Fuel pump is not even trying to run (no "whirr" at fuel pipe when the car is turned on while I'm listening). Related components are the fuel pump relay, fuse #16 or the fuel pump itself. Before I go ripping out the rear seat, which is fuse 16? on top or bottom? I'm guessing that it is the next to the end toward the rear of the car as fuse 14 is middle towards the front. anything I'm missing? Do I have the wrong fuse in mind? do the fuel pump relays go out often (my guess is not)

The ECM is getting power and working, right? Make sure the check engine light is coming on. I had a 96 chevy 1-ton die on me last spring, and I thought it was the fuel pump because it stopped running, but it turned out all the fuel pump stuff was fine but the ECM wasn't getting power at all.

The ignition relay and fuel pump relay may be a problem and they do cause trouble now and then. Check to see if you have voltage getting to the pump motor using chassis ground as the reference.

97 legacy sedan.....you shouldnt have to rip out the rear seat..it should be under the floor mat in the trunk.....i thought mine was under my back seat also..until i pulled the seat to find out it wasnt there....lol

Manual says I do.

"2 remove the rear seat (sedan) or trunk liner (station wagon) to expose the fuel pump/sending unit access plate."

 

from page 4-6, which has the fuel pump removal and replacement procedure.

 

Reall want to pull the front seat in order to muck around with the fuse block (which the fuel pump relay is behind) as I'm not as young and flexible as I used to be. . .

well check under your trunk liner first...easier than removing rear seat....yeah i hear you about the 3 relays up in the drivers side foot well...what i dont understand is why did subaru decide to put 3 out of the 4 cooling fan relays in the engine fuse box and stick one up inside the car next to the main relay and fuel pump relay...

Has this car been sitting around for a while, or did it just stop running? The pumps seize up if they sit around too long, I've had a few like that.

test voltage and continuity at the fuel pump...if its there the pump is bad...if not you need to dive in to the electrical stuff

 

Good luck

Yeah, I was trying to get out of digging out the fuel pump, but it looks like that is where I'm headed with this. No the car was not sitting. It had an old weak battery, and when it was replaced the keyless entry went haywire (I was in the hospital and unable to fix this for her) so she had to remove the fuse that powers the door locks and windows, which also powers that keyless entry module. During this time the fuel pump started acting up (giving less and less fuel until it gave none at all ). Then I got out of the hospital and have been working catch as catch can to get her car back up.