ECS light flashes occasionally

[ww1313]

Hi Guys, my 86 mpfi n/a fwd auto vortex starts ok and just of being cold the ECS light flashed on twice this morning and then again this afternoon at about the same point of being just of cold. Any ideas or suggestions as to whats going on? Its has a leaky r/hand flange gasket and develops a low down miss as well when warm sometimes. Thanx in advanced

[ww1313]

Hi Guys, the problem has not happened since (flashing ECS light) but is getting harder to start, It feels like it is flooding if it had a carbie and blows a bit of rich fuel coloured smoke then runs ok?

[sublime]

Have you checked your coolant temp sensor or CTS? This is notorious for causing difficult starting and running issues. The contacts and wires for the CTS become corroded and cause the ECS to flash (often known as 'throwing codes' - #21 is for the CTS from memory - but you have to know how to check the computer for codes).

Often just cleaning the contacts will improve things but you may find the wiring is also corroded in the plug which connects to the sensor.

The leak may have contributed to the corrosion of the sensor, if this is your problem. I am no expert so this is just a possible solution! BUT it is the one thing I hate about my RX Turbo.

If you search AUSubaru and the Ultimate Subaru Message Board there is a wealth of information on this issue.

[RSR 555]

Yep.. coolant temp sensor. Common problem on the EA82 EFI. Also check the ECU codes and make sure the O2 sensor is plugged in.

[guyph_01]

I'm new to the vortex and this is what H-Top sent me for checking codes on a vortex,

its the green plugs, not the black plugs,
under your rear right speaker in the boot of
a vortex.
there is a little red LED light u can see through
a small round cutout in the ECU itself.
connect them and turn the car on.

[ww1313]

Well guys it finally died today at work, spun over no worries there, took hoses of fuel filter and no fuel pumping with ign lights on. So I guess its a fuel pump or maybe relay where ever under dash it is. Does or have anyone known of after market fuel pumps out there I could use Thanx

[ww1313]

So how do you check codes? do you just pull the plugs off or do you replug them them in differently. My Commodore I can use a paper clip to show codes

[El_Freddo]

Well guys it finally died today at work, spun over no worries there, took hoses of fuel filter and no fuel pumping with ign lights on. So I guess its a fuel pump or maybe relay where ever under dash it is. Does or have anyone known of after market fuel pumps out there I could use Thanx

The fuel pump will only operate for the first 5 seconds of the ignition being turned on - it could even be 3 seconds. Only enough to prime the lines.

Everyone reckons a VL turbo fuel pump, but my local guy reckons a VN V8 external pump will do the same job with a smaller price tag...

I'd check your crank angle sensor as this will stop the fuel pump from firing if the ECU thinks its not there to reference with the ignition on.

Cheers

Bennie

[ww1313]

Oh well got back to work and car today finally, car still wouldnt start but spins over well. I plug green plugs together in boot of car and it was showing, flashing code 12. According to forum it is starter switch is off (86 mpfi n/a model vortex). Ok so how do I fix this when the car was spinning over ok so starter motor was working ok and there was still no fuel at fuel filter. Any Ideas are very welcomed in advance thanks

[ww1313]

Eventually was fuel pump and repleced it with a bosch 070 pump. Now get ticking through the speakings when running