I live in Iceland and needless to say the weater here is a little blustery at times. All winter long my 2000 forester has been running like a champ through cold, snowy, frozen, windy days. Since the weather has become milder, and if it has been damp or raining over night, I found in the mornings I had some hesitation and spluttering on acceleration, which went away once the car had warmed up and been running for a while. However, today my problem has become severe, the car won't start. last night was wet and windy. I shall wait until things dry a little before trying again.

 

Does anyone have an idea as to what might be the root of my problem?

Sounds like a flawed component in the secondary high voltage circuit. Start by using a hair dryer to dry off the spark plug wires, coil, and igniter. Some people might use WD40 (water displacent, 40th try) to accomplish the drying. See if it will start then.If it does, lightly mist all the components with water in a dark area and look for any arcing.

This should lead you to what's wrong. Most likely just the plug wires, maybe a cracked coil pack.

 

Everyone have a good Easter!

Agree with 7sis's, usually damp weather brings out the worse in the High Voltage area of the ignition system, usually attributed to plug wires.

 

Seven sisters... sounds like a small convent.

Before you get yourself all involved with complex possibilities, consider replacing the plug wires. It'll never hurt and it often clears up stuff like that.

How dirty is your engine compartment? If the components are dirty, moisture can absorb into the dirt and form a conductive layer, slightly shorting things. The blowing salt and gravel roads you likely experience are really bad for that. I've seen powerpole insulators glowing at night in many tropical islands from the damp salt layer. I've spent a lot of time at NAS Keflavik, mountain biked a lot with a group in Reykjavik. I cleaned a lot of salt off my gear when the wind howled, which was most of the time.

 

I've had good luck fixing your problem with spray silicone, rags and toothbrush. Wipe and scrub everything down, the silicone will clean and leave a waterproof, water repellant layer. It helps to pull the wires out to get them and the components under them clean. Might as well wipe down everything else in there while you're at it.

Thank you for the help. It looks like the problem was with the wires. Pat

Thanks for the update, Pat.

 

It kind of sucks sometimes when suggestions are given, and there is never a follow-up. This kind of feedback is very helpful!!