Unofficial - CEL/SL/Idle Issue List for FR-S/BRZ Owners

[rapidcars]

Originally Posted by jesperswe

UPDATE. Had new cam gear and ocv 2 weeks ago. Car went fine for almost 500km and now it idle like crap again just like before.

Just waiting for that CEL to pop back.

Sorry to hear. We might all be getting new engines soon...

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by Sean K.

Why take the chance and be the first? If it hasn't already happened.....

How about a little Reality Principle with your paranoia? You might find the change both useful and stimulating.

Fear-mongering isn't helping this thread. Let's stick to fact-based statements as much as possible.

[Wcmarshall]

Well at 3000 miles I got the dreaded CEL again. First time was at 1800 miles. I have noticed the rough idle several times over the last 1200 miles but since taking the car to the dealer is kind of a pain I would heel/toe at stop lights to keep idle up when the idle dipped which I think prevented the CEL from triggering.

This weekend driving back from Austin to Houston I decided to let the problem manifest itself and just let the car shake at 400 rpm at a stop light and voila.....CEL light came on with TC and cruise control light went from green to orange and was not functional. And at the exact same time the idle smoothed out at around 700 rpm. There was a definite loss of power on the top end but car was very driveable back to Houston.

The rough idle always seems to occur when I have been driving longer distances (like 200 miles to or from Austin to Houston) and then come to a stop light.

Went to the dealer this Saturday to get my free oil change at the Toyota express lube (thinking the service department was not open) and they told me my free oil changes had to be provided through the service department which was open till 3pm. When I pulled in line to the service department I found out they had been trying to contact me to come in and get my ECU reflashed (I had taken the car to the dealer the first time it occurred 3 weeks ago so my technician was already researching the issue since I was the first at this dealer with the rought idle issue).

Service department immediately told me that they were putting me in a rent car so that the field engineer could look at my car this week. No news yet but will post when I know more.

Loaner was a very nicely loaded Camry SE but I do miss the FR-S

PS - I was told that a second customer had just come in the day before with the same CEL issue so now this dealer has two cases.

[ddarko68]

10/8/12 - Picked up my vehicle on Thursday 10/4/12 after having the correct computer direct from Japan installed (somehow 3 were sent and I got one of the wrong ones). Runs perfectly now, no lights, no CEL, no rough idle, not a hitch whatsoever.

I was told in the future will not be replacing the computers but somehow will be able to hook up the cars to find out the codes (straight from the factory) and an upload will be done to fix the issues then and there online. I hope this is the last of my worries, but I certainly feel for those without their babies.

Originally Posted by eurospeed

Folks, my goal is to document the number of owners, their mileage, status of their cars along with other pertinent info. I feel it will be a good snapshot to help understand the severity and broad reach of this problem.

BACKGROUND
While this idle issue may manifest itself as an initial dip, please only add your name if you have experienced a combination of the check engine light (CEL) and slip light (SL) in addition to the RPM hunting at idle (often severe shaking and stalling). The code your ECU should have stored is P0019 (also optional P0017, P0018 or related cam codes).

Toyota and Subaru have developed various solutions for this issue which have not been consistent and may require multiple repairs or even vehicle replacement due to limited success. Repairs could include a combination of the following: replacing cam sprocket assemblies, replacing oil control valves, reflashing and/or replacing the engine control unit (ECU).

Automotive Magazines/Websites Reporting the Issue
Automobile Magazine (2012 October)
Automotive News (2012.October.03)
AUTOWEEK (2012.October.04)
AUTOWEEK Video (2012.October.05)
autoblog (2012.October.05)
Jalopnik (2012.October.03)
Motor Trend (2012.October.04)
Torque News (2012.October.04)


Forums from around the World and Other Related Threads
ft86club is filtering some web addresses
(please use modified address by removing spaces noted next to link)
Idle Issues in UK
Idle Issues in Australia (www. 86 forums.com.au)
FR-S on Fire in USA
FR-S CEL Idle Video
BRZ CEL Idle Video (www. subarubrz forum.com)
Early FR-S Issue and Engine Failure
Another FR-S Engine Failure
Idle Issues Thread
CEL Thread #1
CEL Thread #2
CEL Thread #3
CEL Thread #4
RPM Fluctuation Thread


Please post the following if you are experiencing the CEL/idle issue:
username, FR-S or BRZ, mileage of occurrence, last six of VIN (use XX for last two), duration of repair [3 weeks, in shop, etc.], location [state, country, etc.], other comments [repeat occurrence, items replaced, etc.]

Thanks everyone.

