SVX Won't Start... Bad Battery, Alternator, or Starter?
 

I got up this morning all ready for my daily commute to work when, much to my surprise, my svx wouldn't start. So I hooked my jump pack up to the car and it started with only a slight hesitation.

I checked and none of my interior lights, parking lights, or accessories had been left on. So, just in case, I threw the jump pack in my car and was off on my merry way.

Fast forward to 5:00, i go to leave work, and the car is dead again. Just like before, I hook the jump pack up and there is a slight hesitation and then the engine fires right up.

Just to clarify the word "dead": I turn the key and the starter seems to turn over slightly and then stops. If I crank the ignition, there is no clicking, grinding, or other noises. It is not responsive after the first kick of the starter.

Things to consider: About 11 months ago, I put a brand new Die Hard 85 month battery in it. I don't remember the specs of the battery off hand, but it by far exceeds the specs of the OEM battery Subaru recommends for the car. Also, the security system is still responsive when i go to start the car. Both this morning and tonight, I was able to unlock my car with the keyless entry fob. Finally, the car drove fine to and from work. It never died or stalled throughout 15 miles of bumper to bumper traffic.

So, do you folks think it is:

A - The Battery
B - The Alternator
C - The Starter
D - Something entirely different

Any thoughts are most welcome!!

Thanks,

Dan

Maybe that mega sound system is sucking her dry!!!!!

:eek:

Haha, i certainly hope not! :) It hasnt been a problem for over a year now! Anyway, I have some more info... it seems that after I make the attempt to start it once, the battery seems to have drained sufficiently that no power accesories want to work in the car (seats, mirrors, dome light, etc...). I don't know if that can rule out the starter or not... seems to me when my dad's car had a bad starter, the car wouldn't turn over but all the power features were fine.

I dunno if that info helps or not...

Sorry Dan,

Your sound system spec looks so good, I couldn't resist!! :rolleyes:

Forgive me.

It is obvious your voltage is low. If your key does not work, your battery is very very low.

As the jump start is starting your motor, and you are able to continue driving, this indicates that at least your alternator is putting out enough current to keep you going.

In turn, this narrows it down to a couple of things. When parked between runs, some circuit you are not aware of is discharging your battery is one scenario. The other case, the new battery you paid so much for is not holding charge, OR, the alternator is putting out enough charge to keep you going, but not recharge the battery.

Of the above possibles, because your battery is new, I would first take the view that some short circuit is discharging your battery. You will be able to check out if this is the case simply enough. After your next run, check the battery voltage when you stop with a voltmeter. Assuming the voltage is correct, 12.5 to 13 volts maybe, then disconnect the red terminal from your battery overnight. If voltage is still up when you reconnect in the morning, and the car starts for you, then some circuit is discharging your battery. [If it's not up, then take the battery to be tested, it could have a bad plate]

Hope this is a help.

Joe :)

Sounds like the alternator to me. Take it to NTB and they'll do a free check to see if it's charging.

Lemme know if you need a new starter, as I've a brand new one from when my alternator went, that i'll sell you.

svxistentialist: the short circuit sounds like a good place to start. I will disconnect the battery tonight and we'll see what happens. The other thing I havent tried yet is to see if the car will start up again right after I turn it off. If it won't, I think I could eliminate the short circuit.

TCamusJr: If I need a starter, you will be the first place I look! Thanks for the offer.

And for the record... what does your average rebuilt SVX alternator go for? how difficult is the swap?

Thanks for your help... its always good to know that you folks are ready and willing to help out around here!

argh i think my alternator was about 400ish including installation if memory servers

(sigh) that's what I was afraid of. It seems every time something goes wrong with my svx, my mechanic sees $400 or more rolling his way... just wondering, does it cost $400 to patch a tire on an svx, too? :)

that's exactly what i was thinking - from brakes to alt - i somehow always end up spending roughly $400 when something goes bad or when it's time for the inspection.

at least the car is consistent...

Tell me about it! :rolleyes: :o :)

(not so)angrydan tonight!
 

Woohoo! I think I solved the problem and it didn't cost me a penny. Just for the sake of exhausting every last basic option, I disconnected both terminals from the battery. I got a rag and thoroughly wiped down the battery terminals, the connectors, and pretty much anything else that was making contact with the battery. I was surprised at how much grime and grease came off of them! Then, I reattached the cables and made them as tight as possible. Suddenly, the dome light seems a little brighter, the power seat belts move, and the car starts! I drove it around, shut it down, and started it right back up. (something I couldn't do before). I tested this a few more times and got a start each try. The real test will be tomorrow after it has sat for 8 or so hours. For once, I think the solution really was that simple!

Awesome, when I was reading this I was thinking that it sounded like a loose connection to the battery.

I had that problem in the Justy. The dome light would be bright but when I went to start it it seemed like the battery instantly died.

Cheep cheep
 

That's the cheapest solution I have heard in a while, Dan.

It would cause the symptoms you suggest. Who bolted in your battery?

Pleased it is an easy fix, and didn't cost you money, or $400 either.
:rolleyes: :D

Joe

I bolted it in. So I have no one but myself to blame :) but I drove it around all day today and not a single problem!

Electrical
 

Hi Dan, As a rule, when the alternator goes south all the warning lights will light up. If the belt breaks, since it also runs the power steering, You will almost not be able to turn the car. And all the lights will light up. Glad you found a cheap and easy fix. Take care, BOBB