1997 impreza wagon cranks but won't start.

[bryanfroeh]

hey there,

 

so my subi didn't start up for me this morning, drove her in last night, no trouble at all. this morning, the engine cranks but won't fire, the battery is good, and there is gas in the tank.  there is really nothing that i know of that was outstanding or wrong prior to this morning.  any ideas?  I'm not the most knowledgeable regarding cars, but i'm mechanically inclined.  

 

when i turn the ignition, it does sound different than before, it sort of just chugs.  i've never had this problem before, usually she starts up real quick.  

 

any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.  

 

thanks

[desertsubaru]

Check your fuses first.

[1 Lucky Texan]

when was the timing belt changed?

 

has the car been well maintained? miles? new to you? check engine light on?  general condition...more details please.

Edited June 30, 2015 by 1 Lucky Texan

[mikec03]

Yes, we need more information.  Since you are mechanically inclined, you know the problem it is either air, gas, or spark.  You have to start working your way through these alternatives.  

 

While there are almost unlimited possibilities, you can start by listening to hear the gas pump run. When you turn the ignition on, but don't crank, the pump is supposed to run for about 2 sec.

[AdventureSubaru]

Listen for the fuel pump.

 

Pull a plug and check for spark.

 

try a shot of starter fluid down the intake to see if it's fuel related.

 

The ka-chug can be timing. I'll second the question of mileage and last timing set change? Pull the timing cover on the drivers side and inspect if the belt is ok. can skip a tooth or two and not start.

[Bushwick]

If it's not belt related, it can be fuel pump, ignition coil, etc. I forget if it'll crank or not with the fusible link in engine compartment blown. I do however remember it won't start with it blown, but think it didn't crank.

 

If belt snapped, it should sound different while cranking as the valves will all be shut. pull timing cover to see if belt let loose. If it's tight, follow the advice of spritzing starter fluid in to see if it'll fire or not. If it doesn't fire, it can be CPS or ignition coil. Both of those can work one minute, and be totally dead the next. Have seen more than one ignition coil fail AFTER the car was shut off i.e. car was running, shut off, sat overnight, then wouldn't start the next day. But that was usually with Fords.