92 legacy shutting down when driving

Hi Jason:

We've had similar problems with our Aztek and Buick.
The problem was with the Body Control Module and was beyond my fixit skills.
The local GM dealer attended to it for a cost of approx $1,000 per vehicle.
Definite PITA
Hope you have better luck.

The backfiring can occur because the car isn't shut off properly. Remember when we were kids and we would shut off, coast in gear and then restart and pop the accumulated gases? That said I think your anti-jack may be switching randomly and shutting you down. I'd start there.

run the fault codes
indicates wiring peoblem
and /or problem torque converter clutch servo/solenoid

Clutch plate and pressure plate seem to be too weak to pull the car. To test the clutch plate, park the car on flat surface. Pull the hand brake up, start the car, depress the foot brake pedal, depress the clutch pedal, put the car in 1st gear, press the gas pedal and leave the clutch pedal at once, while keeping the brake pedal depressed.
Follow one of the two following statements:
1. Engine does not shut down and remain start. (Clutch plate, pressure plate and clutch bearing defective - Replace all as a set)
2. Engine shuts down. (Clutch system is OK and does not require any repair).

could be crankshaft sensor.

I have a 93 legacy. Subaru's always run in front wheel drive until a sensor tells the computer the front wheels are not turning the same speed as the rear wheels( spining on ice or sand etc.). At that point all wheels will be driven though a clutch to the rear wheels. This is not good if the car needs to be towed with the front wheels in the air! This "all wheel drive" can be shut down for towing. Under the hood on my 93, there is an in line fuse holder on the pass. side of car behind the front strut mount. Open the top of the holder and it will be empty, put in a fuse (10 or 20 amp or close) , this completes a circuit and shuts down the rear wheels. I don't know if the your 97 has this in the same place, but it must have one some place. hope this can help you.

test your ignition signal wire

sound like you have a bad starter hit with a hamer and see if it starts if it start get it changed

maybe you should have a look at your air flow sessor

Only clutch adjustment is at the pedal as they are hydraulic. Clutch may be worn, cheers