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Old 07-22-2012, 09:32 PM   #1
Johngolf02
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Default 2007 WRX - 2nd Major Issue: Secondary Air Pump Failure

Hey everyone, new member here!

So I'll start this out with a funny (not so to me) story! So, as a little background, I purchased my 07 Subaru WRX brand new, and had taken responsible care of it since the day I drove it off the lot (service records, synthetic oil, premium gas, etc...). Well this was my first new car (at 22) and I had a $460 dollar payment for something like 62 months and finally payed it off about a month ago! YAY! I currently have around 81000 miles on the car.

Well I was driving with my fiance and some of her family when her brother asks me; Did you pay this thing off yet?... I told everyone in the car, well I know your never supposed to tell a car you payed it off, but I actually just payed it off last month! So I drop them off at their house, get back in my car, and proceed to head home....

Not even 15 minutes since I told him that it was payed off, I'm driving around 40mph in 4th gear and all a sudden I lose all acceleration... I press on the pedal and the RPM's dont move... The transmission is shifting fine, the car sounds fine (to me), and I pull over into the center lane and throw on my hazards... I turn the car off, wait a little bit, and try to start her up again... with a little hesitation she starts.... I try to accelerate (and nothing is happening, the car is crawling)... So again I shut it off and prepare to call for a tow... Well as I was calling my Dad to pick me up, I tried to start it again, and what do you know it starts right up and starts driving perfectly, like nothing happened! - So with only being about 5 miles from home I start driving it home with the intention of taking care of the issue the following morning (it was 11 PM)... Well about a mile down the road, the same thing happens, I lose all power... This time I was able to navigate the car into a safe parking area, and called my Dad back to pick me up, and had the vehicle towed to a local Subaru dealership.

We figured it was something with the ECU, and were hoping the repairs would be minor..

One of my good friends works in the warranty department for that Subaru dealership, so that is the place I took it trusting that they wouldn't screw me around...

Next morning after explaining the situation, and the Subaru Tech's diagnosing the car they gave me the news... :*(....

Now I am pretty mechanically sound, but am not so sound when it comes to engines and all the inner workings - so I will try to explain this as best as possible...

The Subaru tech (my friends co-worker) said that the secondary air pump seized, which in turn wiped out two combination valves.. As a result exhaust gases were going into the intake manifold...

So the break down on the work is approx (w/ a discount according to them):

Parts: $1542
Labor:$899
Fuel System Service: $179.99
Total: $2831... They told me they could do it for me for $2560 (Best Price)...

The fuel system service is required to clean the carbon deposits from the exhaust gases in my intake manifold (depending on the work they actually need to do, this could be less)

So.... My thoughts... THIS BLOWS!!!!

Again, I have maintained the car well, and this actually is the second major issue I have had with it!

At around 40000 miles, my clutch went... Again I said I maintained it well, the car is all factory and I drove it responsibly (I've driven mtx's my whole driving life)... Well long story short, after writing a lengthy email to SOA, I had all of the work done for approximately $400.. I was happy with that, although I wasn't happy I had the problem in the first place...

Talking with the Subaru Tech, the also mentioned that this was only like the 2nd or 3rd time he has seen this... He made it sound like it was a really rare problem...

Being as this was the 2nd major issue I have had with the vehicle, and the fact that I had taken well care of it... I contact SOA 1-800-SUBARU-3 to explain my side... They listened and said they would contact the shop manager, and get back to me...

The car is still at the shop, and I am expecting to hear something back tomorrow... Honestly I have to say I'm really disappointed in my car... I have thouroughly enjoyed owning and driving the vehicle, and have had (still kind of had) intentions of driving the car into the ground... This problem along with the last is really making me thing twice...

Thanks for reading everyone.... Kind of just venting, and if anyone has any tips / recommendations on how to handle this any better than I already am, It would be greatly appreciated... Also if someone has had a similar experience and can let me know how everything transpired, and if it seems like the price is reasonable that would be appreciated as well..

Thanks again guys!

John
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Old 07-23-2012, 05:35 PM   #2
donkey_cart
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.....

