Will not start

Tiny
AK-KEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I put a new engine in the car and when I tried to start it the engine cranks but won't start. I checked for fuel at the filter, and it had plenty. Then I checked for spark by pulling a wire on the coil and there is no spark so then I checked for power to the coil at the plug connector on the center wire and there is none. I then tested the grounds to the engine, and they are all good as well as the battery connections. I have checked all of the fuses as well and they are all good as well. I also hooked up my scan tool to check for codes and there were none and I had no problem communicating with the ECM. What else could be causing the no spark issue? The camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor are the ones from the engine before I replaced the right-side head and refurbished the left head which included lapping the valves and adjusting the valves lash. The block and intake are still the original the only reason I replaced the right-side head is because the camshaft split right in the center, but it was driven to Fairbanks AK from Healy AK and was still running when I pulled it out. Now no spark.
Friday, November 12th, 2021 AT 10:42 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

I have a couple of things I need to be checked. First, if you have a live data scan tool, check for an RPM signal when the engine is cranking. IF you don't, reinspect the crankshaft position sensor.

If there is a signal, I attached pics below for testing the coil. Follow the diagnostics and let me know the results. (Pics 1 and 2)

If the coil tests good, check the green wire with the red tracer for power with the key in the on position. If there is no power, check fuse 11 in the fuse box behind the left side of the dash. If there is power, confirm continuity to ground via black wire in the connector.

Starting with pic 3, I've included the entire wiring schematic for the powertrain management system. I highlighted wiring for the coil so you can follow them.

The last pic shows the fuse I'm referring to in the fuse box. In addition to checking it, make sure there is power to and from it. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

I hope this helps. Let me know what you find or if I can help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, November 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
AK-KEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Fuses all good coil and the first thing I did was test the coil and it tested okay. There is power the green wire with red tracer and continuity to the ground. Here's a new symptom though: I disconnected all the plugs that go to the engine bay because after the key was turned to the start position and then turned off there was still power to the dash and turn signal even with the door open. But if I used the turn signals the power would go off but the warning lights in the instrument cluster would be dimly lit. Then I decided to unplug the connections to the ECM the second plug from the left when unplugged would turn off the dimly lit warning lights and as soon as I plugged it back in, they would come back on. Also, before I unplugged everything in the engine bay, I put my multimeter on the center wire of the coil and had.24 volts and thought maybe there is a short, so I started pulling fuses and relays in the fuse box under the hood and got up to 9.75 volts.
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 5:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

Wow. This is an interesting one. Have you checked all grounds both body ground and at the engine block? It sounds like power is back-feeding from a different component which as you said, would indicate a short. Also, can you explain what is meant by power up to 9.75V? Did this happen when you were removing fuses? Was the key on or off? The coil should see no power with the key off. We may have to check at the ignition switch for an issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 6:34 PM

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