2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV with 226k miles, many lights on--5 codes when scanned

Asked by Mark Sep 26, 2019 at 08:33 PM about the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca 7-Passenger

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV with 226k miles. (that's the good
news:)  Check Engine light is on solidly.  Cruise is flashing, traction light is on
solid, scan from Advance Auto shows 5 error codes!  PO301, PO302,
PO306....SO, THOSE 3 CYLINDERS MISFIRING.   pLUS, CODE po172 &
po175 show "system too rich".   Also, temp gauge runs normal 70 % of the
time, while any exertion (up hills, etc) cause Temp to show max
high...eventually coming back to normal most times.   Car just smoked
everywhere, then seized/stopped before I got to get to a repair shop.  5 min
later it started when cool, then seized again 1 mile later.  Don't want to try to
drive it again.  "Block test?" by someone not experienced at that, nor with
Subaru repairs showed some "yellow vapors" which a young mechanic said
is Head Gasket failure?    Anyone agree/disagree, or have other thoughts,
ideas, other than my scrapping the car?   Thanks.

1 Answer

3,210

Note that the ECM stores previous codes, so that if engine idles without stumbling the misfires are historic, and probably related to wet ignition events. But that's the only good news. Check the coolant level, and then assuming you can get it to start and idle normally let it warm up and check for bubbles in the expansion tank upon static acceleration (have someone rev up if necessary). If you see evidence of this "percolation", AND you've overheated the motor several times, it's a likely bet that a teardown is required to replace the HGs. That you've also "seized" the motor could indicate that several problems, rendering the block weakened too. At 13 winters and nearing a quarter mil, I'd move on, as even if you swap in a used motor (which is your safest option), you've an old tranny and exhaust to worry about. I'm a fan of the latest OB/Leg 2.5i (2015.5-2019; disclaimer: I sell these), so would recommend one as a great move if budget allows. Good Luck. Ern TSG/B

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