Last edited by donkey_cart; 12-13-2013 at 04:50 PM.
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Old 07-23-2012, 08:13 PM   #3
blackfang
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Working for a Subaru dealer in the past, I have seen this mainly on the Foretster XT's and mainly due to moisture in the pumps causing the valves to stick. Also you are being hosed on the labor. That is a lot of labor charged to do that job which that takes about 3 to 4 hours. Personally, I do not see a reason to perform a fuel system service either for that repair. I can see if you drove the car for 10 thousand miles like this, but you are not going to have that kind of carbon buildup with 20 miles or so.

Also $179.95 for a fuel induction service?!! Dayum! Take it in your 4th point of contact and push all day long!
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Old 07-23-2012, 08:40 PM   #4
Knotsure
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John - what area of the country are you in? Are you working with a stand-alone dealership or one where they handle multiple manuf. veh's? I've noticed it makes a difference. If they work Suby's all day, every day....vs dealers where they see maybe one a month?
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Old 07-23-2012, 08:41 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Knotsure
John - what area of the country are you in? Are you working with a stand-alone dealership or one where they handle multiple manuf. veh's? I've noticed it makes a difference. If they work Suby's all day, every day....vs dealers where they see maybe one a month?
Oh -- and with 'friends' like the one you have at that dealer....
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Old 07-24-2012, 07:21 AM   #6
Johngolf02
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Donkey_Cart - yah I feel like I'm getting screwed over... I'm supposed to hear back from Subaru of America (SOA) today so we will see what they are going to do (if anything).

Blackfang - yah, from what I've I guess this job shouldnt take more than 4-5 hours in labor, so yes $180 / hr. seems a bit high... lol

Knotsure - I'm located in NE Ohio & I am working with a local Subaru Dealership. They have multiple vehicles there, and have individual service departments for each manufacturer.

A bit dissapointed that they've had the car since Friday AM, and here it is Tuesday, and I havent heard back from them after the initial quote...

Depending on what they say as far as cost, I may just have it towed back in my driveway and try to tackle this myself.... This definitely would be the biggest DIY project I have ever attempted... Are there any special tools required other than the usual?
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Old 07-24-2012, 08:26 AM   #7
jay25RS
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Just delete the air pump and solenoids yourself and get a tuner to turn off the CEL. $36.50 http://www.kstech.biz/servlet/the-10...e-block/Detail
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Old 07-24-2012, 09:36 AM   #8
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Five year old car, 81,000 miles, two problems, and you're upset?
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Old 07-24-2012, 11:38 AM   #9
Silver VR4
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A co-worker of mine had a very similar issue to yours,the secondary air pump collected moisture in it and crapped out(06 WRX w/75k). Parts were a bit pricey but that labor you were quoted seems way too high.

Im sorry to hear that your having issues, but cars break, unfortunately its what they do. A clutch at 40k seems odd if your not beating on it, but all cars/parts are not created equal. It sounds like you maintained this car properly, so I wouldnt be too concerned, just know as the miles add up this sort of thing is going to happen. My big concern is has always been the big stuff, stay ontop of oil, fluids, and other required services and really all you should have to worry about is the stupid odds and ends(sensors, switches, etc).
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Old 07-24-2012, 12:13 PM   #10
Johngolf02
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OK - so quick update!

SOA contacted me and said that they will be willing to cover 50% of the repair... This still is going to put the cost around 1300 (worst case), which is still excessive IMO... Still better than getting stuck with the full 2600....

Yah I understand these things happen... Just dissapointing...

I've been needing a truck for quite some time, and with this issue i'm considering selling the WRX and shopping for a truck...

It seems that this is a common problem with our cars, and it also sounds like it will happen again someday....

KBB says in good condition, with 80800 miles, I could expect $14000 selling it privately...

Time to do make a decision...
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Old 07-24-2012, 12:23 PM   #11
donkey_cart
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.....

Last edited by donkey_cart; 12-13-2013 at 04:50 PM.
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Old 07-24-2012, 12:27 PM   #12
Big-E
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Replace the failed secondary air-pump valve yourself.

Eliminate the system; install block-off plates; have a tuner shut-off codes.
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Old 07-24-2012, 02:19 PM   #13
Johngolf02
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Is the original repair estimate really that bad? (For the labor part yes I agree) That includes replacing the secondary air pump and two combination valves... The total price of the parts are around $1500 from what the dealer told me. I called another dealer and they said they could get all the parts for $1350...

