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Old 01-07-2019, 09:24 AM   #51
noobultimatum
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Were ny of you guys protuned or only running ots tunes? or would that even matter in this situation with a p0018 code?
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:37 AM   #52
Zrx_01
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From my understanding this is an issue that's happened to stock and bolt on vehicles. I am not pro tuned unfortunately, I am e-tuned by Phatbotti tuning. At this point I pulled the battery and let the car sit for several hours, cleaned the sensors again, and re-flashed the map. Car runs the same but it seems like on the first key cycle the Accessport throws the code. On the second key cycle the ECU throws the CEL and various other lights. I notice when the CEL is thrown OCV intake left and right go to zero (stay stuck at zero), and AVCS actuate from -1 to 2 and back. When I turn the car off and then back on the OCV values seem to run normal again along with AVCS with the Christmas light dash...

Sounds like I need to make a dealership run :,,,(
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Old 01-07-2019, 11:17 AM   #53
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So, is the consensus that the issue is a failed ECU? I was reading of replacing the ecu, but unsure if i understand how that would fix the problem?
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Old 01-07-2019, 11:47 AM   #54
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Not officially sure man. From what I was told is Subaru troubleshooting is clean, swap, replace, then replace ECU. I'm not a Subaru Master tech, an expert Subaru owner, or a great tuner/mechanic. Now I'm in for the dealership ride... Guessing a big price tag, since I'll be out of warranty due to mods... I've read many threads about p0016 and p0018 code. I've noticed that sometimes timing is the culprit, sensors, cams, sprockets, ecu, or mixtures of all... We shall see.
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Old 01-08-2019, 12:05 AM   #55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zrx_01 View Post
Not officially sure man. From what I was told is Subaru troubleshooting is clean, swap, replace, then replace ECU. I'm not a Subaru Master tech, an expert Subaru owner, or a great tuner/mechanic. Now I'm in for the dealership ride... Guessing a big price tag, since I'll be out of warranty due to mods... I've read many threads about p0016 and p0018 code. I've noticed that sometimes timing is the culprit, sensors, cams, sprockets, ecu, or mixtures of all... We shall see.
Can you make sure to update us. I am in the same boat except I have a a Christmas lights on my dash. Really reluctant to go back to stock and dont want to buy a used ECU without definite proof that the issue is indeed the ECU.
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Old 01-08-2019, 03:26 PM   #56
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Can you make sure to update us. I am in the same boat except I have a a Christmas lights on my dash. Really reluctant to go back to stock and dont want to buy a used ECU without definite proof that the issue is indeed the ECU.
So I hit up Subaru and they advised me that although I have "mods," they need to confirm that the mods caused my issue. If it caused my issue they will flag the vehicle of course and I'll be out of warranty.

They also told me that although I may have an idea of what the issue may be, the techs will need to do an engine diagnosis as well as eliminate ALL possible issues pertaining to their diagnosis of the engine. Appointment scheduled for Thursday.

On another note:
The following dash lights are as follows... Flashing cruise control, ABS, Hill assist, check engine, traction light, and info light. I am unable to mess with traction control.

If you have this issue monitor OCV intakes left and right, as well as AVCS intakes left and right. I've noticed when I start my vehicle everything seems to be functioning correctly. However while driving or coming to a stop AVCS (intake) , OCV intake values go to zero and stay stuck there while I'm driving. Don't know if this is normal when you have a CEL.. I would assume that a P0018 CODE would only affect the left side, not both left and right... Lastly I've noticed the engine pitch different as if the rocker arms are moving quicker. Just really loud quick moving sounds in the engine bay... Don't know if you guys have noticed a change in engine pitch?
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Old 01-09-2019, 06:34 PM   #57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zrx_01 View Post
So I hit up Subaru and they advised me that although I have "mods," they need to confirm that the mods caused my issue. If it caused my issue they will flag the vehicle of course and I'll be out of warranty.

They also told me that although I may have an idea of what the issue may be, the techs will need to do an engine diagnosis as well as eliminate ALL possible issues pertaining to their diagnosis of the engine. Appointment scheduled for Thursday.

So they plan to check if the ecu is bad or if the engine really is having issues?

As I'm sure you already understand, if the engine is a bust due to mods... you will be ineligible to warranty it.

keep us posted on what they find in your diagnostic appointment!
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Old 01-10-2019, 08:41 PM   #58
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Update.. Dropped the vehicle off at dealership around 8 a.m. and it's up on the lift waiting for service approval (now 4:30 p.m.). Tech said vehicle was very modified, so they had to notify a regional representative to get approval to work on my car.

Tech stated the code was P0018. No other lingering codes.. I asked the tech if he had an idea what could be causing the issue. Tech stated he worked on a WRX that was brand new and said it had a similar issue. He had to replace the ECM to fix the problem. Now I wait to get my warranty flagged or serviced under warranty. LMAO..

