Clicking behind dash, wont start but turns over

[legacynick]

My 05 legacy awd auto has had probolems starting up. It threw a CEL so i grabbed the code. It says P1101 which is a nuetral safety switch on the tranny but the description on the OBDII reader says air/fuel mixture... I only have one code so im kinda stumped on that. I replaced the nuetral safety switch but still have the starting problem. The started works fine but it wont run. SOmetime si jsut have to wait a while for it to run. It has a new fuel pump, coil, plugs and has been maintained really well. I hear a clicking like a relay behind the dash ALOT. I checked for spark and for fuel but its hard to check it and re-create the problem as it does it at random times. I believe though its something with spark because when it starts up it smells really rich and i can see un burnt gas coming out the pipe. Are there any relays beinhd the dash related to spark? does anybody have any suggestions?

-Nick

[Hocrest]

Just to clarify...

When you turn the key;
-The engine cranks, but it doesn't fire. After cranking for __ seconds it will start.

-There is clicking but the engine doesn't crank. After a few tries it does crank and start.

[warrior]

This sounds very similar to my DSM problem I used to have.. it ended up being the CAM angle sensor.. however, it should throw a code if that malfunctions. A malfunctioned CAM sensor resembles your symptons.. trouble starting, very random.. the clicking noise in the dash I'm not sure about..

Are you sure there are no pending codes??

[legacynick]

it doesnt matter how long i hold the key to start the car, it just doesnt run but the starter works fine. I get gas, i can smell it and i have checked power to the fuel pump, i even can hear it. Im thinking its either ignition related... such as the ignition relay. THe coil pack is new in the last month. I migh tlook into the CAm sensor however it threw the code P1101 which is the nuetral safety switch and i replaced that yesterday. Other than that there are no codes...

[legacynick]

well i replaced the cam sensor and it didnt make a diffrence. im stuck as to waht to do next.

[warrior]

Ok, so you did replace the neutral safety switch and there are no pending codes, the check engine light is off completely correct?

This is definitely an ignition problem, if you're getting fuel.. then it's probably a spark problem.. what you can do is, get a friend to turn the car and remove one of the wires from the plug end, not the coil pack end and listen for a CLICK-CLICK-CLICK.. that will verify that you're getting a spark, you'll hear it. If there is no spark, then it can be your igniter that is not sending signal to your coil pack, it's along the firewall.. you can follow it from the plug wire on the coil pack.

Just to make sure you're getting fuel, if you've done this, your plugs might be fouled.. take them out and see if they are soaked in fuel or if you can smell fuel.. just because you can hear the fuel pump and smell fuel.. it may not be making it to the injectors.

Did you put dielectric grease on the plugs/coil pack when you replaced the wires? Did you put new wires in.. you said you changed the coil, plugs but not the wires. Start with the spark test first and reply back.

I'm going to ask my Subaru mechanic if he knows anything regarding this or a similar problem.

[legacynick]

cool thanks for asking. It still has the code. everytime i hook a reader up to the car and clear the code the code never goes away. it is like it come sback right when its clearing. I know i am clearing the code right as i have done it many times before. I know i am getting gas to the cylinders cuz i had the line off the fuel rail and gas came out. Also if it does start after trying for a while you can see all the unburnt gas come out the exhaust.

There is spark going to the plugs. i checked and made sure all 4 of the plugs got spark. I have noticed that when it doesnt want to start, if i have someone crank it with one of the plugs off and then put the plug back on it fires up everytime. Im beggining to think the ingitor? or the little black box on the firewall is no good and sending a weak spark.

Plugs were replaced about 5,000 miles ago and recently check. wires are good too.

[ProdriveDreams]

it is entirely possible your ignition system is just incredibly weak. Remember that just because it sparks at atmospheric pressure doesnt mean its going to spark when the air around it has been compressed. Voltage needed to jump the same gap while pressurized increases as there is more molecules of air stuffed in the same space, additionally heat is not usually conducive to good conduction.

See if any of your local auto parts store has a tool you can purchase and return, or borrow, called either a kV meter, or a magnetic induction ammeter. both of these use the magnetic fields created by the high voltage rather than direct contact to measure. and hence you would at least be able to see if there is spark while the plug is actually under operating conditions.

[legacynick]

it ended up being the temp sensor for the ECU