I am trying to buy a car. The guy with the 1996 Legacy said that the car wouldn't start on Friday, so they jumped it...and it still ran funny. I came to drive it on Saturday, and found that the car had already been driven and the engine warmed up. In my experience, if a car takes a jump, then its good to go. I think maybe this car doesnt run right when cold? Also didn't get to hear the cold start.

I am trying to buy a car. The guy with the 1996 Legacy said that the car wouldn't start on Friday, so they jumped it...and it still ran funny. I came to drive it on Saturday, and found that the car had already been driven and the engine warmed up. In my experience, if a car takes a jump, then its good to go. I think maybe this car doesnt run right when cold? Also didn't get to hear the cold start.

 

I hope others will have some advice for you. Any chance you could get a mech to inspect it?

Anyway - I suppsoe the engine temp sensor (not the coolant temp sensor for the gauge) COULD be bad, telling the ECU the car is always 'warmed up' - so no 'choke' effect when cold.

 

Carl

Good suggestion, 1 Lucky Texan. It's amazing to me how many rough running problems can be traced to this one sensor (the engine coolant temp sensor.) I know a new one sure helped me.

 

Midwst--if you're truly impressed with the car ask the guy if he'll spring for a new sensor (it's only about $20) just to "prove" the car runs well.

 

May be worth a try. Good luck.

Read out the ECU Codes to see if any are set.

Read out the ECU Codes to see if any are set.

 

That's always a good suggestion. Some parts retailers will do that at no charge (Autozone).

But, IIRC, the engine temp sensor doesn't set a specific code if it's bad, how would the ecu otherwise know if the sensor were wrong? - though I guess some type of cylinder misfire could be set because it isn't working.

 

Anybody know for certain?

 

Carl

That's always a good suggestion. Some parts retailers will do that at no charge (Autozone).

But, IIRC, the engine temp sensor doesn't set a specific code if it's bad, how would the ecu otherwise know if the sensor were wrong? - though I guess some type of cylinder misfire could be set because it isn't working.

 

Anybody know for certain?

 

Carl

 

P0181, P0182 and P0183 are error codes specific to a coolant temp or coolant temp circuit failure.

I did get a code, PO115 I think, that alerted me to replace the sensor.

 

Frag--I think the codes you quoted are for Fuel temperature sensor, at least that's what Haynes says.

I did get a code, PO115 I think, that alerted me to replace the sensor.

 

Frag--I think the codes you quoted are for Fuel temperature sensor, at least that's what Haynes says.

 

You're right Olnick.

Probably time to go to bed.

It's rather P0115, 116 and 117.

And I did'nt even know there was a fuel temp sensor on my engine.

Aloha!

And I did'nt even know there was a fuel temp sensor on my engine.

 

I've never heard of it either!!!

 

Aloha.

Not sure what the code #s are on my 93, but when you guys recomended me to replace my temp sensor, I had a knock, throttle position, and a couple of others I dont remember. So this temp sensors seems to play all kinds of havoc.

So this temp sensors seems to play all kinds of havoc.

 

Interesting observation, jimscat! So . . . did the temp sensor help?

 

I find it fascinating that one reasonably priced, relatively easily replaced sensor can make such a positive difference in engine operation!