Vehicle currently in Subaru custody.

Last edited by Zrx_01; 01-11-2019 at 08:33 AM. Reason: updates
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Old 01-11-2019, 11:01 AM   #59
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zrx_01 View Post
Update.. Dropped the vehicle off at dealership around 8 a.m. and it's up on the lift waiting for service approval (now 4:30 p.m.). Tech said vehicle was very modified, so they had to notify a regional representative to get approval to work on my car.

Tech stated the code was P0018. No other lingering codes.. I asked the tech if he had an idea what could be causing the issue. Tech stated he worked on a WRX that was brand new and said it had a similar issue. He had to replace the ECM to fix the problem. Now I wait to get my warranty flagged or serviced under warranty. LMAO..

Vehicle currently in Subaru custody.
If it's ECM related, then it would most likely be warrantied.

If they blame your mods... RIP
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Old 01-11-2019, 11:17 AM   #60
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LMFAO... Tech sounded like it wouldn't be mod related.. If I pay out of pocket and it's just the ECM, it's not too bad.

It's for sure going to be a waiting game, if it's the ECM though.
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Old 01-11-2019, 12:10 PM   #61
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Update,

Subaru said they are willing to help, however my car needs to be bone stock in order for them to work on the vehicle..
Currently looking for stock j-pipe, and hose with restrictor pill . Lol
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Old 01-11-2019, 12:56 PM   #62
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Originally Posted by Zrx_01 View Post
Update,

Subaru said they are willing to help, however my car needs to be bone stock in order for them to work on the vehicle..
Currently looking for stock j-pipe, and hose with restrictor pill . Lol
That's pretty annoying lol

I would have pressed the issue futher. If the mods are not to blame for the ECM problem, why must I remove them? The work is going to be on the ECM removal/replacement, right?
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Old 01-11-2019, 01:03 PM   #63
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That's pretty annoying lol

I would have pressed the issue futher. If the mods are not to blame for the ECM problem, why must I remove them? The work is going to be on the ECM removal/replacement, right?
Subaru is telling me to truly diagnose it they need to pull the engine and make sure it's the ECM.. I guess pretty much see if the engine light goes away once it's stock and so they aren't liable for breaking any aftermarket parts.

Gotta pay to play.
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Old 01-11-2019, 01:07 PM   #64
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zrx_01 View Post
Subaru is telling me to truly diagnose it they need to pull the engine and make sure it's the ECM.. I guess pretty much see if the engine light goes away once it's stock and so they aren't liable for breaking any aftermarket parts.

Gotta pay to play.
Ah. That makes sense.

Hope it works out for you bud.
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Old 01-12-2019, 02:34 PM   #65
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When a new ecm is installed, does the older car get any other "benefits" from the new unit: better throttle, better CVT (what I have), etc. Just curious if quiet updates that Subaru is likely to have made will make the car a better place to be.

I had this problem and got my car back quickly, bone stock car, and they put a new ecm in. I plan to keep it bone stock as the warranty support was just amazing.

No issues after 3 weeks now. Car feels like it has more power but feels leaner too - rougher idle.

BTW, as noted Subaru gave me excellent service and support all around. Love the car. Wish they would flash the radio for carplay and from the factory install a levorg flash - my only two "asks." Have had prior Subarus - my first wrx. It is an amazing car.....

TIA
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Old 01-12-2019, 02:47 PM   #66
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I believe the physical unit is the same, it just depends on what map is flashed to it. In your case, likely the most updated map for your Year and Model. You likely won't be getting the 2019 map.
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Old 01-12-2019, 05:37 PM   #67
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I believe the physical unit is the same, it just depends on what map is flashed to it. In your case, likely the most updated map for your Year and Model. You likely won't be getting the 2019 map.
Same engine...so makes sense it would be the same map (at least the part that is the engine...????). Anyone know?
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Old 01-12-2019, 05:41 PM   #68
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Same engine...so makes sense it would be the same map (at least the part that is the engine...????). Anyone know?
Why not ask them, Subaru serviceman who helped you. Horses mouth and all.
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Old 01-15-2019, 11:04 AM   #69
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V______
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Old 01-15-2019, 11:09 AM   #70
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Can you make sure to update us. I am in the same boat except I have a a Christmas lights on my dash. Really reluctant to go back to stock and dont want to buy a used ECU without definite proof that the issue is indeed the ECU.
Hey man, I'm sure you already jumped through hoops in regards to troubleshooting. Cleaning the OCV sensors, cam sensors, draining oil, adding new oil, new oil filter.

