2000 Subaru legacy wagon hard to start
4 Answers
ECT sensor out of specs, vacuum leak, low fuel pressure at initial start up. I recommend you have it live data scanned.
When an engine runs fine but takes an extended time to start, it could be due to several reasons, maybe the engine just needs a good tune-up. Or it might be a battery that's going out, or cables that are loose or have dirty connections; or maybe the alternator is no longer properly charging the battery. You could have a clogged fuel filter or a fuel pump that's worn out, each causing low fuel pressure. Could be worn out ignition coils or plug wires. Maybe the starter is worn out and turning slow. Or it might just be symptoms caused by cold weather. Any decent mechanic can diagnose this.
Try this, turn the ignition key to the run position but don't try to start the engine. Count to 5. Turn off the ignition then immediately try starting the engine. If it fires right up, the fuel system is losing pressure. By "cycling" the ignition key you're pressurizing the system. Hope that helps! Jim
