1995 Subaru

[Stoney]

I have a 1995 Subaru Outback that has a very intermittent starting problem.
The various times that it won't start have nothing in common. I have taken
it to the Subaru dealer many times and they "repaired" it each time. So far
the ignition switch, starter, and battery have been replaced, however the
dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem. When it doesn't start,
it doesn't click or show any sign that the engine is getting spark, the
headlights, radio etc. work fine with full power to them and eventually in
20 minutes to an hour it usually starts.

Anyone out there have any similar problems. The car runs well, but we don't
know when we will be stranded again in Albuquerque at 100 degrees for an
hour waiting for the car to decide that it is ready to start.

 

[Steve Daniels]

So far
the ignition switch, starter, and battery have been replaced, however the
dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem. When it doesn't start,
it doesn't click or show any sign that the engine is getting spark, the
headlights, radio etc. work fine with full power to them and eventually in
20 minutes to an hour it usually starts.

Starter relay?

 

[johninKY]

Anyone inspect the cable running from the battery down to the starter?
Have seen a few that were badly corroded inside.

Another possibility is this car has to have some sort of safety switc
that allows the engine to be started only when the transmission is in Par
or the clutch depressed. I'd just go ahead and have it replaced

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Anyone inspect the cable running from the battery down to the starter?
Have seen a few that were badly corroded inside.

Another possibility is this car has to have some sort of safety switch
that allows the engine to be started only when the transmission is in Park
or the clutch depressed. I'd just go ahead and have it replaced.

yeah I was gonna suggest neutral safety switch too. next time it
happens, jiggle the shifter (if automatic - dunno if '95s had a clutch
safety switch)

I wouldn't rule out intermittent crank angle sensor - seems some soobs
have had a problem with those. Is the CEL on?

Carl

 

[Stoney]

http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.subaru/

I am stupid "The Check engine light does no come on when this problem
occurs.

 

[Dave]

I have a 1995 Subaru Outback that has a very intermittent starting
problem.
The various times that it won't start have nothing in common. I have taken
it to the Subaru dealer many times and they "repaired" it each time. So
far
the ignition switch, starter, and battery have been replaced, however the
dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem. When it doesn't start,
it doesn't click or show any sign that the engine is getting spark, the
headlights, radio etc. work fine with full power to them and eventually in
20 minutes to an hour it usually starts.

Anyone out there have any similar problems. The car runs well, but we
don't
know when we will be stranded again in Albuquerque at 100 degrees for an
hour waiting for the car to decide that it is ready to start.

There is a retrofit campaign for your exact no start problem. Kit
#22090-AA000 gets you both the crank and cam sensors for less than either
one separately.

 

[Dave]

There is a retrofit campaign for your exact no start problem. Kit
#22090-AA000 gets you both the crank and cam sensors for less than either
one separately.

My bad. I misread the symptoms. The campaign is for a crank-no-start
condition.

In your case, check the connections under the steering column by unplugging
them and looking for a heat damaged connection. There's one in particular
that is where a security module would, or does, plug in that can cause an
intermittent no-start like you're experiencing.

 

[S]

Hi Stoney!

I have a 1995 Subaru Outback that has a very intermittent starting problem.
The various times that it won't start have nothing in common. I have taken
it to the Subaru dealer many times and they "repaired" it each time. So far
the ignition switch, starter, and battery have been replaced, however the
dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem. When it doesn't start,
it doesn't click or show any sign that the engine is getting spark, the
headlights, radio etc. work fine with full power to them and eventually in
20 minutes to an hour it usually starts.

Anyone out there have any similar problems. The car runs well, but we don't
know when we will be stranded again in Albuquerque at 100 degrees for an
hour waiting for the car to decide that it is ready to start.

Had a similar problem on a Toyota; turned out to be a long forgotten
security system. Look for non-factory-looking wiring up under the
dash, or in the console area.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101