Top 20 1990 Subaru Legacy Questions & Answers

First, take it to O’Reilly’s or an auto parts store near you to check the engine light. It seems suspicious that all of this happened at once. Then check the fuses. Please post what the engine light code is.

remove complete rack and push bushes in/out using correct tool. refit rack and refill fluids.

replace the failing drive belt and make sure it is tensioned correctly the noise is from a slipping belt and the battery problem is because the alternator is not charging because of the drive belt problem

If your timing marks are on ... there is spark and fuel you may just have the firing order off ... When checking the firing order be mindful of the rotation of the engine.

It is not a cotter pin. It us a pin with a clip. Get a screwdriver or blade behind the clip to push it off. The clip is #16 in the pic. Make sure to use a new clip to install the cable.

i suspect either the ignition switch is worn out or the starter. test the starter first then the ignition switch. both are fairly easy to replace and not too costly. if you are a diy person then do a screw driver starter test. This will determine if the starter works and usually how well. I buy the starter rebuild kits online for $35. The ignition switch is also around the same price and easier to change than the starter. The ignition switch is accessed by removing the lower steering column cover then the two screws for the upper cover. Then unplug the ignition switch then remove the holding screw. sometimes the wiring is taped up carefully remove the tape. when installing the new switch make sure the key is out so that the new switch will align correctly

don't be surprised if there is no gasket there during manufacture , they use adhesive sealant on properly machined surfaces the bolts could be a bit loose cost will be the quotes you get from accredited specialist transmission shops but don't be surprised it they include removing the power train ( engine / transmission to do the job as that may be the quickest way to do it

might be due to the battery being bad and may need replacement but if the battery is holding a charge then it might be due to a short out in some place

something is wrong if there is no signal from the cam or crank sensors , it will not start or run maybe the scan tool is not operating correctly if it starts then idles then dies , that could be the maf sensor

Hi Sherri, The links below are YouTube videos showing a solution to why your car idles poorly, Also there's videos down the right side of the links that may help as well.................... CHEERS.. How To Fix Car That Idles Poorly Fixing Low Idling Car Cleaning Mass Air Flow Sensor To Stop Hesitation

How To Replace Brake Fluid by Yourself EricTheCarGuy see if this helps.

check wiring to fan or earth or fuse box for lose fitting fuse

have a look at the fuel pump( they loose pump pressure or sees, fuel pump relay, and the fuel pump wiring connector under the rear seat this connector starts to melt sometimes due to bad connection of the pins inside.

I'm afraid your Subaru has burnt a valve. Typically it is the right rear cylinder (looking at it from the front of the car) that burns them. this is a common problem. It's an expensive fix. There is a chance however, it may just be a fouled spark plug. Again, it's usually the right rear spark plug that fouls. You can pull each plug wire one at a time (start with the right rear one) until you find one that doesn't make the engine run worse. Then change that plug and try it. Or replace all the plugs. If one is fouled then the others may also need changing. HTH

It is a signal that the Fuel filter needs to be changed.

Could be a faulty O2 sensor. The sensor would not take action until the engine warmed up. Have you checked for trouble codes in the engine computer ?

Yours will be only OBD-1, and there are very very few places that can read OBD-1 anymore. Some Subaru dealers still have a Subaru "select monitor" scanner for OBD-1 cars. You also have to know which connector is the OBD-1 connector, it's among many connectors that are up under the drivers side dash . I hope this info helps.

Go to a trusted collision repair shop and ask them. That's what I'd do.

The bat/alternator could be bad. Have both tested and replace as neccessary.

You have not set it to the factory spec, and its probably 180 degrees off. Rotate the crank to top dead center (the mark on the crank toothed pulley, align the cam timing marks, refit the belt THEN release the tensioner. Rotate the engine manually to verify that all the timing marks realign themselves.