself.GTFOZZY wrote:I hate to ask but how much do you think a mechanic would charge if it does turn out to be the problem,i have had a look at a few wrecks on ebay see if they get back to me have to ring mate from all things soobaroo they have closed now but he may have some stuff laying around.
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
Hi guys need a hand,have found the relay but wiring is different to the diagram on here.Can anyone help me out
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[img]<div%20style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed%20width="480"%20height="360"%20src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slide ... ></a></div>[/img]
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Now-00 Impreza 00 GT Forester
Then-5xVortex's Glf Hardtop
Now-00 Impreza 00 GT Forester
Then-5xVortex's Glf Hardtop
- RSR 555
- Elder Member
- Posts: 6951
- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:42 am
- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
If I had the wiring diagram for your car then no sweat but I don't have one in front of me. Try search on here for a wiring diagram for your exact model.
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
Yeah its not the same but very similar.
Gannon is very good with this kinda thing, maybe PM him.
Note that in your photo you're looking at the back of the plug where the wires come out which is the reverse of the diagram (plug face).


So at a guess (NOTE: GUESS), the wires on YOUR plug correspond to the diagram:
thin green: wire 2 - ECU switched power
thin black : wire 1 - ground
yellow/red : wire 4 - ECU
yellow/blue : wire 3 - various
black/red : wire 5 - fuel pump relay
black/red : wire 6 - fuel pump relay
Gannon is very good with this kinda thing, maybe PM him.
Note that in your photo you're looking at the back of the plug where the wires come out which is the reverse of the diagram (plug face).


So at a guess (NOTE: GUESS), the wires on YOUR plug correspond to the diagram:
thin green: wire 2 - ECU switched power
thin black : wire 1 - ground
yellow/red : wire 4 - ECU
yellow/blue : wire 3 - various
black/red : wire 5 - fuel pump relay
black/red : wire 6 - fuel pump relay
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Owner SubieLiftOz, lift kits for Subarus
'97 Forester: EJ22E; 4" Custom Body Lift; JDM STi plated LSD; 20mm WRX RSB; Snorkel; Kings
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- Gannon
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Ah this may be incorrect, the start signal is what the ECU receives only while you are cranking the starter motor. Last time I checked my codes in my Outback, it was there too. I have not checked if it came back.RSR 555 wrote:
Ok.. Code 12 is the Ignition Start Signal, so I'd replace you Ignition Relay.
I'd be finding an ignition coil off a working car, along with new leads and trying that
Current rides: 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS & 2004 Forester X
Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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