Any mechanics in the house?

[Section10]

Went to start my car. It all cranks but doesn't start.
Battery good, engine turns, so starter is good, Might not be getting voltage.
Possibilities...coil, distributor (actually i dont think it has one)...
Its a 97 Subaru outback legacy but without the Coexist bumber sticker.
As I pulled up to my spot this morning, I had the car running, clutch in, 1st gear. It stalled out. (also did this once last night)

any advice would be free. err helpful
thanks

UPDATE: I went back to my office, it IS getting a spark to the coil.
So guessing Fuel pump or timing belt still likely based on my tiny experience and the wisdom of TGP's nice members here. Thanks again.

[j2b4o]

Could be a dead fuel pump or bad coils. Atleast that's the likely culprit but it could also be a bad maf, cts, iac, or a few other sensors. Is the check engine light on? I'd have the codes read and see if anything comes up.

[TubeeTuberton]

I would think fuel system first from the sound of things. Either fuel pump or filter.

[j2b4o]

If you know what your lookin at you can try unplugging the maf and starting. Some cars have a pre set mode the computer will run the car off without the maf. So if you unplug the maf and the car starts tight away the maf is likely the issue. Easy to check and couldn't hurt. Also check fuses.

[Smakutus]

I'd say fuel pump.

Jeff

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

Spark, gas or timing. Does it sound weird when it's cranking... like un labored? If it sounds normal, we'll say it's spark or gas.

Plugged up gas filter or bad fuel pump would be your likely fuel probs. Water in gas (did you just fill up) or are you possibly out of gas?

Ignition is a bit more complex, but some cars have a fuseable link coming off the positive terminal of the battery. If that opens up, your ignition won't have any juice. But if none of the plugs are firing, it would be something with the power source to your ignition or ECU.

I just re-read your post. Since it stalled out twice .... yeah, it sounds like a gas starving prob. When is the last time you changed your gas filter?

[Baloney]

I say ignition module

[Section10]

I'll have to check out all of these. Most likely all over my head.


Amp for sale

[Bob Pollock]

Most likely; fuel fump. Should be a hatch in the floor under the back seat bottom cushion to access the pump (it's inside the gas tank). But, verify spark at the plugs first. Make sure the distributor is turning (if it has one?) by removing the cap and observing while someone else cranks the engine over. If it has no distributor, the the crank sensor would be the culprit for no spark. If the distributor isn't turning, the timing belt has broken. They're easy on Subaru's.

[nitehawk55]

Quick way to see if it's a fuel problem is to squirt a bit of fuel up in the intake and see if it fires or runs briefly .
Careful with that...fire hazard .

Last Subarus I worked on were from the early 80's , I could have those boxer engines out in 45 minutes

[cvaldeski]

see if you have a fuse for the fuel pump relay & check the fuel pump relay.(switch it out with another relay of the same value i.e. horn relay) good luck.

[Section10]

hey come to think of it, I remember driving it yesterday and I listened out the window to hear this humming noise coming from the front, either tire or engine area. Could've been straining pump noise....

I can't wait to see what gear I have to sell!

[brlfq]

I was pouring gas into a Subaru's carb as my Dad turned it over.

I remember the pop.
I remember thinking, "Stop, drop, and roll."
But mostly I remember the intense orange of burning gasoline!

[steve108819]

Unless Subarus are extremely quiet, you should be able to hear the fuel pump running. Turn the key to on, but not all the way to start. You should hear the pump kick on to prime the system. You should be able to hear a high pitched whirring type sound as your fuel pump kicks on. If you don't hear it, check your fuel pump fuse.

[HoboMan]

After a certain mileage Subarus will not start without the Coexist bumper sticker.
Get one immediately.


Seriously, I had the same problem with my 94 Camry last week.
Turned out it was the Crankshaft Pickup Sensor which is located in the distributor.
Mechanic replaced distributor and all is well.