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Ok guys, here it is:
1986 Subaru XT GL-10 EA82-T engine/5spd
40k miles on engine, car runs great other than starting problem....


I get a Code 12 when checking ecu (Starting switch on or off while starting). This code may or may not be related to starting problem?

Here is the problem:
Engine wont start unless you hold pedal down and crank it over about 3 times.
If you try to start it normally it idles at 300rpm for 2 secs then dies, then you have to hold pedal down and it starts and runs normal and idles normal.

It feels like it is flooding out if you start it without holding throttle open.

cold idle bypass system not working?

timmo wrote:cold idle bypass system not working?

It idles fine... just wont start right away unless you hold pedal down. hot or cold..

code 12 or rather 1 long 2 short blips refers to your steering wheel gender. It really needs to be mounted on the right hand side of the car. Is this your problem , steering wheel on the LHS of your beast ?

actually it is the starter switch circuit code, so is 1-3.

Maybe as a test, I once had to install a push/hold button from battery to coil to supply power to the Toyota engine with electronic ignition, that I stuffed into a Suzuki coz the ignition switch could not handle the power - only on cold starts!

I think this has come up before and may be thrown due to some other problem, search code 12 and you find a thread - maybe no answer

Does your car have the three plugs into the ecu, or 4. Thinking 3.

Does it blow black smoke as it starts, because keeping the trottle full open is clear flood mode meaning butterfly wide open(lots of air)Sounds like it could be fueled up? The most common probs are the air flow sensors/temp sensors/throttle switch? its only a stab in the dark.

Ok i will explain what is happening

When you start an EFI car, the ecu senses that you have turned the key and injects fuel for optimal starting.

If the ecu doesnt get this signal, it will not acknowledge that you are trying to start the engine and this will cause problems and troublesome starting.

What you need to do is find out why it is getting this ECU fault code.
It appears that the wire that comes from the key/starter circuit to the ECU is missing/disconnected/faulty

It could simply be a loose connector

Good luck

That's it in a nutshell. I know of one RX that was exactly the same. The owner used to turn the ignition on, then off then on again and it would work fine every time.

We never did fix it properly as he was happy enough with it the way it was.

I do suggest you follow the advice above and find that start sense wire. It is basically like pulling the choke on, just that the computer does it for you.

Virtually all EFI engines use what you call cranking enrichment - a little extra fuel injected as its cranks over so that it fires and runs . The idle mixture is a bit lean to get it firing .

I'd reckon if you probe the ECU plugs you'll find that the ECU is not getting this "start signal" .
The drama could be in the wiring or the ignition switch itself so need to test both .
A short way from the ignition switch is a plug where it's wires connect to the loom , I'd be probing both sides from there .
If you had a spare loose ignition switch you could plug it in for a trial .

Cheers A .

Holy shiiitballs!! You guys are very informative!
Ok I will look into tracing starting wire back to ECU.
Yes it runs rich and puffs blacksmoke out until I get the engine cleared out (sometimes not always).


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