Warm Start Problem? --Fixed!

[n2x4]

My girlfriend and I just got back from our tow truck ride. Here's what happened:

We drove for an hour to go to see a movie. Car was fine. I shut the car off, got out, looked at showtimes and went to start it up. It just cranks and shakes. Nothing. I was gone maybe 2 minutes and the car had been fine all day, we'd been using the car all day. Got home from the hour tow truck ride, and it still won't start.

I did some searching, coolant temp sensor makes sense, but I just replaced it over the summer. This past July the legacy got new plugs, new wires, a new timing belt, new temp sensor, knock sensor.

Now yesterday, I had this same issue, so I checked codes and there was nothing, I fiddled with some wires, tried to start it and it wouldn't go. Waited a few more minutes, and it was fine, fired up. What's going on?

It's dark and snowing out, but I guess tomorrow I'll check plugs and go from there. Any ideas?

EDIT:

Well, it's fixed now. I tested all connectors and the pump relay, and everything was fine. I pulled the pump out of the tank, and here's what I found:



That's the negative lead that goes directly to the fuel pump. Definately bad. I cut out the leads for the fuel pump and ran 2 wires through it to the connector outside the pump. I also added an extra ground.

Now, I read the threads on bad fuel pump connectors, but I hadn't run into any that had this part of the connector that was bad. I was just taking the pump out to get a new one, when I noticed the wire coating was melted off. So for anyone else with similar problems, dont forget to check the connector inside the tank!

[ericem]

Maybe its the fuel pump? not kicking in sometimes? I'm not sure though.

[n2x4]

I tried to fire it a couple more times, and then pulled a plug. It was bone dry. I think I'll disconnect the fuel filter and see if when I turn the key I get any gas coming out of the line that goes into the filter.

[ericem]

I tried to fire it a couple more times, and then pulled a plug. It was bone dry. I think I'll disconnect the fuel filter and see if when I turn the key I get any gas coming out of the line that goes into the filter.

maybe the filter is clogged. but i thought there was a relay of some sort?

[Manarius]

I tried to fire it a couple more times, and then pulled a plug. It was bone dry. I think I'll disconnect the fuel filter and see if when I turn the key I get any gas coming out of the line that goes into the filter.

I wouldn't do that myself. That'll be a lot of fuel spraying around.

I think it's a sensor myself. If it was something like the fuel filter, it would happen all the time, warm or cold. I still think coolant temp sensor - maybe this one is just broken again.

[n2x4]

I just disconnected the inlet line on the fuel filter and set it in a can. Turned the key to prime, nothing came out. Tried to start it up, still nothing. Nothing comes out of the line, so it's before the fuel filter.

I guess next I need to check the fuel pump stuff. I was hoping it was only the coolant sensor, but I think that's not the case now.

I was down to about 1/4 tank thursday, so I put about 10 gallons in, and my problems started friday. Could it be ice in the lines? Contemplating taking that fuel line off and pouring some heet down it.

I guess I still dunno. It's too cold to think. I'll keep trying and report back.

[n2x4]

Just a follow up. Drove my car today, and it's amazing the difference! I had some hesitation on the low end, and I've got no loss of power now. It feels better than it ever has.

[monty's legacy]

my old 91 legacy had this same issue when it was hot out and there was some spirited driving involved, after I shot her down there was no restart, unless I popped the hood and cooled it down. So yesterday I was driving home and I stopped at Stop and shop for some bread when I came out and tried to start there was nothing. All my lights came on and radio was working but not even a click from the starter. Popped the hood and waited five minutes tried to start and sounded weak but after a second it started right up. Any thoughts? Or should I just start investigating the fuel lines?

[monty's legacy]

Also not sure if it's related or not but the gas gauge is not working properly.