Have a 96 outback legacy. Had intermittant issues with starting since i bought it. Has always cranked fine but at times had no fire. Would eventually fire up. Sometimes took a couple days, sometimes a few minutes. VSS and ignitor have been replaced. Will not fire at all now. Help.

HI and Welcome,

Have you put a Code scanner on it? whether or NOT the CEL is on, there may codes stored in the ECU/computer that'll help.

 

usually, we'll suggest people ensure the Tune-up is UP TO DATE - plugs, wires, aiir/fuel filters,etc. 

 

Is this the 2.2 w/5-speed or 2.5 w/4EAT (Automatic)?

 

I'd pick on the CTS/coolant temp sensor, MAF/Mass airflow sensor, and Cam or Crank sensors.

 

TD

Everything post ignitor is testing correct. Ignitor was replaced but shows no power to coils. I'm thinking ignition relay but don't know where it's at.

tune-up as said, NGK plugs, new NGK wires (if original, yours are 21 years old) , check for oil on the plug boots. if oily, may need valve cover gaskets and plug tube seals.

Edited June 20, 20178 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

 

tune-up as said, NGK plugs, new NGK wires (if original, yours are 21 years old) , check for oil on the plug boots. if oily, may need valve cover gaskets and plug tube seals.

Tune up done with no result.

Found 2 small (18guage) wires hanging under dash. Black with white trace. Could these be my problem?

no, those and any green disconnected wires are for diagnostic use only. leave disconnected for normal driving.

any oil on the plug wire boots?

 

any differences in the weather conditions when it starts vs when it doesn't ?

 

have you tried starting it with etherstart/starting fluid?

 

could it be flooded now? are the plugs wet with fuel? (if so, hold the gas pedal to the floor and crank , that's the ECU's 'clear flood' procedure)

 

is the IACV hose disconnected from under the intake tubing?

Everything post ignitor is testing correct. Ignitor was replaced but shows no power to coils. I'm thinking ignition relay but don't know where it's at.

it's way up in the upper left corner of the dash.

 

i'd check the ground wire bundle on the intake manifold for a good ground first.