Unfortunately I have no other choice at the moment. Subaru said they wont work on my car unless I am pretty much stock. So I'm running the car dry of e85 and about to swap out the mods.

They refused to swap out the ECU even if I bought it and had them install it with my mods.. Understandable. I was under the assumption that they code program my car to the new ecu and then I could just swap over my tune with the accessport. NOPE!

Also anyone know if you can buy the retainer that holds the filter sock to the OEM fuel pump? If not, guess I'm just leaving in my aftermarket fuel pump when I take it to Subaru (on Subaru parts website looks like the entire piece comes as one).

Respectfully,

J
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Old 01-16-2019, 07:08 AM   #71
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I had CEL with P0018 pop up on my 2017 WRX a few months ago with 16000 miles on it. Took it to the dealer since it was obviously still under warranty. Following a script for this error, they first made me do an oil change on it with Subaru oil and a filter, which I did myself. They cleared the code and made the CEL go away but it came right back same day.

After a few days of messing around with it, the technician at the Subaru dealer consulted with Subaru USA tech line, whatever that is, and ended up replacing the left (driver) intake cam sprocket and replacing the ECM. That sounded weird to me so I asked for more details and the technician told me that Subaru said the problem is caused by wear on the cam sprocket. The computer can compensate for it up to a point but eventually gives up when it gets past a point. The weird thing is he said once the computer compensates for the wear, it can't go back and has to be replaced. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me but that's what they said. In retrospec I should have taken a look at the sprocket as I find it hard to believe it had any wear.

Now here's the amazing part of the story. On the way home from the dealer, I realized a long standing acceleration problem that I thought was normal was also gone. When jamming on the gas and going up through the gears, the engine used to cut out and lose power around 4500 RPM. It was like that since day 1 new, so I always thought it was normal and just learned to shift before that point. The problem is gone! So no doubt these things are linked and Subaru shipped this car with a defect when it was new. Now I can rev right up to redline and it's like having a new car. Crazy.
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Old 01-16-2019, 09:45 AM   #72
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I had CEL with P0018 pop up on my 2017 WRX a few months ago with 16000 miles on it. Took it to the dealer since it was obviously still under warranty. Following a script for this error, they first made me do an oil change on it with Subaru oil and a filter, which I did myself. They cleared the code and made the CEL go away but it came right back same day.

After a few days of messing around with it, the technician at the Subaru dealer consulted with Subaru USA tech line, whatever that is, and ended up replacing the left (driver) intake cam sprocket and replacing the ECM. That sounded weird to me so I asked for more details and the technician told me that Subaru said the problem is caused by wear on the cam sprocket. The computer can compensate for it up to a point but eventually gives up when it gets past a point. The weird thing is he said once the computer compensates for the wear, it can't go back and has to be replaced. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me but that's what they said. In retrospec I should have taken a look at the sprocket as I find it hard to believe it had any wear.

Now here's the amazing part of the story. On the way home from the dealer, I realized a long standing acceleration problem that I thought was normal was also gone. When jamming on the gas and going up through the gears, the engine used to cut out and lose power around 4500 RPM. It was like that since day 1 new, so I always thought it was normal and just learned to shift before that point. The problem is gone! So no doubt these things are linked and Subaru shipped this car with a defect when it was new. Now I can rev right up to redline and it's like having a new car. Crazy.
So, I'm going to assume the consensus here is ECM needs to be replaced if the sprockets or cams are replaced... If so, I'm going to ask them to replace the right hand cam sprocket as well ( I really don't care if I need to pay out of pocket for that portion) because that's thrown a code several times before. I don't want to go through this again until I hit another 30-40k miles/or not at all. Not to mention re-installing all my mods again .. I will chime in once the techs diagnose my particular issue..
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Old 01-17-2019, 12:18 AM   #73
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So, I'm going to assume the consensus here is ECM needs to be replaced if the sprockets or cams are replaced... If so, I'm going to ask them to replace the right hand cam sprocket as well ( I really don't care if I need to pay out of pocket for that portion) because that's thrown a code several times before. I don't want to go through this again until I hit another 30-40k miles/or not at all. Not to mention re-installing all my mods again .. I will chime in once the techs diagnose my particular issue..
Appreciate the updates man!

And does anyone know why subaru doesnt admit it's a faulty ECU and own up to it and cover costs of all 15+ WRXs with this problem.
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Old 01-17-2019, 01:54 PM   #74
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P0018 just popped up on my 2018. Stage 1 EBCS, TGV delete, EGR unplugged. Back to stock I suppose.
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Old 01-17-2019, 02:35 PM   #75
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Appreciate the updates man!

And does anyone know why subaru doesnt admit it's a faulty ECU and own up to it and cover costs of all 15+ WRXs with this problem.
I don't think you realize how expensive that ordeal would be fore SoA...
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