HELP!-Engine wont start after a head gasket job ER Hc Error, searched and still stuck

Hi guys, hoping I can get some help as I'm stumped and out of ideas.

 

I recently replaced the head gaskets on my 2007 Legacy 2.5i. The job went smooth, a couple of broken valve cover bolts and a helicoil needed, but nothing insane. I correctly replaced the valve cover gaskets, water pump, timing belt, idlers, the whole shebang. Battery was on a trickle charger the entire time until re-installing.

 

On the day that I was ready to turn it over, I twisted the key, got nothing at all- no noise, no attempt to turn over, nada. Then the coolant temperature gauge rose all the way to the top, and then "ER Hc" came across the odometer. I grabbed the OBD2 scanner, but it wouldn't link up when the key was turned. I brought my attention to the internet and searched. The error I was getting is a CAN BUS communication problem, specifically for the passengers rear wheel speed sensor (C0101). I replaced it, reconnected the battery after waiting 20 minutes (more like 30 with a beer) and the same thing happened. The error code is still there.

 

I researched some more and went over my work again. Cleaned all of the grounds, cleaned all of the connections, unplugged everything&anything and inspected the male and female ends for evidence of any burnt connections or damage, tried a known good battery, and gave the engine another whirl. Nothing again.

 

Got more drastic, removed the battery, put it on the charger again. Unplugged and plugged in the ecu, unplugged every fuse to check and see if they were good, unplugged and plugged in everything under the dash after inspection for damage. Put it all back together. Nothing again, and still has the code and will not start.

 

I thought maybe the immobilizer was activated. I researched all of the options that I could find for resetting and while they all did what they were supposed to do, the engine still won't show any signs of life.

 

Here are all of the links I've used over the past two weeks.

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/need-expert-body-control-unit-help-214945p2.html

 

http://answers.edmunds.com/question-Subaru-Legacy-Er-HC-message-came-up-92561.aspx

 

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/65-parts-accessories-performance/64906-er-hc-error.html

 

http://www.scoobymods.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4852&d=1149484209

 

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/n9320h/2010-07-16_222648_sub.pdf

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/er-hc-code-43375p3.html

 

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/99-do-yourself-illustrated-guides/19053-06-09-how-read-diagnostic-trouble-codes-dtcs-3.html

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/147161-er-hc-code-wont-start/

 

 

http://www.justanswer.com/subaru/82big-subaru-legacy-gt-limited-i-m-getting-error-c0105.html

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/vehicle-speed-sensor-help-130660p2.html

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/abs-wheel-speed-sensors-81160.html

 

http://www.newenglandsubaruparts.com/Subaru_2007_Legacy25L-5MT-4WD25I-SEDAN/Suspension-and-Brakes.html

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/anybody-hava-list-c-codesi-131021.html

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/error-ss-speed-sensor-faulty-ecu-uniti-91831p2.html

 

http://www.subaru-car.ru/leg4/leg4_chas_8.pdf

 

http://www.subaru-car.ru/leg4/leg4_chas_8.pdf

 

http://www.seccs.org/tech/2005%20Legacy%20GT/Service%20Manual/12%20-%20Brakes/ABS/ABS%20Diagnostics/12%20-%20Diagnostic%20Procedure%20with%20Diagnostic%20Trouble%20Code.pdf

 

http://www.fixya.com/cars/t19821618-er_hc_code_now_subaru_wont_start

 

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1590077

 

http://answers.edmunds.com/question-Subaru-Legacy-Er-HC-message-came-up-92561.aspx

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/er-hc-code-43375.html?t=43375

 

http://www.2carpros.com/questions/subaru-outback-2007-subaru-outback-engine-quit-and-will-not-start-has-er

 

https://doc-00-98-apps-viewer.googleusercontent.com/viewer/secure/pdf/0vd988gruchakg4iduhj7vcd9qfe90tr/afvd5v6fcmdga27c5s2pvqlqkpcdp9rg/1406721300000/gview/11288389351004030082/ACFrOgB4D4cGVUIZEfHw4H3agabnluS2Xu2259FUIqsIbQ73GHAerDYmCY22-J0fdqHQD3GsabY0mUogUCWBo2C3m0R91zAciy3uykPPGMcLh5KQgrQQiF75E8wYe2g=?print=true&nonce=b238dodm9c858&user=11288389351004030082&hash=upbbpr64u9f761j6ekcb0iotpqr2uns9

 

 

I have been through the FSM, been through everything suggested here and still have been unable to start my car. The only thing I haven't done is push start it, but I highly doubt that will work.

 

I'm trying to avoid using the dealer because they'll probably charge an arm and a leg for the diagnostic and use of their "subaru smart" tool and reset the codes, but it still may not start and then I'm really screwed. I also don't know if these codes and conditions would cause the car not to start.

 

Can someone please help me out before I roll it into a lake?

Bump. Still need some help. Tried jumping the starter as a last resort, no dice.

Are you sure the big grey plug at the top of the passenger side strut tower is plugged in and latched?

 

I had this same error on my first turn of the key, too, until I realized I hadn't fully plugged that badboy in -

You must have missed something, make sure everything is connected.

Is everything plugged into the correct connection, I think you can swap a couple of plug's on the top of the engine.

 

We're not up on 2.5i's.

Thank you guys for some new suggestions.

The engine stayed in for the repair (though taking it out would have been easier) and I took the time to mark each end of the connection with tape and a matching number. Nothing left unplugged or hanging.

 

Mrtris- are you referring to the big abs plug? I didn't originally disconnect it while doing the work, but did after swapping out wheel speed sensors.

 

I definitely got all of the grounds, and even replaced two broken ones from the chassis to the heads. They were broken a long time ago and didn't affect anything, but I replaced them as a precaution.

 

I've read that sometimes the tone ring could be damaged and be a possible cause for the dtc code? I can't seem to find the part available on any parts websites. Does the 07 have one, or is it part of the hub when you buy a new hub?

 

I will pour over the engine bay agan and see of I missed anything. Sometimes a break helps.

I have found that taking a break, getting a bite to eat, come back and things make more sense.

 

Good Luck

Had some time to slowly look over and inspect the wiring harness, sensors, and grounds again.

 

Definitely didn't miss any connections or grounds. However, it was noticed that the CEL will not turn on when the key is turned to accessory.

 

I started a new thread since the problem is a different topic than this thread, but if I was wrong to, my apologies, please merge them.

 

As always, thank you for the help!

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/no-cel-no-start-condition-229070.html

See your other thread...

Turns out the ECU was fried. Don't know how, don't know why. Dealer replaced the ECU, starter relay, and a couple of little things for a lump sum of $1006.75.

 

Drove fine all day yesterday. Go out to to turn it on today and the car does nothing.

 

N O T H I N G. Pull the key back, push the clutch a little harder in case it didn't go to the floor, the lights on the dash come on, flicker in rapid succession, and a wonderful typewriter noise comes from the right corner of the dashboard.

 

%^# THIS $%@*$@! CAR!!!

Wow, sorry to hear that man. Something is causing the ECU to fry. Any chance the dealer will replace again since it broke in 1 day? Seems like the right thing to do

Can you pop start the car?

Can you pop start the car?

 

Nope. That was my last resort. Ended up pushing it up a gentle incline to get it home.

Alright. Battery tested a okay at 12.7 volts. Did notice that the positive battery terminal ring was a little deformed. Bought a new one at the Zone, installed it, and bitckity BAM, no more dash light problems.

 

The new ECU seems okay for now!

It does have a 1 year warranty, so I'm crossing my fingers that whatever shorted it doesn't happen again.