So wasn't fuel filter cap/o-ring; now worse; thinking leaky injector
OK, so brought it in to our good indie garage, asked them to check for fuel filter cap and 0-ring deformation - none found. Only error code thrown was P0183 code (Fuel Temp Sensor A, High Input Circuit). No Check Engine Light, just the error code.
Mechanic couldn't replicate the no-start problem I was having. After leaving, I filled up a full tank of gas. Everything was fine until two days later. Went to start car in the afternoon after not driving it all day - no start - and this time it wouldn't start 3x until it started on the 4th try. I drove some blocks and then parked to see what would happen - car wouldn't start on first and second try again.
I'm thinking maybe a leaky injector that's flooding the cylinder? Any suggestions?
Found info related to the P0183 Error Code here:
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=77153
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7578&highlight=P0183
I had copied and pasted summary notes from what I found in these threads:
Code:
P0183 Engine Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input
Description:
The comprehensive component monitor (CCM) monitors the EFT sensor circuit to the PCM for high voltage. If voltage were to exceed a calibrated limit and a calibrated amount of time during testing, the test will fail.
Possible Causes:
*Open or Short to power in harness*
*Damaged EFT Sensor*
*Improper harnes connection*
*Damaged PCM*
Diagnostic Aides
Verify EFT-PID value to determine open or short
-It uses fuel temp to know when to run the integrity test. It basically makes sure you have no leaks in the fuel system, which would allow raw fuel in the atmosphere. In an endwrench article for enhanced evap soobs it says:
To test the integrity of the [fuel] system, the system shuts off all access of the tank to the outside atmosphere. [then a bunch of other steps].
The testing of this system is only conducted once per drive cycle and only under very specific conditions:
• The fuel tank must contain less than 9.6 gallons of fuel.
• The fuel temperature must be less than 113°F.
• Engine speed must be over 1500 RPM.
• Vehicle speed over 28 MPH.
• Throttle position must be mid-range.
• Intake manifold vacuum must be equivalent to cruising vacuum.
• 455 seconds must have elapsed since engine start.
-the ECU uses the fuel temp sensor input to know when it can do the evap fuel system integrity test.
-Typically when the CEL illuminates with a fuel temp sensor code, either the fuel filter is partially plugged, the pump is defective, or the sensor is bad. The fuel continuously circulates from the tank to the injection unit and back to the tank again whenever the pump is running. Any restriction (plugged fuel filter or pinched line) will cause the fuel to heat up and trigger a code.
BTW: in tank pumps are good because they are submerged in fuel which acts as a heat sink to keep the pump cool. Running the car on empty a lot can lead to premature failures of the fuel pump. Ideally you should always refill BEFORE the low fuel light comes on.
Also in winter you should keep the tank above 1/2 full all the time as doing so will reduce moisture buildup in the tank which will reduce the chance of a frozen fuel line, and reduces corrosion in the tank. It also means that you will have "extra" fuel in an emergency.
In addition, apparently having the wrong ECU for your model Subaru can also throw the P0183 code. Doubtful in my case as I'm sure I have the OEM ECU.