| Author |
Message |
Camojcory
Samba Member
Joined: December 09, 2024
Posts: 18
Location: SD
|
 Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2025 5:50 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
 |
|
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| Camojcory wrote: |
Ok, I need help, completely baffled by this. Tried a different ecu (yes, same exact part numbers) and it still isn't working.
So just to recap here is what it's doing and everything I have tried.
|
Jesus Christ
you've tried everything but diagnose it.
Stop playing parts darts and do some diag. The simple fact that you can't communicate with the ECU is your issue. The ECU isn't getting power
pick up a wire diagram and get to work. I gave you the answer several posts up. the fact it started shows you have a shit connection somewhere and it arched enough for long enough to work
now, get after it....
and hint...just cuz your meter says 12v doesn't mean it can take the load, so I'd load test the wires as well
and another hint, the DLC has 12v all the time. that doesn't mean the ECU has power. |
First off, I am obviously not a master mechanic. But I am trying my best pal. I'm using the skills and knowledge I have, and I am trying to learn more everyday.
I have been working through the problem and eliminating possibilities as I go. Starting with the easy- power, spark, fuel. Then on to the next level- relays, sensors, and whatnot. I thought that was diagnosing? But then again, I'm not a master mechanic and internet cowboy, so what would I know.
And I have not been playing parts darts. I purchased the cam and crank position sensors before testing the old ones because the parts store is 30 miles away and it was easier to grab them on my way out of town to the van. I then tested the oem and realized I didn't need them. Everything else I have been testing, not replacing. I finally got to a point where everything lead to it being an ecu issue, so I ordered a new one quickly as I was trying to get the van running for a trip to TN this week.
I do have a Bentley for the van and print offs of the subaru wiring diagram. But again, as a non-proffesional, I have done what I can with it. I'm not super skilled in reading them. I don't know how to load test wires. And wouldn't know which ones to load test. My obd plug and all my relays at the ecu are getting power (and the relays all function correctly). So I assume the ecu is getting power. I agree, it sounds like some kind of grounding issue to the ecu. But hell if I can find it. Which wires, of the hundred or two, should be the power wire to the ecu? Which one should be the ground?
Here's a thought. Instead of taking the time to tell me how stupid I am and that I'm not doing it right, how about some nice friendly advice on how to actually do it? All these forums can be such a wonderful resource and a great place for enthusiasts to collaborate. Unfortunately, it always ends up being a place where internet cowboys can tell everyone how smart they are. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1728
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2025 6:46 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
There should be fused connections for ignition (Key on) and constant battery power. Are these fuses good? Do they supply power to the harness (ecu and relays) or are the relays powered separately?
ignition 12v, battery 12v and start signal (while cranking) wire (pin) connections are all found on the ECU pinout charts for your year and model (see Busaru.com
info/pinouts.
I assume you bought this van already converted?
When you connect the 2 green diagnostic connectors together and turn the key to On, what happens? Do not leave these connected when starting the engine. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1728
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2025 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
I recall something similar when I had a bad wire connection between the alt post and the post in the black box. (battery + connection) When cranking, the battery + power would drop out. Possibly when it did run after resetting the ECU, you jiggled some wires as well.
With the test connectors together and key ON, wriggle some wires alt to black box post and in the black box)
Try running a new wire from alt post to box post. Test power both sides of the fused connections while cranking. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1728
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2025 7:10 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
| Does this 2005 have an immobliser that is bypassed? Edit: Or a hidden anti-theft switch in the ECU to FP relay wire? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17817
Location: sticksville, ct.
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 7:40 am Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
| Camojcory wrote: |
Here's a thought. Instead of taking the time to tell me how stupid I am and that I'm not doing it right, how about some nice friendly advice on how to actually do it? |
I did give you advice, weather you take it or not is up to you.
Nobody can do this for you. Subaru while great, are evil in the sense wire colors change mid year, mid harness and sometimes at connection points.
if you have the diagram you need to do the pinout AT the ECU with the key on, and key off and find what isn't working.
Nobody on this planet can tell you 100% what to check. I gave you diagnostic tips a couple posts ago, and will give you yet another:
when something is dead, you work backwards from said dead component. Short of checking fuses, you work backwards from the component that isn't working.
Until you establish communication with the ECU, you're pissing in the wind because nothing downstream of the ECU matters if the ECU can't function.
I don't know who did your harness but I have seen people use the absolute shittiest fuse holders and they don't make a good enough contact.
you need to look at power/ground AT THE ECU and like I said, just cuz your meter shows 12v DOES NOT mean the wire can handle the current, so load test that wire.
and FWIW an ohm test on a sensor like a cam/crank sensor isn't the way to test them with much accuracy, that is when you need a scope to check the waveform.
And my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it. Sorry if it seems harsh but if it gets you to think and solve the issue then it worked....
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17817
Location: sticksville, ct.
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2025 2:20 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
updates?
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Camojcory
Samba Member
Joined: December 09, 2024
Posts: 18
Location: SD
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
Haven't had time to work on it. Driving back from visiting my son in TN.
In the next week I'm hoping my mechanic neighbor can help me read the wiring diagram and pin outs to locate exactly what wires are power and ground for the ecu. And then properly check/load test them.
I scheduled an appointment with a shop that was willing to tackle a 44 yr old vehicle with a different modern engine. But they can't get it in til July 7th. So hoping to figure it out before then.[/quote] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17817
Location: sticksville, ct.
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 6:39 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
I'm pulling for you...even if you don't think so.
Things to consider:
try to find the exact year/model of your swap. if you're lucky enough to have the donor car VIN, that will help a lot
know that Subaru is famous for swapping wire colors, so lets say you're looking at a black/white wire with silver dots on pin 14, it may change to a red wire with a green stripe...just follow it to the end
You'll get it...I have faith
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1728
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 7:59 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
| Have to agree, you need another set of eyes on it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Camojcory
Samba Member
Joined: December 09, 2024
Posts: 18
Location: SD
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 6:57 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
Update-
I took the van to a shop as I had exhausted my skill sets. Just heard from them today. There was a bad fuel injector wire to/from the ecm. They didn't cut the wiring harness open and find the exact spot, but was able to pin point what wire was the problem. They simply ran a new wire for it and they said it is starting and running great.
I'm not certain, but I believe this subaru wiring harness was altered and/or purchased from Rocky Mountain as part of the conversion. It is all taped up and looks very clean and professional. Not sure what happened, just hoping no more wires mysteriously go bad inside there. Will deal with that at that time. For now, Stan the van is back on the road and has a trip back home to Glacier in a couple weeks.
Thanks everyone for your help, and your patience. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17817
Location: sticksville, ct.
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 7:12 pm Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
wow, odd
glad you got it, but I have to wonder is there is a "hot spot" (chafe, bend, rub through) in a spot somewhere along the harness and you have more wires ready to screw up in that spot.
it may be worth reaching out to Jeff at Autoventures to have him go thru the harness.
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1728
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2025 3:58 am Post subject: Re: 81 Westy with 2.5 Subie no start/no power to fuel pump |
|
|
| Maybe the ground for the injectors? How is this new wire connected? From what to what? What pin on the ECU if you have a pinout chart? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
