Hello Scotty,
I live in Canada and I own a 2003 Subaru Baja. Within the last year or so, the car backfires or misfires when I accelerate quickly or the engine is under load, like going up hills. I store the car in a heated facility each winter and as a result, it is in very good condition and I consider it worth repairing. The car has an automatic transmission and has about 177,000 kilometers (about 110,000 miles) on the clock. The check engine light is also lit. What should I look for as the reason for the misfire?
Thanks,
Mark
Since the check engine light is on what did you find when you scanned it for codes? (Of course on a Subaru of that vintage the head gaskets have to be considered suspect if they are original.)
Thanks for your quick response. When I bought this car from the local dealership, I was told that the head gaskets had been replaced along with the timing belt and water pump. I can check for codes shortly and repost.
OK, if the dealer was telling the truth (a big IF) at least you don't have to worry about those issues. Definitely check for codes, really it's the first thing to do when the check engine light is lit.