1998 Subaru Outback Sometimes doesn't start

Tiny
LANAJJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
A month ago tried to start car and nothing happened but there was a clicking noise at first and then nothing. Was able to get it jumpstarted. Took car to Subaru and they replaced the 2003 battery and alternator. A week later car would not start and could not be jumpstarted. Had it towed to Subaru and they said it was a wire that came loose and it was a grounding problem. A couple weeks later now, I start the car in the morning and nothing except a click sound somewhere under the glove box. I turn the key again and sometimes it tries to start, turn the key again and it starts. I drove 4 miles to the store, came out and the same thing: turn key and no start, turn key again and it finally starts. Help! Any ideas? I have an appointment with Subaru again but they obviously haven't found the real source of the problem. They say they've run a scan on the car.
Friday, January 2nd, 2009 AT 12:41 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do this have helper on hand have him hold key at cranking position -you go find the starter and bang on it-did it engaged the engine. If not look for power at the red and yellow small wire at the starter-do you have it? Get back ASAP


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_starter_circuit_10.jpg

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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 4:19 AM
Tiny
LANAJJ
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Unfortunately, I started the car today BEFORE I read your email. Car was parked overnight in cold garage (in the 20's). Turned the key one time - Nothing. Turned the key again and it tried to start. Turned the key again and it started. This also happened yesterday; however, after it got started then it stopped and started normally thruout the day. Any thoughts? Should I just try your suggestion to bang on the starter tomorrow? If it's the starter, really don't want to take to dealer and be over charged when I could take it to a good repair shop for less. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 11:01 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Next time you should attempt -plus you got your EWD involving the starting circuit-
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
LANAJJ
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
What is the EWD in the starting circuit?
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
EWD ( Electrical Wirng Diagram )
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 2:26 PM

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