Hi all, In the off chance that anybody cares, here is what happened with the Subaru cold start problem that I posted about here a few days back.
After having the repair place attempt to read the fault code with their high tech snap-on scanner and getting nothing and changing the coolant temp sensor, the problem persisted. Still not starting cold, rad fans running, and constant "check engine" light. After pleading here for help, and getting a few good links to Subaru code extracting procedures, I braved the cold yesterday and crawled under the dash to locate the test connectors. According to the procedure, there are 2 wires that you hook together, then turn on the key to get the computer to flash the codes to you. I found and connected them, turned on the key and waited. There was lots of odd relay clicking sounds, for a few seconds, check engine light stayed on, no codes flashed to me, and then the radiator fans shut off! Then the clicking stopped. Feeling bold that something had changed, I turned the key. Engine cranked for a few seconds, fired and purred!! That after a day and a half of sitting out in below freezing weather. Check engine light went out, fans stayed off and the idle dropped as it warmed up. Engine warmed up, rad fans cycled as they should. Back to normal, YEAH!
Feeling a bit reserved, I did not deem it offically fixed until this morning, after a series of cold starts last night and this morning. Every one perfect.
Not sure excatly what happened, but am blaming the temp sensor, and crediting a test-mode-reset of the computer as the final step. That last part is likely BS, but I am not above making stuff up to convince my daughter that I am brilliant (even in the face of evidance to the contrary).
Carl and Michael, thanks again for your responses and ideas. Much appreciated!
AL A.