1996 Subaru Legacy Logo
Posted on Oct 30, 2009
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1996 Subaru Legacy starts then shuts off immediately

On my 1996 Subaru Legacy, I attempted to replace the oil pan gasket. I drained the oil, started removing bolts, and realized that there were bolts that I could not reach without hoisting the engine; so I decided to give up. Since I had been sick, I left the drain plug and most of the bolts out, but it held exactly where it was by the remaining bolts and current seal. I replaced and tightened all the bolts, put a new drain plug (and drain plug gasket) in, replaced the filter, and filled the oil back up. Now, when I try to start the car, it starts fine then shuts off immediately without idling. If I put my foot on the gas it'll stay on, but once I take my foot off it'll just shut off. The car will stay on if I keep the key cranked to ignition, so I think the ignition switch is still good. Also, the check engine light turns on after the car shuts down but no trouble codes are being thrown when I plug in my diagnostic tool.

Also relevant - I switched out the PCV valve as well; I'm not sure if I did something wrong when I did that, e.g. overtightening, etc.
Most people I've seen who have the same problem have it end up being a fuel pressure issue, but I have my doubts since it started fine before I did this work, and I didn't touch the fuel system in any way.

Is there anything I could have done with the oil pan or PCV valve that could have caused this?

  • dynmitrave Oct 31, 2009

    Yes, the oil light does turn on. What do you suggest I do?

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  • Posted on Oct 31, 2009
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Ok ,im really not shure buthey ... look at the oil presure senssor or oil pump that coul be the problem if pump not good ...cant build pre4ssure enoughf then senssor turn the engine off ...thats why car will stay on wen you press gas...senssor could also be defected and give the same order to engine ...
wen you put switch on without starting engine ...wen all dash lignt go on ...you see oil lignt go on??????

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