Starting issues

JOEYORTIZ197

MEMBER
2007 SUBARU IMPREZA
2.5L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

I was running errands and throughout the course of my errands, the car took more time to finally start. It needed to turn over more times to get it to finally ignite. Then when I tried to start the vehicle, it turned over a few times and then there was a rapid series of clicks and the car would no longer turn over. Then when I tried the ignition again, nothing would happen. The interior dash lights still work. Based on my research, this is either a battery connection/charge issue or a starter motor issue. I was curious which was more likely based on these symptoms.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

I have to be honest, what you described sound like the battery was slowly dying. That can be caused by the battery or the alternator wasn't charging. The rapid clicking sounds simply like the starter wasn't getting enough power.

Before anything, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Here is a link that you may find helpful

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If the terminals are clean and tight and clean, what I suggest is to first recharge the battery. If you have no charger, most parts stores will do it free of charge. If you take it to a store, have them load test the battery.

If you do it yourself, here are a few links that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Now, if the battery is good and you recharge it and the car starts, I need you to check the alternator. It is easy to do. All you need is a volt meter or a multi-meter. Here are links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know if you have additional questions and what is found so I can guide you.

Take care,
Joe