1996 Subaru Impreza L No-Start

1996 SUBARU IMPREZA
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LSHOTTA
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1996 subaru impreza L wagon. The car refuses to start unless it sits for atleast 2hrs after being driven. The starter is good, because the engine turns over quite well, but it just won't start unless you make it sit for awhile. I never give it gas when starting, so i don't think i'm flooding it. I at times smell gas though. Any help greatly appreciated.
Feb 15, 2006 at 6:49 AM
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2CARPRO BOB
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 45 POSTS
You must determine if your engine will not start because of lack of fuel or lack of spark. If fuel is the problem, check the fuel pump, pressure etc. If no spark, check the coil, distributor, 12 volts to the coil, etc. Bob
Feb 17, 2006 at 12:33 PM
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TOTHERIVER
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  • 2 POSTS
I had this problem on my 1995 Subaru Legacy L. It would always start great unless I stopped just to run into a store or something. When I would come back to my car, it would turn over, but wouldn't start. I had to let it sit for another 15-20 minutes, then it would start up. Through some online searches I found a discussion that recommended changing the cam-shaft sensor. This was very easy to do on my car. It mounted right on top and was only one or two bolts. I replaced it and never had the problem again.
Mar 21, 2006 at 4:06 AM
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WRX246
  • MEMBER
  • 39 POSTS
SOUNDS LIKE ITS TIME TO REPLACE YOUR CAM& CRANK SENSORS THEY ARE KNOWN ON SUBARUS FOR DOING THIS.!

THANKS
:D
Aug 3, 2007 at 9:07 AM
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Suggested Repair

Determine whether the no-start is from lack of fuel or lack of spark. If fuel is lacking, check the fuel pump and fuel pressure. If there is no spark, check the coil, distributor, and 12-volt supply to the coil. On similar Subarus, owners reported that replacing the camshaft sensor, and sometimes the crankshaft sensor, cured the same hot no-start.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Subaru Impreza L wagon cranks normally but will not start after being driven unless it sits for about two hours. The owner sometimes smells fuel and does not press the accelerator while cranking. The expert advised separating a fuel problem from a spark problem, then checking the fuel pump and pressure or the coil, distributor, and coil power. Other owners with the same symptom said replacing the camshaft sensor, and in some cases the crankshaft sensor, fixed it.

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