I have a 1993 Legacy Sedan 2.2 with a block heater. I plug it in on cold nights, otherwise no way will it start in the am. Also on cold days, I will start it about every 2-3 hours if I can get away from work. Most often it's fine when I do that. I have found that, like yesterday, it won't start after 2-3 hours. What causes this to freeze up fast? Ultimately, I have to have it towed home and plug it in. AAA has paid for itself. When I finally get it to start, I really have to force it. Could there be another cause for this problem?

Maybe your temp sensors are bad.Also check cold start valve.

Your coolant temp sensor is probably not good. As long as the temp isn't insanely cold, like -30 deg, the engine should start fine.

 

I'd suggest replacing the coolant temp sensor. It can be had for around $20 at www.subarugenuineparts.com

there could be water in your coolant too.

er um .... water in your coolant? i should hope so *snicker*

 

 

i also say a bad Temp sensor for the ecu.

 

 

nipper

er um .... water in your coolant? i should hope so *snicker*

 

 

i also say a bad Temp sensor for the ecu.

 

 

nipper

 

Be charitable Nipper, he surely meant water in the gas.

It won't crank, or it won't fire? Big difference here.

 

 

Trust me, these cars can be started at -40 and below without a block heater, so something is not right.

 

The suggestions made already are good if it's a no-fire issue. If it won't crank, start checking your battery, cables, and ground connections.

It cranks, but it won't fire. Others have suggested the temp sensor. I also have a problem with it starting when I drive it around a lot on a hot day. When I try and start it then, it does nothing...the lights and radio come on but it doesn't crank. Could this be the same problem? If I let it sit for about 10 or 15 minutes, it will start. My dad has a 93 Legacy wagon that does the same thing in hot weather.

 

It won't crank, or it won't fire? Big difference here.

 

 

Trust me, these cars can be started at -40 and below without a block heater, so something is not right.

 

The suggestions made already are good if it's a no-fire issue. If it won't crank, start checking your battery, cables, and ground connections.

Not cranking when hot is often a ground-related problem.

 

 

Coolant temp sensor sounds like the most likely candidate.