Problems starting??

[Ctrl307]

I have a problem with my 1995 Legacy Brighton Wagon as it will not always start. Most of the time it has no problems, but sometimes, it will just sit there cranking, as if were getting no gas... or spark... but I don't smell unburned gas after I do it, and I don't know what the problem could be. Someone said it might be my fuel pump, but it does make the pump noise when I switch the key to the "ON" position. Does anyone know what the problem can be?

[Will2]

The fuel pump is usually inside the gas tank. Alot of times it is the sending unit or just the electrical wire to the sending unit has rusted or broken.

[Ctrl307]

Well, the car eventually does start, but then runs with the check engine light for a while. The next time it is started (which is when it seems to start normally) the light is off. Also, it isn't after a certain driving condition, it just does it when it feels. I could be beating on it, or just coasting around town, it never has a certain time it happens. So i don't think the lines could be broken since the car does infact run, it just has that problem starting sometimes.

[Will2]

The electrical line could be broken or paritially broken,rusted but not all the way through and making contact randomly.

[Ctrl307]

i'll check it out, but wouldn't that cause the car to stall once in a while... at the times when there is not connection and the fuel pump stops working? it has never stalled yet.

[Will2]

I might be all wrong here. About it being the pump, or electrical connection.that is. I'm just going from the experience I've had. But I do believe the fuel line runs on,somewhat the same theory as syphoning gas. Meaning once the gas gets going it's kind of a gravity feed if, you will

[Ctrl307]

ok, the pump for sure is good... because it happened again, and i decided to check for spark this time... nothing. took longer then usual to get it started this time. at least i know now that its not the fuel pump. what should i be checking for the lack of spark? because thats what is confusing me, once it does get started, there are no further problems until the next time it decides not to start. thanks for all ur input Will2

[SxySub]

spark plug leads?

[Ctrl307]

i got it guys... a while back... and i just thought i'd share if anyone had the same problem... Don't Forget To Check Your Crankshaft Position Sensor! this was the problem and its a good thing i found it because i was actually considering taking it to a :22yikes:GARAGE:22yikes: haha

[Diesel2NR]

It would've been a good idea to take that to Autozone or someone who can scan your car's computer with an OBD2 Scanner. It could've shown the past codes, which probably would've shown the Crankshaft Position Sensor was bad and you could've gotten to the source of the problem a lot quicker. Just throwin my 2 cents in.