LIST OF AFFECTED VEHICLES
1. eurospeed, FR-S, 140 mi, 7075XX, 2 weeks - repaired, CT
2. TeamSweet86, BRZ, 20 mi, 6027XX, 3 weeks - repaired, CA
3. danthedirt, FR-S, 2000 mi, 1 week - repaired, CA
4. Hammer, BRZ, 6026XX, CA
5. LaserMon, FR-S, 22 km, Canada
6. Vracer111, FR-S, 1100 mi, CEL cleared at 1100 mi, TX
7. benzaholic, FR-S, 700 mi, 7067XX, 3 weeks - repaired, TX
8. Mr.Roboto, FR-S, 30 mi, 4 weeks - repaired, CA
9. Yruyur, FR-S, 5700 mi, repaired, AZ
10. alrashwa, FR-S, 300 mi, 7073XX, 4 weeks - repaired, WA
11. tintumz22, FR-S, 10 mi, 1 week - repaired, CA
12. Scooby_South, BRZ, WI
13. soconfoozed, BRZ, 3500 mi, 601XXX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, CA
14. oxygen, FR-S, 2700 mi, 7008XX, NE
15. siXXtoes, FR-S, 7066XX, 1 week - repaired, SD
16. Shizzaw, FR-S, 200 mi, in shop, CA
17. QFry, FR-S, 230 mi, CEL cleared at 1130 mi, CO
18. amox, FR-S, 240 mi, CA
19. Vonsamhain, FR-S, 250 mi, 7053XX, repaired, CA
20. 01s0uljah, BRZ, 40 km, Canada
21. STEVEOSTI, BRZ, 500 km, 6027XX, in shop, Canada
22. ShadowSeraph, FR-S, 1000 mi, WI
23. whiteout_fr-s, FR-S, 25 mi, catastrophic engine failure, MA
24. ubersoph, BRZ, WI
25. Stu_L_Tissimus, BRZ, NY
26. mark7s4, FR-S, FL
27. Tricky1980, FR-S, 76 mi, 7077XX, 3 weeks - repaired, IA
28. Z06tofrs, FR-S, 400 mi, 7067XX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, FL
29. number1Tango, FR-S, 63 mi, 7075XX, CA
30. egraphic, FR-S, 520 mi, 7077XX, car replaced - not repairable, CA
31. whtchocla7e, FR-S, 8 mi, 3.5 weeks - repaired, CT
32. bazi, FR-S, 25 mi, 7077XX, 3.5 weeks - repaired, NC
33. choi0706, BRZ, 200 mi, 6027XX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, TX
34. TurnOne, FR-S, 335 mi, 7079XX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, OH
35. thejevans, FR-S, in shop, MD
36. DarkSunrise, FR-S, 120 mi, repaired, VA
37. White13frs, FR-S, 1100 mi, 7077XX, 3.5 weeks - repaired, TX
38. iheartartoo, FR-S, 110 mi, 7071XX, in shop, USA
39. Christina_Marie, FR-S, 40 mi, 7073XX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, MA
40. 2000blk, FR-S, 100 mi, 7079XX, in shop, MI
41. gdi2290, BRZ, 717 mi, 6027XX, in shop, CA
42. FLASCH, FR-S, 400 mi, 7078XX, 3.5 weeks - repaired, CA
43. ninetysixzee, FR-S, 2000 mi, 7026XX, CA
44. governor, FR-S, 2069 km, in shop, Canada
45. speedy_racer, FR-S, 335 mi, in shop, NC
46. SubieNate, FR-S, 100 mi, in shop, CA
47. FBaxteR-S, FR-S, 30 km, Canada
48. elchupanebre, BRZ, 470 mi, 6025XX, car replaced - not repairable, UT
49. griffunitt, FR-S, 150 mi, 7088XX, 3 weeks - repaired, WI
50. TemeCal, FR-S, 425 mi, 7088XX, 2nd CEL after new ECU replacement, CA
51. twinturba, FR-S, 1510 miles, 7059XX, CA
52. OmarGC, FR-S, 420mi, 7079XX, 3.5 weeks - repaired, MO
53. regal, FR-S, 20 mi, 7074XX, PA
54. pituala, FR-S, 900 mi, 7073XX, 3.5 weeks - repaired, FL
55. KingRohan, BRZ, 800 km, 6026XX, 3.5 weeks - repaired, Canada
56. CharlieChaos, FR-S, 1843 mi, 3 weeks - repaired, RI
57. Ahz, FR-S, 2100 km, 7076XX, Canada
58. 714FR-s_guy, FR-S, 1500 mi, 2 weeks - repaired, CA
59. michaelshull, FR-S, 4500 mi, 7037XX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, CA
60. Darweeezy, FR-S, 1200 mi, 7077XX, 3 weeks - repaired, CA
61. Ridenslide, FR-S, 10 mi, not purchased, NM
62. 86'ing, FR-S, 865 mi, in shop, LA
63. invaliduser, FR-S, 9 mi, 1.5 weeks - repaired, LA
