Check engine light on, car starts slow and doesn't accelerate

[nipper]

You do not test a charging system with the car off at idle, sort of a usless test. You test it at max output with max load. In a car that is EVERYTHING on and the engine above 1800 rpm. The voltage at the battery should be 13.5 volts at that point.

With a random misfire code I would start with a full tuneup, plugs wires filters PCV valve. Inspect the plugs for condition to get an idea what is going on

Spark Plug Analysis

[Subaru-chick]

Yeah, don't think the boss will like this as I just started the job and have only been there for 3 days. Need to get this fixed asap.

I'm pretty sure the issue is my fuel pump. I will do more diagnostics tomorrow. Yes, shop or inexpensive mechanics recommendations would be great. I'm in Boynton Beach, FL.

[RobLog]

You test it at max output with max load. In a car that is EVERYTHING on and the engine above 1800 rpm. The voltage at the battery should be 13.5 volts at that point.

The method you describe is used for measuring amperage output of the alternator. Voltage is typically checked at idle or maybe a fast idle and ideally it will be in the range of 13.8 to 14.2 volts.

[Subaru-chick]

I was thinking I should replace my fuel filter just in case.. I understand that I need to de-pressurize the gas system first, correct? How do I do this? Remove fuse? Should I also disconnect the battery?

[subiesailor]

Non NGk plugs used during the so called tune up? Sounds like the classic wrong plugs used.

[Subaru-chick]

Hi Subiesailor,

Do you think they messed up the plugs during my oil change? The other things that were done were changing oil and air filter, plus adding coolant and whatever else was part of the tune-up. It was done at Jiffy Lube about 2 weeks ago.

[Subaru-chick]

Could anyone please advise how to de-pressurize the gas system on this model? Which fuse to disconnect? Should I disconnect battery - cable also? Thanks for any advise! I need to get this baby back on the road asap.

[cardoc]

The fuse for the fuel pump is in the fuse box behind the lower cover left of the steering wheel. Don't recall at the moment which fuse it is but it's labeled on the cover. Pull it, start the car and run it until it dies. Then crank for 2 seconds. After changing the filter reinstall the fuse and turn the key on for 2 sec then off and on again to prime the fuel rails before trying to start it.

If your battery is old, over 3, and you still have the issue, replace it.

[Subaru-chick]

Thanks cardoc! I read another post saying there is no fuse on older models 95-97 and that the best way to depressurize would be to disconnect battery and remove gas cap..

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Subaru-chick

Hi Subiesailor,

Do you think they messed up the plugs during my oil change? The other things that were done were changing oil and air filter, plus adding coolant and whatever else was part of the tune-up. It was done at Jiffy Lube about 2 weeks ago.

Jiffy service isn't a tune up. Possible they knocked a vacume line loose when changing the air filter.

But that wouldn't give you a misfire code. Or I should say in normal cases it doesn't generally cause a misfire code. Does not sound like a battery issue.

Either fuel or electrical related