So the way I see it, aside from getting used parts and doing it myself that if the total bill ends up costing me $1000 and I get a one year warranty with it, it may not be THAT bad, considering my time and the cost of the parts...

Anyone agree?
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Old 07-24-2012, 02:37 PM   #14
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The fuel system service is just a way for the dealer to make some extra money. Totally unwarranted. After all, cars with EGR valves recirculate exhaust gasses through the intake as a normal part of emissions (reduces NOx).

If you're planning on trading or selling the car to get a truck, my advice would be against the removal of parts and tuning out the CEL. That would send a red flag up to any potential buyer who lifts the hood and says "hmmmm, why is that stuff missing?" It could come back to bite you on your value.
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Old 07-24-2012, 07:34 PM   #15
blackfang
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Johngolf02 View Post
OK - so quick update!

SOA contacted me and said that they will be willing to cover 50% of the repair... This still is going to put the cost around 1300 (worst case), which is still excessive IMO... Still better than getting stuck with the full 2600....
How are they covering this? Are they reimbursing you a check for half the cost of the repair?
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Old 07-24-2012, 09:07 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blackfang View Post
How are they covering this? Are they reimbursing you a check for half the cost of the repair?
That is my question as well...............
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Old 07-24-2012, 09:18 PM   #17
blackfang
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Oh and I know it hasn't been said here but I have heard this before, this is not a poor Subaru design, it is a poor design period. Toyota has the same issue with their Tundra's and they have extended the warranty to 10/150k. We have done quite a few of these.
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Old 07-24-2012, 09:58 PM   #18
Johngolf02
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From what I understand, they are going to just knock off have of the bill, and I will pay the balance...

Haven't heard that directly, but that is the way he made it sound when he explained they were covering 50 percent.
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Old 07-25-2012, 06:08 AM   #19
blackfang
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Instead, ask SOA to goodwill the repair and you pay half of that cost. It will be cheaper because it will ALL be done at the warranty rate. Instead you are paying half a bill at full pop. SOA doesn't pay customer pay rates, they pay their own and it will be significantly cheaper. It will save BOTH SOA and you money. Plus you won't have to pay for some bs fuel induction service that is over priced anyways.
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Old 12-04-2013, 12:00 PM   #20
cyclonez
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Same issue. Secondary Air Pump + 2 valves need to be replaced @ 101K. I need this done to pass the state vehicle inspection... obviously won't pass with CEL.

SOA told me they would NOT compensate any of it (curses).
Dealer estimate was $1940 for the repair (parts & labor)... from what I understad the parts are fairly expensive and the labor is more than a few hours.
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Old 12-26-2013, 08:38 PM   #21
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For the WRX, 2006-2007, the secondary air-valve that feeds the LH head (USDM driver's side) is accessible by removing the TMIC. The secondary air-valve that feeds the RH head is accessible by removing the intake manifold.

Replacing the LH valve is easy, real easy. If I were to bang this type of work out, it could take me about an hour, maybe an hour-and-a-half at the most to R&R it.

I had the pleasure of removing the IM to install composite TGV deletes and lets just say it was an experience onto itself. This is where most of the labor cost comes into play.
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Old 12-27-2013, 02:52 AM   #22
alphaomega0
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sorry to hijack this i think i might have had the same issue.
except mine happened when i was trying to park on the side of the street with a good amount of snow. so i tried go in and out of the snow to make room and by the third time there was smoke coming out of the hood, it was smelling like tire burning.
the next day i tried to move the car and it wont budge. first gear and i would lose power without the wheels moving with the rpm dropping to stall point. towed the car to the dealer but when i started it there, it would move.

is this my clutch or the secondary air pump like op?
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Old 02-11-2018, 04:23 PM   #23
Deathfromabove1944
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Hi, so i heard once the valves close you can pull the fuse and they shouldnt open again. Am i correct? I have a 07 FXT and the valves stick open most of the time, so when they closed i pulled the fuse and about ten min later they opened again. How is that possible if i pulled all the fuses or fuse? been driving it like this for about a year and would really like to fix this. bought blocking plates but would really like to do the fuse thing if that works. can anyone tell me if im missing or doing something wrong. Thank you.
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