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2013-2020 SUBARU OUTBACK
2.5L H4•AWD•CVT•gas
32 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs0Labor489Torque1896Fluid9DTC1884Battery1Maintenance0Recalls32
P1507moderate severityPowertrain

Idle Control System Malfunction Fail Safe

on 2013-2020 Subaru Outback 2.5L H4 · AWD

What this code means

The PCM has entered failsafe mode for the idle control system. The idle speed control cannot maintain target idle and has exceeded the correction range, triggering a failsafe idle speed that may be higher or lower than normal.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Idle speed fixed at failsafe value
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Engine may stall
  • Poor idle quality

Common causes

  • Large vacuum leak
  • Faulty idle air control valve
  • Dirty throttle body restricting airflow
  • Carbon buildup in IAC passages
  • Intake manifold gasket leak

Diagnostic steps

  1. Perform smoke test for vacuum leaks
  2. Clean throttle body and IAC passages
  3. Test IAC valve operation
  4. Check intake manifold gaskets
  5. Monitor IAC duty cycle on scan tool

Repair notes

Locate and repair vacuum leaks; clean the throttle body and IAC system.

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