Legacy777

Change the tranny fluid....that's the first thing I'd do.

going to close this thread so all replies go in your other thread and make it easier to keep track of what's going on. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=51141

It's possible the part they have is just a generic motor. You might want to see if you can find a used motor in a junkyard. If you don't have any around you, I'd suggest calling up these places http://www.aaronsautowrecking.com/ http://www.superrupair.com/ http://www.4subarusuzukikiaparts.com/

Check out my site on how to pull the codes www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/engine.html

Yeah, it's probably the starter solenoid contacts. You can read over this thread http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2447&page=9&pp=10&highlight=super+secret+starting It's long...the last two pages have links to a place where you can buy the contacts, and a little word document. here's some additional pics http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/images/swap/13

He's blown smoke up your arse. Where in texas are you?

The inhibitor switch by itself doesn't keep the car from starting. I can jumper two pins on the car side of the AT connector and start the car, regardless of what gear it's in because I've tricked the other systems in thinking the trans is in Neutral or Park. Yes the inhibitor switch is tied into the other electronics. The other electronics/systems are what keep the car from starting. Anyway....I think it's the old potAtoe vs Patatoe thing....

Yeah, replace the coolant temp sensor.

You probably do have a headgasket issue. The 97's were known for it. Just as a check....you did bleed the air out of the cooling system correctly right? Did you use an OEM thermostat or aftermarket? Do you get heat from the HVAC system?

I'd start with a coolant temp sensor. They can slowly degrade with time and cause cold starting issues. Does the car start fine when the engine is warmed up...even if the ambient temps are cold?

The inhibitor switch really doesn't do anything to keep the car from starting. All it does is tell the electronics what gear the transmission is in. The other systems are what keep the car from starting. The shift lock system is what gets the information from the inhibitor switch and then says yes or no you can start the engine.

Just for my clarification.....are you driving around with a fuse installed in the FWD fuse holder.....yes or no?

The conversation has been on topic. Your AT does not have a neutral safety switch. It has an inhibitor switch, which is located inside the transmission. You also have a shift lock system which won't let the car start unless the gear selector is in park or neutral. So I would lean towards that if you're absolutely positive there's no clicking sound. You can check out these scans which talk about it. http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/files/swap/3-3_shift_lock_sys1.jpg http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/files/swap/3-3_shift_lock_sys2.jpg http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/files/swap/6-3_at_shift_lock.jpg

You sure you don't mean 3rd gear is 1:1? In the first gen legacies 4th gear is 0.694

Starter solenoid contacts.

The 4EAT does not specifically have an OD. It's fourth gear is overdriven....but it does not have a typical OD.

The engine harness thing doesn't mean squat. Just swap the engine harness. It's cake. You just have to remove the intake manifold, pull the existing harness, and put your old one in.

Are both motors coming out of the same type of transmission based car? The starter depends mainly on the transmission, not the engine. Coil pack & alternator I don't see why they wouldn't fit. The timing belt....probably not....is the 2.5 DOHC?

I replied to your PM. Replace the canister purge solenoid with a known good one, and then try to clear the codes again.

You'll need to give us a little more info about your car before we can provide any further information.

http://www.subaru.com/shop/model_consideration.jsp?model=IMPREZA

AT or MT? Were you having this problem with it not starting before you replaced the starter? Have you stuck your head out the window when it doesn't start and listened for a click? You might want to try that next time it won't start. See if you hear a click when you turn the key to the Start position. Either have someone stick their head in the engine bay, and/or stick your head out the window so you can hear things better.

Nothing's impossible. Did he give reasons for saying it was impossible. Since I'm not overly familiar with the new 2.2, my best suggestion is to check out the online subaru dealers and see if they have a parts catalogue and blow up diagrams. Look to see if there is an EGR valve. Or give them a call. Even if there isn't, you can still swap the intake manifold from the 99 onto either the 97 or 98.

What level was the fuel in your tank? I suppose if you were low you could have an issue of the pump not picking up fuel. I'd definitely recommend replacing the fuel filter.

Have you inserted a fuse in the FWD fuse holder? If so, does the problem not occur? Due to the sporadic nature of the issues, I would wonder if your electrical harness has a short or area where the wire is breaking down.