Sometimes start issue

North Ursalia · #1 02-12-2011, 05:28 PM

I have a bizarre issue I can't seem to nail down- my 92 SVX sometimes just doesn't want to start. It's not like the "click no start" issue, and I've replaced that relay. It's not a dead battery, as it does sometimes start on its own. It's not the security system, as when it does start, the security system could have been off or on- it seems to be totally random.

Sometimes, if you turn the key it will turn over immediately and fire right up. Sometimes, if you turn/hold the key, it will turn over and start after a second or two. Sometimes, what sounds like the security module beeps 2 or more times while I'm holding the key in the start position, and then it starts. Then sometimes, just nothing at all.

When the car just won't start, if you bump the starter once or twice to turn it, the car will start, but it doesn't seem like your average starter issue, as a dead spot usually clicks or makes some noise- this is turn key and dead silence.

I am replacing the starter anyway, and probably will end up replacing the electronic portion of the ignition switch, but has anyone had anything like this going on? I don't mind replacing parts, but a direction to head in is always better than just throwing parts at a problem.

Thanks!
Brian

North Ursalia · #2 02-12-2011, 08:05 PM

I should probably add that the car is 5MT swapped, and the NSS is wired across the connector, so it has nothing to do with that. It will start without touching the clutch at this point. That will be fixed properly in the near future, but isn't part of the issue.

Also, it is not a fuel problem as it runs fine when it does start, and the problem is the random no cranking over.

icingdeath88 · #3 02-13-2011, 01:11 AM

There is a starter interrupt relay under the dash, attached to the steering column. That seems to be the culprit in this situation many times. I swapped out the relay from my parts car and it made a big difference. Still takes a second or so before it decides to fire up sometimes though. Search for a thread called no more click, click, click, start, only start. Shows the location of the relay and stuff.

Probably not the starter, but it could be the ignition switch if it's not the starter kill relay.

Manarius · #4 02-13-2011, 05:34 AM

On my car, the bolt that held down the positive lead loosened itself up and caused the click no-start condition for me. Might wanna check to make sure it's tight.

North Ursalia · #5 02-13-2011, 08:01 AM

The starter interrupt relay is the one I replaced, and I just put the battery in two months ago (the problem has existed since I bought the car) so the terminals are tight. Thanks for the ideas guys- I ordered the electrical portion of the ignition switch yesterday- hopefully that will cure it.

svxAL · #6 02-13-2011, 10:09 AM

This is what i was told from a master subaru tech when i was having the same issue. You probably have a broken wire in your steering collum that runs to the starter causing it to not get power to the little black wire that plugs into the starter. He drew me up a diagram and told me just to run a new relay between the batt and the sarter and the little black wire. No point in tearing aprt the collum and finding this wire in my position of just needing to drive the car, but I did what he said and have had not an issue since. I also replaced the inturrupt relay and it didnt do anything. lmk if you would like some more direction and i can go take a look at how i wired its up been to long.