Engine idle chirping (cricket) noise poll.

[B-R-Z]

Has Subaru found a working pump yet? I am still running the original one and don't want to bother bringing it in just too have the replacement start chirping. I've read about people going through multiple replacements and the chirps always return.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

Has Subaru found a working pump yet?

Sure. The original pump moves fuel just fine.

But to answer the question I think you meant to ask, no, there is not a pump that does not chirp. I wouldn't hold out much hope that there ever will be.

[B-R-Z]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

Sure. The original pump moves fuel just fine.

But to answer the question I think you meant to ask, no, there is not a pump that does not chirp. I wouldn't hold out much hope that there ever will be.

Duh. Ok

[Prog]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

Has Subaru found a working pump yet? I am still running the original one and don't want to bother bringing it in just too have the replacement start chirping. I've read about people going through multiple replacements and the chirps always return.

They haven't, but you need to get it replaced. A lot of people are holding out like you are, and that skews the problem to look much less widespread than it is to Subaru/Toyota. I was thinking of holding out until my warranty was almost over (at the advice of the dealership's mechanic, actually), but in the end, what do you think would make Subaru try to fix this quicker? Having to replace 20,000 HPFPs, or having to replace 100,000?

[Muskokan]

FYI to Canadians, some esso pumps are now selling 93, and my hpfp likes this fuel the most, better than v power.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by Prog

I was thinking of holding out until my warranty was almost over (at the advice of the dealership's mechanic, actually), but in the end, what do you think would make Subaru try to fix this quicker? Having to replace 20,000 HPFPs, or having to replace 100,000?

I don't think that's what would actually happen. I think they're only replacing them under warranty to make us early adopters happy, knowing that it's not going to do any good but wanting to do something to keep our good will. If they have too many people coming in and asking for this, at some point it the cost of all those replacements will outweigh the benefit of the good will, and they'll just stop replacing them under warranty.

The problem for us is that there's nothing actually wrong with the fuel pump. It moves fuel just fine. It just makes a funny noise, but it's designed that way. Therefore they could (and probably will, eventually) decide that it really isn't a warranty issue.

[Prog]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

I don't think that's what would actually happen. I think they're only replacing them under warranty to make us early adopters happy, knowing that it's not going to do any good but wanting to do something to keep our good will. If they have too many people coming in and asking for this, at some point it the cost of all those replacements will outweigh the benefit of the good will, and they'll just stop replacing them under warranty.

The problem for us is that there's nothing actually wrong with the fuel pump. It moves fuel just fine. It just makes a funny noise, but it's designed that way. Therefore they could (and probably will, eventually) decide that it really isn't a warranty issue.

Just because the pump moves fuel doesn't mean that a chirping noise is acceptable on a new car. We aren't beta testers of the 86 - these are production cars that should not sound like a $2,000 craigslist beater.

If you make enough of a fuss, they'll do something. Bad press is bad news for them. You can't be a slacktivist armchair complainer and hope for the best. Once I get my pump replaced and the chirp comes back, I'm going to call Subaru of America, and I suggest everyone else does the same. Emailing them isnt going to do anything.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by Prog

Just because the pump moves fuel doesn't mean that a chirping noise is acceptable on a new car. We aren't beta testers of the 86 - these are production cars that should not sound like a $2,000 craigslist beater.

You're right, we're not beta testers. We're the final customers. Which just bolsters my point, since Toyota and Subaru tested these cars over plenty of miles before we ever got them and decided that the fuel pump chirp was acceptable on a new car.

Originally Posted by Prog

If you make enough of a fuss, they'll do something. Bad press is bad news for them.

Oh, I agree. They'll definitely do something. I just think what they'll do is stop replacing these things under warranty and tell us all to get over it.

I think you overestimate the bad press potential. This is just a funny noise. It's not a stuck accelerator or an exploding gas tank. The people they're targeting with this car will buy it anyway and laugh about the crickets as just another of the funny quirks of this car.

[formulaz]

I've got approx 3500km, and I only seemed to notice chirping after about 800 km. I only notice it at idle, and it seems to coincide with harder driving.
If I drive it like I did during break in (below 4000 rpm), I don't hear the sound.

[Rassman]

Mine started chirping at 300 miles. I only seem to hear it at idle. And it isn't a 100% of the time yet. Seems to want to warm up first before doing it. Definitely off the freeway at the stop light (loud)

[bababooey]

mines got about 4000 miles of which ive put about 1300 myself and only noticed this once, recently when I was getting towards the end of a tank, coincidentally on my way to dealer to get metal plates. I asked the rep about the chirps and he claimed subaru was designing a larger cover to muffle the sound. whatever and no telling if thatll eventually become a reality. its still been relatively hot so lotsa ac with windows up and radio on.

[Stang70Fastback]

Lol. Mine was chirping before the first tank of gas was finished. And mine is a 2015 so...
I also only hear it at idle. I assume that's the case with everyone. Before I even bought the car I'd read all about the crickets and I'm fine with the sound at idle for the time being. Sure it would be nice if it didn't do that but it's not even close to a deal-breaker. First world problem, if anything.

But hey, if they ever put out an updated fuel pump I'm sure it would make my list of things I'll eventually buy for the car.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

I also only hear it at idle. I assume that's the case with everyone.

I hear it up to around 2000 RPM occasionally when I get a particularly ugly tank of gas. But that happens infrequently.

[kberkel]

Mine has had chirping since I got it (9k miles)

I don't mind it. One time I told my buddy.. "hear the crickets?".. and he goes.. "yeah there must be tons around my house!"

:p

It sounds much better than the cobalt ss I heard.. which sounds like engine knock or something.