64. Jar, FR-S. 2400 mi, 1 week - repaired, AZ
65. @Art_Mighty, FR-S, 1600 mi, 7087XX, 4 weeks - repaired, IL
66. jesperswe, GT86, 0060XX, 2 weeks - repaired, Sweden
67. Chinadian, FR-S, 120 km, 4 weeks - repaired, Canada
68. FRSjeff, FR-S, 1900 mi, 7077XX, 1.5 weeks - repaired, CA
69. pixel67, FR-S, 17 mi, 7084XX, not purchased, GA
70. RedRydr, FR-S, 900 mi, 7079XX, 2 weeks - repaired, WA
71. Books, FR-S, 1400 mi, in shop, MA
72. FT86Raven13, FR-S, 107 mi, in shop, CT
73. Eri***rummin, FR-S, 2950 mi, 2 weeks - repaired, NV
74. UbSaMrC, FR-S, 2008 mi, in shop, HI
75. NeenaChrry, FR-S, 170 mi, 7079XX, in shop, VA
76. ddarko68, FR-S, 115 mi, 7072XX, 2nd CEL after new ECU replacement, VA
77. [not on forum], GT86, 1400 km, in shop, Sweden
78. JtoshiroW, BRZ, 2400 mi, 6029XX, in shop, HI
79. Teknian_Culprate13, FR-S, 2000 mi, in shop, CA
80. phat_86, FR-S, 350 mi, 7076XX, 2.5 weeks - repaired, IL
81. ftc~brz, BRZ, 70 mi, 6032XX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, MD
82. Hawaiian, FR-S, 6325 mi, IL
83. illmatic2349, FR-S, CA
84. Alienate, FR-S, 530 mi, 7092XX, in shop, NV
85. rapidcars, BRZ, 850 mi, 6029XX, catastrophic engine failure, NY
86. _F-R-S_, FR-S, 2700 mi, MD
87. BORGSRT, FR-S, 500 mi, vehicle caught on fire, TN
88. Sargy, FR-S, 2700 mi, 707XXX, in shop, VA
89. xomp, FR-S, 2602 mi, 7065XX, 2.5 weeks - repaired, CA
90. samfrs, FR-S, 42 miles, 7076XX, in shop - multiple repair attempts, NJ
91. FRS-ti, FR-S, in shop, OH
92. TheZombi, BRZ, 500 km, in shop, Canada
93. mlrsguy1982, BRZ, 1300 mi, 3 weeks - repaired, CA
94. nutzy, BRZ, 1700 mi, in shop - multiple repair attempts, MN
95. slideways, FR-S, 1250 miles, 7081XX, in shop, CA
96. miss_paula, FR-S, 1000 mi, in shop, CA
97. HATED1, FR-S, 2545 mi, in shop - multiple repair attempts, WA
98. Econn80, FR-S, 2 weeks - repaired, TX
99. schmickle, BRZ, car replaced - not repaired, CA
100. Goodguy889, FR-S, 2500 mi, 7085XX, in shop, OR
101. Tengu, FR-S, 6479 mi, 7024XX, in shop, CA
102. Dezoris, FR-S, 1076 mi, 7053XX, IL
103. Wcmarshall, FR-S, 1800 mi, 7078XX, in shop, TX
104. DrewZ926, FR-S, 1800 mi, 7074XX, TN
105. Mrc@ptuning, FR-S, 460 mi, in shop, VA
106. Aesthetics, FR-S, 3044 km, in shop, Canada
107. kreisinger87, FR-S, 1100 mi, 1 week - repaired, NV
108. dawnst3ar, FR-S, 2940 mi, 7080XX, in shop, TX
109. AceNiNe, FR-S, 1500 mi, 7079XX, 2 weeks - repaired, NY
110. Oski, BRZ, 1025 mi, 6026XX, in shop, CA
111. Those_Meddling_Kids, BRZ, 2025 mi, in shop, CO
112. asloned, FR-S, 1988 mi, in shop, AZ
113. timotale, BRZ, 6026XX, 2.5 weeks - repaired, CA
114. boonFRS, FR-S, 2600 mi, 1 week - repaired, CA
115. eyebone, FR-S, 4012 mi, 7069XX, in shop, CA
116. Rob_g, FR-S, 4500 km, Canada
117. Gavin_Albright, FR-S, in shop, NC
118. tbertran, BRZ, 2560 mi, 6027XX, 1 week - repaired, CA
119. Le86, FR-S, 988 mi, 7094XX, in shop, WA
120. brianlo622, FR-S, 1300 mi, 7096XX, in shop, CA
121. neurokinetik, FR-S, 1300 mi, 7074XX, 1 week - repaired, NY
122. Boost_Junkie, BRZ, 1115 mi, FL
123. JiB, GT86, 3000 km, Australia
124. felisa, BRZ, in shop, Canada
125. Plxdjake89, FR-S, 4495 mi, 3 weeks - repaired, CA
126. beardy, GT86, 1600 km, in shop, Sweden
127. Mark_Slide_Squad, FR-S, 2000 mi, 7082XX, in shop, CA
128. P_Nasty, FR-S, 500 mi, in shop, FL
129. cyrus, FR-S, 540 mi, 7091XX, in shop, NC
130.
131.
132.
133.

[ftc~brz]

Originally Posted by Sean K.

Guys, I'd be very careful about posting what you've done in the car in terms of RPM in your very public posts. The manufacturer's are likely watching these posts and they *could* claim you didn't follow break in procedures and therefore voided your warranty.

I know someone will say I'm being ridiculous.....fine. Take your chances, but why place yourself in that situation if you don't have to.....regardless of how unlikely it may be that the mfg may use what's posted in the forum against you?

Advice taken. Car was past break in when I aggressively shifted.
Also was not told I couldn't drive car by either dealer or SOA this time around.

Update on cc. If I "accidentally hit cruse" last night wouldn't have made difference. Tested this am and when I do turn it on I can't turn it off unless I restart car.

Also had wo from 1st visit said no crickets found...pulled in with full chirp! Lol

Now in 2013 outback loaner

[Sargy]

So while driving the Prius 35mph in a 25 zone, I got taken over by 3 cars

It almost feels depressing seeing that happen.

Edit: on a double sided, single lane Road by the way

[Yruyur]

I had a trip planned planned while waiting for parts. I specifically had it cleared by the dealer that it was fine to drive in safe mode. They said safe mode was to protect the engine. I wanted to hear it from them before leaving on my trip. That was 5k miles ago and doing fine.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Sean K.]

Originally Posted by Marrk

How about a little Reality Principle with your paranoia? You might find the change both useful and stimulating.

Fear-mongering isn't helping this thread. Let's stick to fact-based statements as much as possible.

Wisdom would dictate that one not publicly announce something that could possibly (even if remotely) be used against you in an arbitration or court proceeding. Or, would you like to argue that fact as you seem to be doing here?

But, expecting wisdom from you considering your illustrated lack of it throughout this thread (regarding absolutist statements about just what is and isn't covered under ALL warranties and your alleged superiority of the flawed VVT system in the 08-10 Honda Accord is proof of that) is likely an exercise in futility.

How 'bout you take some of your own advice and stick to facts? I clearly made my comments with the caveat that the things I've stated are merely possibilities....where you tend to make provably false statements as fact.

I've just simply corrected you in the past in this thread, but since you seem to try to take issue with many of the posts I make because I made you look bad in your first two attempts at correcting and belittling me, I guess I'll have to take the gloves off and treat you the way you've been attempting to treat me.

Have a nice day.

Sean

PS. Nice Honda Fit. Do they sell men's cars where you bought that?

[Sean K.]

Originally Posted by ftc~brz

Advice taken. Car was past break in when I aggressively shifted.
Also was not told I couldn't drive car by either dealer or SOA this time around.

Update on cc. If I "accidentally hit cruse" last night wouldn't have made difference. Tested this am and when I do turn it on I can't turn it off unless I restart car.

Also had wo from 1st visit said no crickets found...pulled in with full chirp! Lol

Now in 2013 outback loaner

Cool. Just wanted to make sure you didn't get yourself in any trouble. Considering my own personal experience with Lemon Law and Toyota/Lexus....I err on the side of caution whenever dealing with a warranty claim.

[dun3]

Hey guys, thanks for all the great feedback, and good info. I'm looking to purchase an FR-S within the next month or 2, and am hoping this issue will be resolved with my new purchase by then. Also, lets keep the peace!

[Stressin]

Originally Posted by vtmike

I've noticed that engine vibration too around those rpms while holding the revs there with the clutch pressed in. Haven't really had any idle issues. Some times it seems like the car settles into the normal idle speed to early before the engine is warmed up causing the idle to be a little rough. But, I haven't had the issue with rpms jumping around at idle and the engine shaking and stalling out.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

No idle issues but I noticed this vibration when the clutch pedal is fully in.

[Plxdjake89]

This is what I was told when I talked about my car being in the shop for this issue....FML

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by Plxdjake89

This is what I was told when I talked about my car being in the shop for this issue....FML
Attachment 17230

the whole CEL thing is Wonk-y for sure

[dsgerbc]

There is some Subaru TSB 11-121-12 out today, called "Reprogramming for Engine RPM Drop During High Electrical System Current Demand". Any chance this is for a BRZ?
My idle has started acting up lately, no CELs yet (knock-on-wood).