I help a friend get a 99 Legacy a couple of years ago.  Lately it started to die at random times.  It starts back up after a bit.  No Codes set?

Ideas?  I hate just to change parts, but I do have spare sensors.  I'm thinking start with Cam and Crank Sensor.  I would think if the sensor was out it would have a code set. 

Or change out the MAF?

Thanks,

Larry

Edited March 10, 20215 yr by lmdew

1 hour ago, lmdew said:

I help a friend get a 99 Legacy a couple of years ago.  Lately it started to die at random times.  It starts back up after a bit.  No Codes set?

Ideas?  I hate just to change parts, but I do have spare sensors.  I'm thinking start with Cam and Crank Sensor.  I would think if the sensor was out it would have a code set. 

Or change out the MAF?

Thanks,

Larry

If it stalls when letting off the gas, at like a stop sign/stoplight, I'd look into the idle controller. 

If it's totally random with no codes or other symptoms, I'd swap MAF first. 

The only non-code stalling 90's EJ I had was a MAF sensor.  Went months intermittently stalling/no-starting.  Cam/crank sensor swapped - no change.  After like 6 months it tossed a MAF code, swapped and it was golden. 

My first thoughts are a post MAF intake leak or leaking fuel pressure regulator. Both can cause some strange running symptoms.

Edited March 10, 20215 yr by Numbchux

Thanks.  Cleaned the Cam Sensor connector and plug as it will not come out without pulling the valve cover.  Swapped a Crank sensor.  

Newer engine, not the old airbox MAF.  Random dies from what she has told me.  Larry

New Style IAC valve.  Worth pulling to clean?  

20 hours ago, lmdew said:

New Style IAC valve.  Worth pulling to clean?  

If you remove it I'd have a new gasket on hand as the original can often be 'swelled' upon removal and not want to seat very well when reinstalling.  Don't know - I've never had that style be problematic, I've cleaned a couple but no change and no confirmed problem with that valve to begin with.  But if they just open and close to intake air they may be prone to the same issues as others. 

20 hours ago, lmdew said:

Thanks.  Cleaned the Cam Sensor connector and plug as it will not come out without pulling the valve cover.  Swapped a Crank sensor.  

Newer engine, not the old airbox MAF.  Random dies from what she has told me.  Larry

The cam sensor comes off - there's an additional support bracket with two bolts oriented at 90 degrees facing the battery right behind the sensor (to the left of the sensor when looking from the engine bay).  remove those two bolts and the support bracket comes off allowing the sensor to come out.  

If it random dies then it shouldn't be the idle control valve.

Ah right - 99 year, got it. 

around that time, aren't there some MAFs that get intermittent due to cracked solder joints or ????

Thanks, cleaned the throttle body and the IAC valve.  Pulled my spare intake IAC valve first.  Saw the rubber gasket and it looked OK, so I went ahead an pulled the one off the car.  Of course you were right, I should  have had a new one on hand.  The old ones were swelled to the point it would be a roll of the dice if you could get the IAC back on.  Friday!  

Edited March 12, 20215 yr by lmdew

Installed IAC Valve and gasket today.

NGK Plugs and Plug Wires.

Cam Sensor Replaced.

Speedo Fixed.  

We'll see how it does.  

Having the same problem with my 95.  Engine was replaced a few years ago.  Current mileage probably around 160K.  Have done much of the above.  Problem now better but engine still stalls when stopped at a stop sign.  For some reason the Hot ATF always flashes a few times when it stalls.  Beginning to wonder if maybe the TC lock up function could be the problem. 

Have you changed/flushed out the Trans Fluid.  I was have some shift delays on my 2000 OBS Amsoil trans fluid greatly improved it.

TRy shifting into neutral before stopping. Maybe TC lock-up not releasing?

Swapped out the crank sensor, went for a 10 mile test ride, and no stalling.  Have fingers crossed and tomorrow will take it on a 60 mile trip to Lowes.  But the wife has finally convinced me to find something newer so will be hitting Craigslist daily.  

Ah too bad John is that your really nice legacy that’s I’ve seen?  That’s too bad, you’ve kept it nice. But I get it, sometimes it’s time.

You could try the secret hand shake and see if it’s spits out an AT code.

Putting it in neutral before coming to a stop is a brilliant suggestion to see if it’s lock up related. 

On 3/12/2021 at 7:15 PM, lmdew said:

Speedo Fixed.  

You had a speedometer issue? The ECU is programmed to use the VSS to idle up to prevent stalling while stopped...no VSS could have been your issue.

 

On 3/13/2021 at 7:27 AM, john in KY said:

Having the same problem with my 95.  Engine was replaced a few years ago.  Current mileage probably around 160K.  Have done much of the above.  Problem now better but engine still stalls when stopped at a stop sign.  For some reason the Hot ATF always flashes a few times when it stalls.  Beginning to wonder if maybe the TC lock up function could be the problem. 

 

Hopefully this doesn't get confusing with 2 people diagnosing in the same thread...

 

Does it stop immediately when the car stops? Seem to fight the brakes a lot? Car lugs like a clutch still engaged? If you bump it into neutral when you feel it start to happen, does it idle up normally? Or can you come to a stop, and after a few seconds it will putter out?

I had a '99 SUS years ago that wouldn't release the torque converter, especially when the transmission was cold. We tried fluid, filters, even a lockup solenoid. Eventually got our hands on a cheap transmission and swapped it in (converter and all) and it went away. I suspect just a converter would have done it.

On 3/10/2021 at 3:22 PM, lmdew said:

Random dies from what she has told me.

If the engine dies while driving and no codes, knock sensor. But, it usually starts right up.

Fuel filter?

some crank sensors from the 90s will crap-out when hot...