Ask the Car People.SM


Subaru Legacy: Typical high-mileage repairs? - READ ONLY

280 messages,  Last post on Dec 20, 2001 at 7:21 AM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair - Archived Discussions Forum.

This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Lost? Ask the M&R Host for directions! discussion.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy

Join other Subaru enthusiasts in the Subaru Crew Owner's Club!





Every Thursday 6-7pmPT/9-10pmET

Messages Page 16 of 29

#144 of 280 90 Legacy - Engine will not start by pinkerto

Jun 19, 2001 (1:54 pm)

I recently replaced the power steering pump in my 1990 Subaru Legacy. Since I had power steering fluid all over my engine from when the old pump failed I decided I would put engine degreaser on the engine and hose it off. The next morning it started up and I drove to work. I did notice that the engine was a bit sluggish. When I went back out start my car to go to lunch it would not start. When I would turn the key, I would just get a "Click" and I noticed that the Power Indicator light was lit on my dashboard. The owners manual says, "if the Power light flashes for eight seconds or more after the ignition switch has been turned "ON" when starting the engine, it may indicate a problem with the automatic transmission control system." It also says that I should be sure to have it checked at a nearby Subaru dealer immediately.
 
Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be?
 
Thanks!!

#145 of 280 90 legacy by evilizard

Jun 19, 2001 (3:16 pm)

You washed away some of that dirt that was holding your engine together!
 
No seriously I would guess some type of electrical short. probably with the starter, maybe starter motor or something. Probably related to the work done to replace the PS pump, just manifested itself after the wash. Its amazing how many Totally unrelated mechnical failures happen right after getting some work done. I had an old Tempo, got the heater core replaced. The next day the distributor cap disintegrated into 18 pieces (I counted em.) I'd check my batter/connections and then try to take some power staight to the starter motor if you can.

#146 of 280 Pinkerto by pattim3

Jun 20, 2001 (2:08 am)

You may also want to check your spark plug wires.
 
Patti

#147 of 280 by ateixeira

Jun 20, 2001 (6:52 am)

Check the distributor cap and rotor, too. I think your car has them.
 
Even a little water in there can keep it from starting up. My wife's old Mirage would stall when it rained, and I found out part of the distributor cap had cracked and was letting water in.
 
-juice

#148 of 280 I got it Started!!! by pinkerto

Jun 20, 2001 (2:30 pm)

After a visit to the local auto supply store, and explaining the situation about my car not starting, the manager told me to try tapping on the starter lightly with a hammer as my Bendix (sp) might be stuck. Willing to try anything, I tapped it with my tire iron,
 
Wouldn't you know, it started right up. That was the cheapest repair I ever had!!
 
Thanks for everyones suggestions.

#149 of 280 pinkerto by alcan

Jun 20, 2001 (7:18 pm)

It usually isn't the bendix (starter drive) that sticks, it's the starter brushes. Sounds like your starter's living on borrowed time.

#150 of 280 by ateixeira

Jun 21, 2001 (5:44 am)

I was going to say the same thing - time to replace that starter, even though it worked this time.
 
That same shop may even have a remanufactured one, but I'd check on the price of an OE starter first at your dealer or subaruparts.com.
 
-juice

#151 of 280 What brand of struts? by rayfbaird

Jun 25, 2001 (8:19 am)

After 120,000 my wagon wallows when fully loaded. I am going to replace the struts? I want to use performance ones, but the Subaru OEM costs over $100 apeice, and I'm not sure they are performance.
 
Are KYB, or Tokico struts better than Monroe or Gabriel?

#152 of 280 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 26, 2001 (7:52 am)

I'm not sure what you mean by "performance" struts exactly...if your original OEMs lasted this long, that's pretty darn good--I wouldn't imagine a KYB or Monroe or Gabriel doing that well. When it comes to struts, you do get what you pay for; however, you should check into the Subaru Owner's Club at Edmunds for some owner feedback. There's a hot link right at the top of this page. They may have had good luck with some aftermarket brands.

#153 of 280 Performance Struts. by rayfbaird

Jun 26, 2001 (8:03 am)

I read about performancae struts such as Tokico, KYB, and Eidelberg on the aftermarket springs ansd shock absorber site. They are supposed to deliver a smoother ride, and allow firmer cornerning.
 
Checking with dealers here, the KYB is available for half the price of the Subaru one, and has a permanent guarantee of replacement unlike Subaru's.
 
I'll check the owner's club.

Messages Page 16 of 29

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement