My legacy wouldnt start last weekend on me, and i went in to pull my CE codes and i discover, a code 13 (cam angle sensor), 21 (water temperature sensor), 32 (O2 sensor), 35(canister purge solenoid). The light has been on for about a year now give or take, and i guess is time to give it some love. I just wanted to check and see if anybody had any helpful advice before i try to buy a $130 sensor?

Thanks

does it still not start?

 

check the timing ,

if it is off you could generate some misleading codes.

if it runs,

disconnect the battery for a couple of hours and see what codes come back first.

 

are the green connectors connected under the dash?

they should not be.

Likely only the water temperature sensor fault preventing it from starting.

Check the connector for corrosion and test the sensor w/an ohmmeter.

I did manage to get it to start by playing with the diagnostic plugs, with the green plugged IN it started, i let it run for a few seconds then unplugged it and restarted the car just fine! ran fine for a day then the next morning i am back to square one. I have not replace or looked at anything yet, i work a lot, il be able to devote some time tomorrow. Sure glad i have work truck these days..

 

Oh and can someone point me toward the engine bay location of said offending sensors? And maybe the test specs?

Edited February 6, 201511 yr by Razorthirty

Well more interesting info, i went out this morning just because i was curious and she fired right up, with a hesitation when you touch the throttle, It chokes a bit then revvs up. Does this sound familiar to anybody? (It does have brand new good plugs and wires)

 

I also found the location of said sensors. Google of course, shouldn't have even asked..

Edited February 6, 201511 yr by Razorthirty

Temp sensor is the culprit.  That code will not set unless there is a real issue.  And with tehe ECU not having a correct temp, it's not able to properly set the mix for startup.

 

Crank sensor code set because of no-start but is not the issue.

 

O2 sensor can affect running but won't cause no start.

 

Purge solenoid also will not affect starting.

What is your Legacy--year, mileage, tranny?  Any history of repairs done?  General tune-up history?

 

Maybe a throttle body cleaning, IACV (idle air control valve) cleaning, PCV replacement, ECTS (engine coolant temperature sensor) check or replacement, vacuum hose inspection, new air & fuel filters--any or all might help!

Car is question is a 92 Legacy, Auto, 165k miles, recent (about 3 months ago) transmission clutch pack and duty c replacement. Only tune ups in the last year have been an oil change or two, new plugs and wires, new air filter. New fuel filter coming soon. Temp sensor replacement also int he works it would seem. I got a used cam sensor from the junkyard for $10 (and a sweet pair of better taillights) and tried that, it starts up just like it did this morning, so i guess i have a spare now!

Thanks, Razor--the info helps.  I certainly don't believe in "throwing parts at problems"  but years ago I had a starting/running problem that I tracked down to the ECTS.  Put a new one in and the car immediately ran like it was brand new--and has been ever since!  Hope it does the same for you.  And congrats on your new taillights--it's almost like a bonus for your trip to the yard, isn't it!

Edited February 6, 201511 yr by Olnick

Alright, Engine coolant temp sensor replaced, both fans still run constantly at start up, seems to run better now though. time will tell i suppose.. I disconnected the battery and will leave it that way for a couple hours (is that correct?)to hopefully reset the engine codes and see if the problem persists.

Battery disconnect for a couple of hours should do it.  Are your diagnostic cables under the dash disconnected?

Well the coolant temp sensor seems to have done the trick, the fans have stopped running constantly and its starting much better. Thanks guys.