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hannahbrown96

Subaru Engine Stalls After Bad Fuel, Fix Needed

Has anyone experienced engine stalling and warning lights after using questionable fuel? My 2016 Subaru Stella gasoline engine (45000 km) started acting up recently. The engine stalls at idle and check engine light stays on. After reading the error codes, I suspect wrong fuel or poor fuel quality might be the issue. My last mechanic visit was disappointing, so Im looking for advice on diagnostics and finding a trustworthy repair shop. Any help dealing with fuel system or combustion chamber problems would be appreciated.

4 comment(s)

matteowilliams80

Faced a similar situation with my 2019 Subaru Impreza. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, engine stalling and warning lights. The fuel quality was indeed the root cause, leading to fuel contamination in the system. The fuel mixture was compromised, requiring a complete fuel system cleaning. The work involved: Draining contaminated fuel, Cleaning fuel injectors, Replacing fuel filter, Clearing engine control module codes, Testing fuel pressure The issue was serious as contaminated fuel had started affecting the injectors and fuel delivery system. Poor fuel economy after the incident was the first warning sign. Using fuel additives helped prevent future deposits, but the initial damage needed professional intervention. For diagnostics, request specifically: Fuel pressure test, Fuel injector flow rate check, Fuel sample analysis, Systems scan for all related codes This type of fuel system issue requires proper equipment and expertise. Look for shops specializing in fuel system repairs and injection system diagnostics. Check if they have experience with Subaru direct injection systems.

hannahbrown96 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed reply on the fuel system problems. This is exactly what happened to my Stella too. Had it fixed about 4 months ago and the car runs perfectly now. The complete cleaning and new fuel filter made a huge difference to the fuel economy too. Just wondering, how much did the repair cost in your case? Also, have you noticed any other issues since the fix? My mechanic recommended using fuel additives every few months as preventive maintenance, but Id like to hear about your long-term experience.

matteowilliams80

After getting it professionally fixed, I havent experienced any fuel system issues with my Impreza. The initial repair cost was 95€ for correcting an incorrect fuel composition problem, which turned out to be related to a faulty cable connection. Much simpler than expected. The fuel economy has remained stable since the repair. While the mechanic suggested fuel additives, I found that simply being selective about fuel quality and avoiding questionable fuel stations has been sufficient. The combustion chamber stays clean, and engine performance is consistent. The key was identifying the root cause, in my case, it wasnt severe fuel contamination as initially suspected, but rather a component connection issue affecting the fuel mixture readings. Regular maintenance and quality fuel have kept everything running smoothly for the past year.

hannahbrown96 (Author)

I took my Stella to a reputable import shop last week after reading your responses. The total repair came to 380€, covering the full fuel system cleaning, new filter, and diagnostic work. More expensive than your case, but worth every cent considering the improved performance. The mechanic showed me the contaminated fuel they drained, it was surprisingly dirty. They explained how poor fuel quality had caused engine knock and rough idling. The thorough cleaning made an immediate difference in how the car runs. Since the repair, the engine starts smoothly and idle is stable. Fuel economy improved by about 15%. Following your experience, Im sticking to reliable fuel stations and considering periodic fuel additives as preventive maintenance. The mechanic recommended specific fuel system cleaners every 6 months. Really glad I addressed this early before it caused more serious engine damage. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it helped me push for a proper diagnosis instead of quick fixes.

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