Subaru Legacy Wagon Hesitation problem

Turned out to be the ignition coil ($80 from any Subaru parts wholesaler) in my case, when it wasn't running smoothly that is.

I did the things paisan suggest in order, though. First a tune-up (plugs), then plug wires. Then ignition coil.

That last one did the trick. Turns out a chipmunk had chewed up my wires and the coil failed.

#15 of 31 93 2.2 Legacy Wagon has no power by edub763

Nov 08, 2008 (12:35 pm)

I replaced and reset the timing belt, no codes show any problems. I also replaced the plugs, wires and coil, but still have no power when reaching inclines (hills). What else could the problem be?

Eric

Replies to this message:

xwesx (Nov 11, 2008 11:35 am)
- edub763 (Nov 12, 2008 11:49 am)
  - xwesx (Nov 12, 2008 6:24 pm)

#16 of 31 Re: 93 2.2 Legacy Wagon has no power [edub763] by xwesx

Nov 11, 2008 (11:35 am)

Replying to: edub763 (Nov 08, 2008 12:35 pm)

Dirty fuel injectors? Clogged vacuum system? When is the last time the PCV valve was replaced?

Replies to this message:

edub763 (Nov 12, 2008 11:49 am)
- xwesx (Nov 12, 2008 6:24 pm)

#17 of 31 Re: 93 2.2 Legacy Wagon has no power [xwesx] by edub763

Nov 12, 2008 (11:49 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 11, 2008 11:35 am)

I've changed the PCV valve when I changed the plugs, wires and belts. Let me give a brief history on the vehicle, I was driving home from work and the timing belt snapped. I replaced it and had the car sitting for almost 2 years. The replacing of plugs, wires and pcv valve were done in the last month. When I reach inclines it acts as if it doesn't want to move. I'm at a loss. the number 1 and number 2 cylinders have no spark.

Replies to this message:

xwesx (Nov 12, 2008 6:24 pm)

#18 of 31 Re: 93 2.2 Legacy Wagon has no power [edub763] by xwesx

Nov 12, 2008 (6:24 pm)

Replying to: edub763 (Nov 12, 2008 11:49 am)

Oh, wow. Okay, that certainly changes things.

No spark at all in #s one or two... the coil pack is operating properly? If so, then I can only think that it perhaps it is related to the timing, which is controlled by a trio of sensors: knock, crankshaft, and camshaft. At least, I think it was controlled by the sensors in '93, but I am not certain. If it is, the knock sensor retards timing in the event of detonation, while the crankshaft and camshaft sensors determine when to fire the plugs. They are mechanically based, with the crank sensor reading TDC position on the crankshaft sprocket and the camshaft sensor operating off a set of magnets embedded in the upper crankshaft sprocket on the driver side of the vehicle. Perhaps there was damage to one of those sprockets or one of the sensors. I would guess the camshaft sensor and/or sprocket is the most likely culprit if that scenario is true.

Hard to say though - all kinds of bad things can happen when a timing belt breaks.

#19 of 31 tires for a 2001 legacy wagon L by mvg

Nov 13, 2008 (1:59 pm)

#20 of 31 Re: Hesitation problem [carnut114]1998 subaru legacy gt wagon 2.5 [carnut114] [grahampeters] [carnut114] by chinookcpt

May 26, 2009 (8:17 pm)

Replying to: carnut114 (Feb 18, 2007 10:29 am)

Hey there,

i got the exact same problem on my legacy brighton 2.2 1999. Also tried the sea foam cans and fuel injector cleaner. Both oxygen sensors, plugs and wires have one year, new fuel filter and I've just changed the mass air flow and knock sensor, but still nothing does the trick... and still no check engine...

Have you solved your problem finaly? Did anybody?

Somebody knows anything new? Thinking about changing the ignition coil after reading this thread but, did it help anyone?

Thanks

#21 of 31 2006 Subaru Legacy Hesitation by bdzin1

May 28, 2009 (6:21 pm)

Hi,
Anyone else notice a persistent hesitation? I have had a hesitation since new, I had it back at the dealer and each time they tried to tell me it would be fixed on the major service, they had no issues with it being reported. They changed the coils to no avail. I took the service manager out for a ride and we didn't have to leave the starting spot to notice it. He said that it was nothing. So I asked to go for a ride in his car. He said that wasn't fair because he didn't own a Subaru. I said why, because they have a hesitation problem. I had an Inpreza loaner and that car didn't have any such problem.

So I was an idiot and waited and now even the lemon law here in CT won't help me.

The hesitation is right as you attempt to accelerate from a stop. I can't depend on the car to get the 'jump' at a light so I have to sit and wait. I know if I was a teenager this would kill me!

I'd be interested to hear everyone's comments on this subject.

Thanks!

Replies to this message:

saedave (May 28, 2009 6:59 pm)
- chinookcpt (May 29, 2009 6:46 am)
  - saedave (May 29, 2009 7:55 am)

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