Engine cutting out

[oleman77]

Hey guys I have had a new issue arise. My engine has begun to cut out when I first I begin to drive it after a cold start. It idles fine, and it only lasts about a minute then goes away. Once it goes away the car runs great and its only when its cold. If I start it warm it doesn't do it. I have a new fuel filter, any other ideas?

[rallyak]

Coolant sensor?

[oleman77]

Coolant sensor?

Wow, would have never guessed that one. So your thinking its sensing low coolant causing engine to cut out? Where is it? On the radiator? Can it be tested?

[Legacy777]

I had a stumbling issue with my Legacy where it would kind of bog and stumble upon initial cold start. I believe it was MAF related.

The coolant temp sensor is used for a lot of temperature related fuel trim tables, so if the temp sensor is off, that could be causing some improper lookup tables. You could try the coolant temp sensor, but I don't think that will be it. You could also try cleaning the MAF, but that may or may not help.

[oleman77]

I had a stumbling issue with my Legacy where it would kind of bog and stumble upon initial cold start. I believe it was MAF related.

The coolant temp sensor is used for a lot of temperature related fuel trim tables, so if the temp sensor is off, that could be causing some improper lookup tables. You could try the coolant temp sensor, but I don't think that will be it. You could also try cleaning the MAF, but that may or may not help.

Ok cool, I will clean MAF first then go from there. Thanks guys, I'll keep you posted.....

[oleman77]

Ok guys, I clean MAF and housing real good. It seemed pretty dirty (have never cleaned it before) but no change yet. I will look into coolant sensor next, will keep everyone posted....

[alexandermf]

Ok guys, I clean MAF and housing real good. It seemed pretty dirty (have never cleaned it before) but no change yet. I will look into coolant sensor next, will keep everyone posted....

Since youve never cleaned it did you make sure to use appropriate maf cleaner and careful to not touch the sensor? ive damaged a good maf with wrong cleaning techniques so just figured id ask.

If your still not sure go to a junkyard and find one for ten bucks to swap in, you can always return at a pullnpay if it doesn't help your problem

[oleman77]

Ok guys, I clean MAF and housing real good. It seemed pretty dirty (have never cleaned it before) but no change yet. I will look into coolant sensor next, will keep everyone posted....

Since youve never cleaned it did you make sure to use appropriate maf cleaner and careful to not touch the sensor? ive damaged a good maf with wrong cleaning techniques so just figured id ask.

If your still not sure go to a junkyard and find one for ten bucks to swap in, you can always return at a pullnpay if it doesn't help your problem

I'm pretty sure I did a good job cleaning the MAF. Used the cleaner specifically for MAF's. Was working great after I cleaned it so Im positive I didn't screw it up. But my problem mysteriously went away! The past 2 days not cut out! I will wait a few more days but had already purchased a coolant sensor and was planning on changing it this weekend. Weird....

[oleman77]

Well after a few days my car starting cutting out again and seemed to be getting worse so I changed the coolant sensor today. Went for a spin and low and behold the car ran great. Crossing my fingers that it stays that way...I'll give an update in a few days....

[alexandermf]

Sounds like that was it! iF it comes back which hopefully it doesnt I'd check your engine wiring harness for wires/connections that may have worn/burnt from the turbo, happened to mine!

[oleman77]

ok thanks, I'll keep that in mind!

[oleman77]

Update:

Well its been a few weeks and still no cut out! Looks like the coolant sensor replacement fixed my problem!