So, I recently purchased a 1998 Legacy with the 2.2 engine. When I got it inspected, the mechanic told me it needed new spark plugs, so I went ahead and swapped them out earlier. Now, when the car starts, it idles for 5 seconds then dies. I have absolutely no idea what the problem might be. I gapped them correctly, made sure the wires were all back in their correct spot, made sure they were all connected. I even put the old spark plugs back in and it does the same thing, dies after 5 seconds. Any ideas what the problem might be??

One of the hoses to the intake tube or airbox is loose/disconnected.

Edited November 2, 20178 yr by Fairtax4me

I checked and couldn't find anything. Could it be the wires failed? They are old as well, but I was trying to put off putting in new ones. I figured if they worked before the swap, they should still work, but I just read another post that says they are known for shorting after adding new plugs.

Check the big hose from the bottom of the intake tube to the idle air control valve. 

 

GD

Check the big hose from the bottom of the intake tube to the idle air control valve. 

 

GD

 

+1

2+

I went out and checked this morning, and the hose was disconnected. Super relieved, thanks for your help!