starting problems

gerzod · Post by **gerzod** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 2:20 pm

Hi all,
Recently i have been having quite afew problems starting my car.
Battery is fine and car was running fine until now, with spark plug changed recently.

Its strange as it always seems to be related to a sensor somehow.
The past few times by simply disconnecting and reconnecting a sensor connector
(sometimes the AFM, though the other day the cam angle sensor was the culprit) it will start.
I tried resetting the ECU both ways (d/c battery and the plug under the dash).

I noticed the other day when i read the CEL code that it was flashing for the cam angle sensor which is why i disconnected and reconnected it, then it fired up after that.

Has anyone heard of problems like this before?
My car is a 1996 gx awd (EJ22). The engine bay is extremely clean and seems to have been kept that way all its life.
I tried giving the connector pins a spray with some cleaner to see if it helps so fingers crossed but this is getting really annoying.

Cheers

Smokey · Post by **Smokey** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 4:19 pm

I have the same problem recently but mine starts fine when cold. Car will not start when at running temp, ie stop to refuel etc. But give it 15 min it starts again fine. Chuck the black pins together (also 96 Liberty thought LX 300K) and it says Cam Sensor, code 13. Called Subaru today and its 320 or something for a new one. Found a site online that says 140 something but there doesn't seem to be many aftermarket. Scotts Auto one said no after market and quoted the same price.

Anyone got a spare one from a wreck? Are they the same across the engines?

gerzod · Post by **gerzod** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 4:28 pm

hmmm, i never thought that maybe it is hear related, most of the times have been after turining it off for afew mintues, but i have also had it happen after its been sitting there for hours so im not too sure.
I found this on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-96- ... ccessories

maybe worth asking him to revise his international shipping costs?
$150 is absurd for something that small. shouldnt be more than 15-20 tops.

gerzod · Post by **gerzod** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:23 am

Although this problem went away for some time it seems to have returned (my car just randomly died at the lights while idling).
I am assuming the sensor is on its way out.
I am thinking of replacing the cam angle sensor and have noted that an "ACA" branded one from supercheap auto goes for around $130 while subaru want around $400 iirc.
Does anyone have any thoughts on using a non genuine subaru cam sensor? I know that some non genuine parts are just not worth buying and with such a big price difference i dont want to be paying triple for the same thing.

GTlegs · Post by **GTlegs** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 1:41 pm

When cars dont start when warmed up it generally because the starter motor relay does not get enough volts.

The start circuit is generally: battery to fuse to starter switch to starter relay.

Over time, due to deterioration of the wiring and the starter switch, voltage drops by the time electricity gets to the starter motor from about 12.4 to as low as 7 volts. This is especially bad when the car is warm.

Fix is easy though. Install a starter relay!!

The cost about $10 at Jayco/Dick smith and take half an hour to instal. There are lots of instructions on the interwebz.

Basically, they connect the starter motor direct to battery, with the starter switch (the one you put your key in) operating the relay itself only.

Never have starting problems ever again with one of those puppies.

gerzod · Post by **gerzod** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:31 am

hrmmm i will look into that GTlegs although my error codes showed a log for the cam position sensor. I am thinking of cleaning it first and then if that doesnt work maybe replacing it.
- The sensor looks like its just held in with 1 bolt, is it simply a case of unbolt it, clean with solvent then rebolt?
- If this doesnt work, does anyone have any experience with the aftermarket replacement sensors? i dont want to for out close to $400 for a sensor from subaru

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 9:12 am

Try going down to you local Subaru wreckers and see if they have any new looking sensors (make sure it's the same colour and length) and give that a go. I've had to replace a few over my time with Subarus. I've never brought a new one

Also remember to clear your codes and check for new ones

gerzod · Post by **gerzod** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 1:09 pm

Thanks RSR555 I might just pick one up from the wreckers.
How much do they usually go for?
And what kind of success rate did you have? (i.e. did you need to purchase 3 of them before you got one that worked?)

I have read on other forums of problems using aftermarket cam sensors so I am abit reluctant to pa 130 for a new aftermarket one if its no good and i certainly dont want to be spending 300-400 on a new one from subaru.

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:48 pm

No probs gerzod..

I've been pretty lucky so far, only ever had 1 s/h one that was junk

Prices vary but generally around the $50 mark

Smokey · Post by **Smokey** » Thu Nov 18, 2010 4:12 pm

Bit of an update on my situation:

EJ22 MY1996. Cam sensor throwing code 13. Symptom is engine will not start when at running temp. Sounds normal and at the 5 turn mark the check engine light comes on. Kinda like trying to start with the immobilizer on.

Genuine Subaru wanted some 330, used ranging from $15 to 90, but all had high kms and most of the cheaper ones were from older cars and had the cable type sensor (sensor looks the same but 3 pin plug and a 20cm cable then the plug). So was not willing to try it. Found a correct one on ebay but a MY2000 with 200K and they want $65, not too bad but he has terrible feedback and never replies to email or sms. So im not wasting my time there.

Then I foundthis site. They state Genuine Subaru (though I don't see how it can be) and a 12 month warranty for 143AUD. So will give that a try and see how she goes. If you hear no more then it worked and was a winner