7 replies to this topic

[kayakerx]

I have an issue with my '96 Subaru Legacy wagon. When I park it on a side angle, it won't restart right away. If I leave it for 20 minutes or so, it usually restarts, although one time I got it to restart when I actually jacked up the low side and tricked the car into thinking it was sitting flat.

The car has had the same issue twice while flat, too. One time it was parked and wouldn't restart right away, the second time I was idling while waiting for a train to pass. It stalled and then a few minutes later restarted. But the majority of the occurences (about eight now) have occurred while on a tilt. This problem is not a long-standing problem; it started about a week ago.

My mechanic found an error through the computer--code PO340, cam position sensor. The sensor part isn't sold separate from the octopus wiring harness, so on his next junkyard run he is going to pick one up. We can get the car to stall/start simpling by moving the wires in a certain way.

However, the main problem sounds more like a fuel pressure issue to me, based on the car's problems that occur mostly when it's on a tilt. I think the mechanic just found a secondary problem that had been lurking, and was discovered because this issue occurred. I'm thinking it's the fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator. Any thoughts?

[Legacy777]

When it fails to start, does the engine turn over, or does it do nothing?

[kayakerx]

Good question. It cranks fine, just never engages.

[kayakerx]

bump.

[Adnan]

Hi,

Is it side sensitive, that is, does it show the problem only when tilted one way?

Adnan

[kayakerx]

Nope...both ways have caused the problem.

[Adnan]

We can get the car to stall/start simpling by moving the wires in a certain way.

Hi,

It sure sounds like the problem is indeed with the cam sensor or wiring. You have found that moving the wires replicates the problem. Tilting the car causes the wires to move and opens up the connection.

Since the car fails to start immediately after tilting, it is unlikely to be a fuel pressure issue. Pressure regulators and check valves are not affected by angle, at least not that rapidly, as in this case.

Check your harness with a fine-tooth comb. Look for chafing, kinking or odd bulges that may indicate breakage. Your cam sensor probably uses a coax cable running back to the ECU and can develop a break in the inner conductor.

Good luck with the trouble-shooting,
Adnan

[richierich]

Cam & Crank Position sensor should come as a set from the dealership for about $63.00


Have you checked to see if you are getting fuel when it is tilted?