Subaru Legacy Starting Problem

Introduced in 1989, the Legacy is a mid-size sedan manufactured by Subaru. The Subaru Legacy can develop starting problems which require repair.

Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor

  • The mass airflow sensor (MAF) in a Subaru Legacy, which detects the amount of air flowing into an internal combustion engine, can go bad, disrupting the air-to-fuel ratio in the combustion mixture and causing starting problems. Inspect the mass air flow sensor for signs of electrical damage as well as the wiring for corrosion or a loose connection and make any necessary adjustments or replacements.

Bad Cam Position Sensor

  • A bad Subaru Legacy camshaft position sensor, responsible for recording camshaft position speed, deceleration and acceleration, may fail to properly relay this information to the Legacy computer, preventing it from properly determining when to ignite the fuel-air mixture to start the engine. Inspect the cam position sensor and wiring for damage and replace them as needed.

Loose Battery Post

  • A loose battery post may fail to properly charge the starter solenoid, which charges the starter motor. Check the battery post for a secure connection and clean off any corrosion or dirt, which can also affect battery charge quality.