Tuned it up, now it's running poorly

[joshuaj22]

Ok, I'll try to make this short and hopefully someone out there in the www can provide some insight. My 02 Legacy has been driving poorly, if I decelerated and then tried to accelerate it hiccuped once or twice before engaging. I was advised to do a tune up so I changed the plugs, wires (one at a time so I know they are in the right spot), fuel filter, and air filter. I tried to find my Mass Air Flow sensor to clean it but could not find it, then I asked around and determined that my car does not have an MAF. While looking for the MAF I took a few things apart and put them back together (I'm not sure what they are - they are between the air filter and engine block) but everything went back together smoothly. I did find oil in the #1 spark plug hole which may or may not have been what was affecting performance in the first place.

But when I started the car I realized that I did something to affect the way the engine is running. The first thing I noticed is the AT Oil light flashing. I checked the AT oil and the dipstick showed no fluid. I added 1 1/2 quarts and then stopped worried that I might add too much. The check engine light is also now on. And it is running horribly. It's idling very high, it jerks as I put it into reverse and drive, and the accelerator is sensitive. If I step on the gas the RPMs shoot way up, and if I take my foot off the gas they RPMs shoot way down.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Josh

[subydaddy]

Get the codes read first. O'Reilly's does it up here in Alaska for free (they let you borrow the scan tool that is). Not sure of what's available where you live. Just call around and see if they can read OBD II Check Engine Lights.

Did you push firmly on the spark plug wires until you heard a click when putting them back on the spark plugs?

What plugs did you use?

Did you drain any oil out (engine, transmission, differential, etc.?)

Double check your hose clamps on the air intake and look for a loose wire or connector around where you were taking things apart. If you find anything disconnected (reconnect it of course) then disconect the negative side of your battery for a few mintues to reset the ECU.

[wtdash]

The AT trans fluid is a PITA to check on Subies....check the Owner's manual for the capacity, but you may need to just add a 1/2 quart and check it until it shows up on the dipstick. There is less than a quart of difference between Low and Full, so it doesn't take much to over fill.

Also, go check out the USMB site as they deal w/the newer stuff.

GL,
TD

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the BBS.

When you checked the AT fluid, was the engine running? The engine must be running when you check the trans fluid.

I'd suggest checking around the area you were performing work for loose connectors.