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1994 Subaru Legacy Repair Question


Topics covered: Starter, Engine, Battery.
Mileage: 180,000 miles.

Asked on December 3, 2011

New starter will not crank the engine

Car is very hard starting: and when the starter is cranked, all light go out and the engine will not crank. The started was just replaced.
Battery was just replaced!
Avatar Asked by firastmm5

Answer

Replied on December 3, 2011

Double check battery and starter motor connections-possibly a starter relay or ignition switch problem-also check the transmission range switch

Tiny Answered by rasmataz
68 questions asked
Replied on January 31, 2012

firastmm5, did you get the car started yet?

Tiny Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided
Replied on February 1, 2012

There were 3 Engine codes, when I checked them, and one was for the Coolant Temp. sensor. I replaced the sensor and reset the (ECM) Computer, and also, fixed a loose spark plug wire on the Number 1 cylinder. Everything is OK now!

Tiny Response from firastmm5
1 question asked

Replied on February 1, 2012

Hard staring when cold, was the initial issue. The issue with the starer not working was related to the ignition switch. One of the the engine codes, was for the ignition started switch. It will be replace when I get a new one, but in the mean time I am using the existing switch very carefully. I can rotate the switch (now 'out' of its original position) to a point where the car will start, but if I turn it too far, the circuit shorts, and nothing works! Again, I need a new ignition started switch. On a side note, If I have the auto., trans., shifter in anything but 'park' or 'neutral', I cannot start it! (I think I did this a few times) Duh!!!

Tiny Response from firastmm5
1 question asked
Replied on February 1, 2012

Good to know you're most of the way back to trouble-free driving. It definitely sounds like getting that starter switch changed will solve a world of headache.

On the shifter setting issue: That's normal. It's a safety feature. It's called Park/neutral starter lockout or neutral safety switch.

Tiny Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided