RPMs fluctuating at startup '95 Legacy Outback 2.2L

[fishlegs]

I just replaced the starter on my 95 Legacy Outback 2.2L. The solenoid
on the old one was on its way out (requiring a stiff tap for
startup). Since then the engine starts fine, but immediately after
starting the rpms bounce a couple times before leveling out. This only
seems to occur at startup and not when I'm idling at a light, etc.

I did disconnect the battery to replace the starter, but I don't
recall this happening after disconnecting the battery on previous
occasions.

Any ideas on the cause or things I might check?

Thanks.

 

[Brian]

I just replaced the starter on my 95 Legacy Outback 2.2L. The solenoid
on the old one was on its way out (requiring a stiff tap for
startup). Since then the engine starts fine, but immediately after
starting the rpms bounce a couple times before leveling out. This only
seems to occur at startup and not when I'm idling at a light, etc.

I did disconnect the battery to replace the starter, but I don't
recall this happening after disconnecting the battery on previous
occasions.

Any ideas on the cause or things I might check?

Thanks.

Any vacuum lines get bumped during the replacement process?

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

I just replaced the starter on my 95 Legacy Outback 2.2L. The solenoid
on the old one was on its way out (requiring a stiff tap for
startup).  Since then the engine starts fine, but immediately after
starting the rpms bounce a couple times before leveling out. This only
seems to occur at startup and not when I'm idling at a light, etc.

I did disconnect the battery to replace the starter, but I don't
recall this happening after disconnecting the battery on previous
occasions.

Any ideas on the cause or things I might check?

Thanks.

How long has this been occuring? Is the check engine light on?

Just wondering if the ECU is trying to re-learn some adjustments.

 

[fishlegs]

I don't think I ran into any vacuum lines; but I'll go over them
again.

This has been going on for about 4 days, during which, I've probably
put around 75 miles on it at varying speeds.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

I don't think I ran into any vacuum lines; but I'll go over them
again.

This has been going on for about 4 days, during which, I've probably
put around 75 miles on it at varying speeds.

Hmmm, was there a ground wire that could have been compromised
somewhere? Definitely double-check the integrity of battery and other
cables and their connections.

 

[fishlegs]

I think it must have been the ECU relearning a few things. The rpm
"sweep" seems to have ceased. Don't know why it hadn't done that
previously when disconnecting the battery. Thanks for the help.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

I think it must have been the ECU relearning a few things. The rpm
"sweep" seems to have ceased.  Don't know why it hadn't done that
previously when disconnecting the battery.  Thanks for the help.

You could always 'test' the theory by clearing the ECU and see if the
behavior returns.
It might be nice to try to get a 'freeze frame' or some other readings
from the ECU ,just to see if it has had to make radical fuel trim
adjustments or ???

anyway, good chance it's OK for a while now.