Boneyard

Ok, so I went out and worked on it today. I think I checked the wrong fuse when I checked the voltage before. There are two fuses marked fuel; one marked fuel/ign coil (which I think is the right one, looking at the wiring diagram), and one marked fuel (height). I don't know what the second one is for, but it only has voltage at start, not on run. The ignition switch appears to be fine, the coil/fuel fuse gets voltage at all times, and I hear a click when I turn the key on, but no buzz. I would guess the relay is working, although it could be another relay, unless the fuel relay is the only one. If that is the case, I would guess the fuel pump is going out. Unless the wiring to it is bad, which could be the case. It is pretty nasty out, and I am loathe to climb under my car in the mud and snow. It does surprise me that it would only give out on restarts though, and not while driving. I am a little concerned about spending all that money for the part if it is a wiring issue. It seems though that as it stands, the wiring appears to be intact. Thanks.

Thanks. It's good to find other Subaru enthusiasts. This is my first one, but probably not my last. The problem I am having, as I said, does not happen when I am running. It only seems to happen when I turn the car off and then try to start it again. Once it is running, it runs; it is only when I shut it off that it won't start back up again. I will go ahead and check the fuel pressure, but I replaced the filter a few months back, so that shouldn't be the problem. I wouldn't be surprised if the pump is giving out, but I will need to get a hold of a tap and die. My car is so old that every time I try to remove something I either strip or break the bolt. I broke two of the bolts off trying to remove the fuel pump, so it is hanging on by only one bolt right now. Just to make sure, my model has a fuel pump relay in it, right? Somewhere after the fuse and before the pump? Is that in the cabin or outside? I would prefer to spend a few dollars on one of those before dropping $300 on a new fuel pump. BTW, the dealer was nice enough not to do the $600 repair I said it might need after it started right up, and didn't even do the full $150 diagnostic. So even if they aren't completely competent, at least they aren't trying to take all my money. Thanks.

Greetings, A couple weeks ago, I drove my car someplace, parked it, and when I tried to start it again, it wouldn't start. I checked to make sure it was getting spark, and everything was fine, so it seemed to me a fuel problem. I spent the next day troubleshooting, and the best I could come up with was that I got no voltage on the fuel pump fuse (12v everywhere else, 0v on fuel pump) in the on position. I unplugged the fuel line and turned the engine over, and no fuel came out, which I believe verified the fuel theory. I was going to have the fuel pump replaced, but had the shop diagnose it first. (I have no garage and broke bolts on the fuel pump mounting, otherwise I would've replaced it myself) I had it towed to the dealership, and they said it started right up and that I had probably flooded it. I drove it for a week or two, but it did the same thing again two nights ago on my way to visit family. This time the tow truck driver verified that the fuel pump is not buzzing when I turn the key on. I have checked the wiring diagram in my Haines Manual, and is seems that both the fuel pump and the coil are on the same fuse, so having 0v should keep me from getting spark. I will check again once the weather breaks, but my initial diagnosis seemed that there was a problem somewhere between the battery (probably ignition) and the fuse-box that was intermittently cutting out. It doesn't happen when it's running, only when I stop and start, which seems to imply the ignition switch itself. This would not explain the spark in the coil though. I am unable to find a wiring diagram from the ignition to the fuse box, so I can' tell if maybe there is one wire or lead from the switch that feeds the fuel pump fuse, or if the ignition feeds a rail that all the fuses are supplied to. I would appreciate any insight that any you might have. I would like to get at least another year out of this car until I can get something newer and give her a bit of a break. Specs: 92 Loyale - 1.8L, 5 spd, Fuel injected. PS While she was running, she had no problems with the snow here in Seattle. Yay Subarus!