Okay here we go... 2000 Subaru Legacy "L", 2.5l, 180k miles

 

So the car decided to stop running just as I was picking up my kids close to home. It was around 20degrees outside and about a foot of snow on the ground. I live in the Portland, OR area and we hardly ever get cold weather like this. After getting the munchkins, I tried to start the car but it would only turn over and not start.

 

In the past I've have the error code of 0420 indicating either an ignition coil failure or a cat failure, I assumed it was a coil issue.

 

Replaced coil, still won't start.

 

Did research, tried a few other things.

 

Replaced: Cam Position sensor, crank position sensor, still won't start.

 

Did more searching.

 

Suspected fuel delivery problem. Car would start AND run with starting fluid applied. Removed fuel line coming from filter to intake and turned the key to the on position, no flow. Fuel would only flow with decent pressure while running on the starting fluid, or in chugs while cranking over. 

 

Then replaced: Fuel filter, checked fuses(all good), replaced fuel pump relay, replaced fuel pump.

 

Now... same thing with the fuel line. It's only pressurizing while running on starting fluid and cranking over.

 

Thinking of replacing in-tank fuel filter, inspecting steel lines for damage, setting the thing on fire... UHG!

 

Around $400 dumped into this problem so far, would love to fix this without having to take it into a shop.

 

Any probing questions or troubleshooting steps you guys have for me would be great, ask or tell away! 

 

Thanks in advance!

Sounds like the fuel pump isn't generating any pressure.

Just a little fyi, don't just throw parts at a problem, even in desperation, as you can see it can run a bil up quickly. You may be even around the amount of money a shop may have charged you to fix the car.

 

Have you tried choking off the fuel pressure regulator to see if the car starts.

 

Was there a whining noise coming from the back of the car?

 

You get fuel pumping in the start position, but not the run position? 

 

How had the car been running up to this point?

 

420 code is most likely a bad O2 sensor, but wont keep the car from running.

Awesome reply, Thank you Nipper!

 

To answer the questions:

Have you tried choking off the fuel pressure regulator to see if the car starts. Nope, unaware of this part/procedure. Will look into it.

 

Was there a whining noise coming from the back of the car? Listened at the fuel filler cap, did not hear any noise. That's when I threw the pump at it... Yes the bill is racking up  >.<

 

You get fuel pumping in the start position, but not the run position? Exactly, in start(while turning over), not in run position.

 

How had the car been running up to this point? For the last month the Check Engine light has been off and car has been running great.

 

 

I was digging around in the forums(The stickies FAQ) and found this picture of the fuel pump/sending unit assembly and it looks just like mine(same crack in the metal cap) and they're talking about that made their units lose pressure as well.

 

Thinking about a trip to my local wrecking yard, as the replacement unit at the parts store are 3-400$.

 

Thanks again Nipper

Hmmm, that problem is usually seen on the H6 cars, had you a 6 cyl we all would have been going 'It's that ^%$^ cap again!'

Oh, you can get a filter that comes with a cap that will work (on the H6 anyway), the '04 filter and cap is about $35. No o-ring though.

 

You use the cap and leave out the filter.

I have used used pumps with no issues. You may or may not be able to get one easily depending upon how your local yard deals with fuel tanks.

 

The fuel pump pressurizes the system when you turn the starter switch, and starts the pump when the car actually starts. It stops the car from flooding or using uo needless power when the car is only in the on position (and not started), so thats normal.