Engine will not start

Tiny
MCKENNA99
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
Lights work and starter makes repetitive clicking sound. The engine won’t turn. I originally thought the starter was the issue a few days ago as the starter didn’t make sound. After taking it apart and attempting to replace the starter and failing (rusty bolts) I put it back together and it miraculously started last night! Today, however, it won’t start again but this time the starter makes a repetitive clicking noise. Is it possible for a broken starter to still click repetitively?
Monday, January 24th, 2022 AT 5:52 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Just so we cover the basics, have you tried to jump start it?
Many times, a weak battery will create a repeated clicking sound but will not crank over the engine.

You mentioned that it started after you tried to remove the starter. Was the cable corroded? Was there any rust on the terminals?
It is possible to have a weak connection.
You might first want to clean the terminals and the cable connectors and see if that helps.

If it does not, then likely it is a bad starter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Monday, January 24th, 2022 AT 8:04 PM

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