Why does my 98 subaru legacy sputter and die?

SOURCE: Car won't start and floods

Locate your vehicle's computer connector (ALDL), most are on the lower driver's side. In some vehicles you might need to look around a little, on the passenger's side, and around the center console under a plastic cover. For more information, check your owner's manual. This device gathers information that was stored in your carsECM. This information ortrouble code can inform you the system or sensor that is malfunctioning. Look up the code in our diagnostic trouble code chart. After repairs have been made use the code scanner to clear trouble codes and recheck system. B. Testing Fuel Pressure. Test for proper fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. Connect the gauge to the test port on the fuel rail. Fuel pressure reading's very depending on the system your in our vehicle, but most throttle body injection cars (TBI) are between 13 psi and 17 psi. and most (DPI) direct port injection systems are between 40 psi and 55 psi. To find out your vehicle system fuel pressure consult arepair manual. If little fuel pressure is present the fuel pump needs to be replaced.

C. Test for Weak Ignition Spark. A weak ignition system can be a sign of a failing ignition component. Remove spark plug wire and insert an extra spark plug into end of wire, attach spark plug to engine ground then crank engine. You should observe blue spark between spark plug gap. If a yellow spark is observed, your ignition coil is weak and needs to be replaced. If your spark is not consistent you may need a ignition module.

D. Inspect the Main ECM Relay. If the ECM relay fails it will shut down the engine management system. This relay carries high amperage and is prone to failure. To test install new relay then test drive to recheck symptoms.

E. Testing the Ignition Switch. This test requires a electronic test light. When vehicle dies test the power side (+) of your ignition coil with the key on, the test light should illuminate. If your test light is not lighting suspect your ignition switch or ignition relay. To trouble shoot this condition you will needwiring schematic for your car.

SOURCE: Car Flooding-Not starting

I had the same symptoms. I had to count the correct number of teeth from the crankshaft pulley to the cam pulley marks.It is a different number of teeth to each pulley.It turns out that I was off by one or two teeth on one cam.

SOURCE: 1989 subaru gl wagon

posible fuel pump, will the car start at all now??? does it crank over and just wont start?? if so.... tap the fuel tank from the drivers side underneath car wth a pece of wood!! not to hard! if it tries to go then its you fuel pump, in some case it will run, if so dont deive it as it could break down at anytime.

SOURCE: 2000 Subaru Legacy will not start

If you find that the engine is dying at intersections and runs a rough and fluctuating idle at start up, and you also sometimes lose power even though the engine is running then it is probably your Air Flow Meter or sometimes reffered to as a Mass Airflow Sensor. Eventually, as the AFM deteriates further you will no longer be able to start the engine as the ECU can no longer get accurate flow readings to work out air fuel ratios and shuts it all down to stop damage occuring. 2 ways to fix, replace AFM or upgrade your ECU to one that is capable of running MAPs for air fuel ratio, rather than using a sensor. Hope this helps.

SOURCE: Subaru Legacy LS 4WD won't fire

timing belt broke most likley