12 replies to this topic

[chainber]

Hi all. Just wondering whether anyone has this problem like me. Recently my 03 Lib has the problem of choosing to start or not, and once when i was driving, it stop in middle of road. The thing is if i try to start it sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't, i need to try like at lest 5min before it works. So can anyone point me in the right direction to fix it. Also i am wondering where is a good place to fix the problem not from a Subaru dealer, as they are so expensive and i would like to find a more reasonable place to fix my car. thanks chainber

[Dylan]

Heya, When you try to start it, what's it doing? Cranking but not kicking over? How many K's ?

[CRUISN]

Yes, need more info. When you turn the ignition on, can you hear the fuel pump prime? Does it try to crank, or does it just go click, click, or nothing? Need more details. I do my own servicing, but I use Midas for things I cant do (or the wifes car servicing. ) Ive know the owner and he knows me and my fussiness.

[CodeBurn3r]

+1 for more info, i use 2 local mechanics that specialise in Subaru's, but not performance wrx shops! just good decent mechanics that work on their own and know their shit. Ross @ Cromwell Auto - Burwood Victoria Brian @ Subabits - Clayton South, Victoria Where are you located? if you can post a bit more info we may be able to shed some light but i suspect a decent service may be in order.

[chainber]

sorry for the lack of info, still a newbi, the lib done 103700km, done the 100,000km service at sub glenny and cost me nearly 2k, so dont wanna go back there again. Just change the engine oil and fuel fuelter about a month ago. When the car dont start, it makes all the noise it should but just dont ignite i guess. you guys think its the spark plug or ignition wires?

[Soop]

Check the ignition, its easy. Pull the plugs out and crank it over and see if they spark (with the lead attached obviously.) Going by the way you discribe the problem, i'd say its a sensor fault. Check the codes.

[Dylan]

Chainber - humor me here. When you go to start your car, try it. If it doesn't start, get a bottle of water and pour a good amount on the alternator (about 500mL of water)[The alternator is the thing in the middle of your engine on the front]. Give it about 30 seconds and then try to start it again. Let me know if this works (honest). Dylan

[chainber]

I dont think its the sensor fault, because the engine light is not on, on the dash board. And one more thing whats with the water on the alternator thingy? what does it to do?

[RX25SE]

Chainber - humor me here.

When you go to start your car, try it. If it doesn't start, get a bottle of water and pour a good amount on the alternator (about 500mL of water)[The alternator is the thing in the middle of your engine on the front]. Give it about 30 seconds and then try to start it again.

Let me know if this works (honest).

Dylan

Dylan,
What? Where? How?


Funnily enough, this will start a Commonwhore with a dodgy crank angle sensor.


To the OP, do as described above, esp. the codes.

[Dylan]

Jason - that's what it's to cure for Subaru's as well

[Trent]

Dylan,
What? Where? How?


Funnily enough, this will start a Commonwhore with a dodgy crank angle sensor.

My mate had a VN and always had to carry a 2L bottle of water around with him for that very reason

[RX25SE]

Jason - that's what it's to cure for Subaru's as well

Cheers

[SUBARU]

Hi there... OK, I had a similar problem on my 03. I don't think it's anything major, so don't stress. The starter motors and ignition hardly ever fail, so that would be on your last to check list. Firstly, go to the starter motor. It's located on the right hand side of the firewall, not the far right, but more towards the centre... On the underside you will find a solo wire. From memory it's grey or green. It's connected to the starter motor with a simple female to male socket. These can come loose very easily, it may still be connected, but might wobble around or slide off the male connector easily. Remove it, clean the terminals, tighten the female connector a bit and plug it back in. From here try and start it. Chances are that this will fix your problem. Another thing to check if your car is a manual... The starter motor can apparently get dirty with dust e.t.c from the motion of the clutch. I've not experienced this but have been told by Subaru that this can be a problem on the Gen3's and that it's a very simple/cheap fix. One of the above two will more than likely be your issue. If you're struggling to get it fixed yourself, go into Subaru next time you get it going and ask them to just look at it, nothing more.. Ask them about the wire at the bottom of the starter motor and the dust/gunk build up issue. Hope that helps... Chris