Follow-up on 95 Legacy that suddenly died

[Louise the ferretlady]

Hello all!
I posted here a couple weeks ago about a 95 Legacy that just died
without warning. We just spend e few frigid hours following up on the
leads advised here, and here are the results:
The ignition coil module resistance tests are within the normal range.
There is current making it to the ignition module.
There is power going to the injectors when we try to start.
There is no spark on the plugs.
We could not smell gas on the plugs, but it's cold out there and by
then we has runny noses... The gas pump builds up pressure normally.
The famous crank position sensor, well, how do you test the darn
thing? The car is outside, in a tempo garage. Methods described tell
you to raise the car and spin a tire and check for regular modulation
of the current, or to spin the pulley manually to do the same thing.
Right... Cannot do either. We removed the sensor, at least that's easy
to do, and is has a magnetic charge that fluctuates when you run
another magnet near it. The little silver canister is a bit loose. I'm
really tempted to call my local Subaru dealer and order the part
anyway.
So... we're at a loss. Now we are suspecting the igniter (near the
firewall). Ideas?
We did not check engine compression because we were getting really
cold. Naked hands, - 4 degrees, cold metal... It will be the next
thing to do, but my brother is leaving for the week, so it won't be
done until next week.
So, please, Subaru experts out there, if you could give us your best
guess, we would really appreciate it!
I really miss my car, in the meantime I'm having to drive this PoS
Ford Tempo and I hate it!
Thanks to all!

Louise the ferretlady

 

[johninKY]

The ignitor and CAS are good guesses. I always first suspect a broken
timing belt when a Subaru suddenly quits running but a broken belt does
not explain your no-spark condition. If the ignitor used on this model is
anything like that used on the older models, it has to be grounded to the
body to function. No ground=no spark.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

The ignitor and CAS are good guesses. I always first suspect a broken
timing belt when a Subaru suddenly quits running but a broken belt does
not explain your no-spark condition. If the ignitor used on this model is
anything like that used on the older models, it has to be grounded to the
body to function. No ground=no spark.

Wait - isn't the reason there's a crank and cam angle senosr
specifically to prevent starting if they disagree due to a broken belt?

Holding a strip of paper to the tailpipe while cranking the starter
might tell us about the timing belt. If the paper tries to 'suck in' to
the tailpipe - some exhaust valves could be open during a downstroke.

I dunno - just a wag


Carl

 

[johninKY]

Carl,
I have no idea. Still stuck in my own private time warp driving XT6s.
But your wag makes sense to me.

john

 

[Louise the ferretlady]

Sometimes I get really miffed with the darn price differences.
I can get the Crank Position Sensor online for about 30$.
My Subaru dealership charges me 180$ for the same part! Crap!
But on the other hand, mufflers and wheel bearings are cheaper if you
buy them at the dealership than anywhere else. Go figure...
So, apart from a code reader (which we do not own) can anybody tell me
how to diagnose a sick igniter? That part is worth 160$ online, I hate
to think what my dealership will want for it...

Louise the ferretlady

 

[johninKY]

Any wrecking yards around you? This is a $5 part used. Did you ever check
for a broken timing belt?

 

[AS]

When you say there is power to the injectors, are you talking about the
constant positive or to actual pulses on the injectors? Injectors are
connected all the time to the positive and get the negative side in
pulses. A noid lamp would be the best way to test them. This are
available at some auto parts stores.

If you are talking about pulses to the injectors, then the timing belt
is ok.

The crankshaft positon sensor can be easily checked with a voltmeter.
By holding the sensor still, and moving a screw driver in front of it,
you should be able to read voltage on the sensor pins. Same is also
valid for the camshaft position sensor.

You can read more here:
http://www.aa1car.com/library/crank_sensors.htm

Via email I have sent the pages scanned from the subaru service manual.
I hope this info helps,

Good luck

 

[Robert L Wilson]

Did you try reading out codes? In the US all cars by 1996 had to have an
OBD-II port but Suby had them already in 1995. A reader can be had for $40
or less, and it will tell you about almost everything people here are
suggesting you test.
Bob Wilson