Need some help before my car engine dies!

[Slicksuby]

I've have been doing a lot of searches through the forum and found some very useful information however, I still have some questions. I have a 92 L AWD, N/A with a starting problem. It starts fine after its running for a while but when it sits for a few hours it has a real hard time starting and revs up to about 2K before it drops down and holds a steady idle. There is also a hesitation when I begin to accelerate once its started. I read about the coolant temp sensor so I replaced that. I checked the codes and got #13- Cam angle sensor, #21- Water temp sensor, #31 Throttle sensor, and #35- canister purge solenoid valve. When I connected both the black and green and drove around and checked only #35 came up. After I stopped and shut off the engine I umplugged them both, then plugged the black in to check again and all four came up again? I really need to get this figured out before it gets too bad and leaves me stranded. Please any ideas or help would be amazing!

[skid542]

Have you disconnected the battery, put your foot on the brake pedal, and completely cleared the codes?

The ECU has a habit of storing codes even after they've been fixed. If you haven't fully cleared them I would suggest that first and then see what you are getting. If your cam angle sensor wasn't working right your engine generally won't even start.

And don't worry about #35, it won't affect your engine performance, just emmisions.

You also don't have to worry about killing your engine with these codes. All easy fixes.

[Slicksuby]

Thanks for the reply. I've tried the battery disconnection but I will try it again. Either way, somthing definately needs to be done cuase the starting has been getting worse. I really felt like the water temp sensor was a good fit becuase the radiator fans run constantly even when cold. When I drove with the test mode connectors connected the fans weren't on? If i shouldn't worry about the canister purge solenoid or the cam angle sensor, what should I focus on to fix this issue?

[Arctic Assassian]

You DO need to focus on the cam angle sensor, that one is prolly the reason your car wont start easily. clear the codes, drive untill the light comes back on, then check em.

[Slicksuby]

Good advice, definately will do, can I get the cam sensor from Napa? also how difficult of an install is it?

[jamal]

no you get the cam sensor at the dealership or online from SubieGal if you want to save some money.

It's on the left cylinder head right behind the timing cover.

[Slicksuby]

So I cleared the codes using the battery and braking and the only code that is still coming up is #35 for the solenoid valve and now the car has been starting up perfectly the first time. Is it possible that the coolant temp sensor I replaced was not making any effect until after I recet the ecu? Cause that seems to be the case. Car is running perfect now. Thanks for all the info tho guys, helped a lot.

[skid542]

Glad to hear you got it running again.

A stored code can easily disrupt the running of your engine as your ECU still thinks that there is a problem.

[Slicksuby]

good to know, just wanted to make sure it wasn't just a fluke. I'm going to be very aware of how its running though in case this is just a temporary fix. Thanks

[Legacy777]

The canister purge solenoid for whatever reason does play havoc with clearing the ECU memory/codes.

I'd still recommend you replace it, even though you did get the codes stored.