New owner..but have car problems..please help

[tito1985]

Hey all,

I just recently picked up an 02 blue wrx about a week ago. I love the car up until it started having problems. Just recently it started dying out on me but I was able to start it back up right away. Now it won’t start at all.

What I noticed?

It has power but it won’t want to crank over like it doesn’t have any spark. The radio works but the weird thing is that the headlights, tail lights, and the instrument panel indicators aren’t on.

I checked all fuses and ground wires and they seem to be fine. I would appreciate it if you guys can help me out. This is my only car and I would like to continue to enjoy it again.

-Tim

[SD_GR]

Could be a fuse, battery cable, or battery I suppose.

[tito1985]

I checked battery and all fuses and it's good. The headlight are not dimmed they just aren't on. The radio and all other electrical parts worked except for tail lights, headlights, and dash indicators. I feel so bummed out..any other ideas?

[zax]

Are you sure you checked the fuse for the ignition system?

[tito1985]

I can double check again. Is this fuse under the hood or underneath the steering column. Is there anything else I can check?

[jd92677]

If it cranks but won't start, it is missing spark, fuel, compression, or timing is off. You need to start to narrow your search. Checking fuel and spark is relatively easy, so I would start there. Lets see what we come up with there and we'll continue. Let me know what your findings are.

[KnightFury]

is the stero stock or aftermarket, is it installed using a CAP?, this could be the reason stero will turn on but nothing else, def. check all fuses there are some in engine bay on driverside and also right above hood latch , also make sure all battery connections are clean and no corosion, contact is a big key, does the car turn over, make clicking sounds , how is it reacting to ignition??

[tito1985]

If it cranks but won't start, it is missing spark, fuel, compression, or timing is off. You need to start to narrow your search. Checking fuel and spark is relatively easy, so I would start there. Lets see what we come up with there and we'll continue. Let me know what your findings are.

Sorry but I'm not as mechanically inclined but how would go about checking for fuel and spark. Can you tell me specifically, I appreciate all the replies. Thanks again.

[jd92677]

Sorry but I'm not as mechanically inclined but how would go about checking for fuel and spark. Can you tell me specifically, I appreciate all the replies. Thanks again.

Sorry I re-read your original post and my have mis-interpreted it, you said it doesn't crank? Or it cranks but won't start?

[tito1985]

it'll crank over but it seems like it won't fire. It's sounds like it's "bubbling" or like when you start the car w/o an intake when I turn it over. I don't understand why my headlights, tail lights, and dash indicators aren't working as a result. I can't think of how it's related.

[jd92677]

it'll crank over but it seems like it won't fire. It's sounds like it's "bubbling" or like when you start the car w/o an intake when I turn it over. I don't understand why my headlights, tail lights, and dash indicators aren't working as a result. I can't think of how it's related.

Sorry for the delayed response, but OK if it cranks, we need to check what we were talking about before. The easiest way to check fuel is to remove one of the fuel lines from the filter because I don't think your car has a pressure test port. Remove one of the hoses and turn the key to the "on" position. You may want someone else there to watch for fuel coming out ot the hose. If we have fuel we have to check for spark. You may need to buy a spark checker (I've been zapped a few times and it's not fun). If you've never done this before you may want someone with a little experience to help out. I don't think the starting and lighting issues are related but I could be wrong. Lets see where we have from here.

[KnightFury]

Yes there should be a purge hole on the rail if im not mistaken, i have a late year 03 sedan and there is a lil bolt , do not fully unthread just enough till ya see the fuel pour out or a hole, also if ya said earlier that it would intermidiatly simply turn off while driving but start back up, i had a nissian w/ that issue, turned out to be Mass Air Flow Sensor, on your vehicle it will be easy to spot, right on the intake that leads to turbo inlet, 2 screws and make sure it is "gunk free" cleaner is cheap and easy to come by, may be an altering issue but prob not main issue if you arent firing, JD has the steps right fuel spark and compression, if ya not too mechanicly inclined compression test would be a bit difficult for ya, narrowing down the spark and fuel will point ya in right direction.. Shocking expierience yes lol make sure ya got a good ground lol and good luck