1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Legacy won't start when hot

[Tony Jurado]

My 98' Outback Legacy won't start (intermittently) when it's been
running for a while or if it's is hot outside (above 75 deg). The car
won't even crank--just a click sound. Usually if I wait about 20 mins
it will start just fine. All electrical devices in the car work--
stereo, headlights, horn, radio, etc. It will ALWAYS start if I have
someone jump the car.

So...I replaced the battery and it still won't start on occasion. Any
ideas?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

My 98' Outback Legacy won't start (intermittently) when it's been
running for a while or if it's is hot outside (above 75 deg). The car
won't even crank--just a click sound. Usually if I wait about 20 mins
it will start just fine. All electrical devices in the car work--
stereo, headlights, horn, radio, etc. It will ALWAYS start if I have
someone jump the car.

So...I replaced the battery and it still won't start on occasion. Any
ideas?

hmmm...I think some 'older' soobs had crank angle sensors that would
become intermittent with temp.

dunno about '98 and dunno if a CEL would be generated.


Carl

 

[johninky]

My 98' Outback Legacy won't start (intermittently) when it's been
running for a while or if it's is hot outside (above 75 deg). The car
won't even crank--just a click sound. Usually if I wait about 20 mins
it will start just fine. All electrical devices in the car work--
stereo, headlights, horn, radio, etc. It will ALWAYS start if I have
someone jump the car.

So...I replaced the battery and it still won't start on occasion. Any
ideas?

Always a good idea to first verify the battery cables are clean, not
corroded and tight on the battery posts. But the problem sounds like
a starter solenoid going bad and/or the brushes inside the starter
motor are worn.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Always a good idea to first verify the battery cables are clean, not
corroded and tight on the battery posts. But the problem sounds like
a starter solenoid going bad and/or the brushes inside the starter
motor are worn.

Ahh, you're right. It doesn't crank!

Tony, carry a length of 2x4 or similar with you, next time the problem
occurs, strike (more than a tap, less than BASH) the starter and try
again. Also, try wiggling the starter cables. If either of those things
work, should point you in the right direction. (solenoid contacts likely)

Carl

 

[S.Hansen]

Ahh, you're right. It doesn't crank!

Tony, carry a length of 2x4 or similar with you, next time the problem
occurs, strike (more than a tap, less than BASH) the starter and try
again. Also, try wiggling the starter cables. If either of those things
work, should point you in the right direction. (solenoid contacts likely)

Carl

If it clicks and doesn't start it's the starter.
A little known seceret: SOME sub's have a rebuildable starter. If it has
been replaced in the past your probably out of luck. look at the solenoid,
if it has the ability to remove the end cap by screws or nuts than you can
rebuild it.

Go to the dealership and ask for the starter rebuild parts (I don't know
what the exact name is for them) they are the two wire lugs that go into and
out of the solenoid. (can't be too expensive)
Remove the starter
Remove the end cap
under this is a copper "mushroom" shaped piece
Replace the two wire lug parts. The solenoid action pulls the mushroom piece
and joins the two lugs; the arc over time and wear out.
On the mushroom piece, look at the "lip" and clean the arcing off of it.
Reassemble and install starter.


I have not yet figured out what subies use the rebuildable starters and what
ones do not....

Steve

 

[weelliott]

If it clicks and doesn't start it's the starter.
A little known seceret: SOME sub's have a rebuildable starter. If it has
been replaced in the past your probably out of luck. look at the solenoid,
if it has the ability to remove the end cap by screws or nuts than you can
rebuild it.

Go to the dealership and ask for the starter rebuild parts (I don't know
what the exact name is for them) they are the two wire lugs that go into and
out of the solenoid. (can't be too expensive)
Remove the starter
Remove the end cap
under this is a copper "mushroom" shaped piece
Replace the two wire lug parts. The solenoid action pulls the mushroom piece
and joins the two lugs; the arc over time and wear out.
On the mushroom piece, look at the "lip" and clean the arcing off of it.
Reassemble and install starter.

I have not yet figured out what subies use the rebuildable starters and what
ones do not....

Steve- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Just for the record, the starter is on top of the bellhousing on the
drivers side. It is easily accessible from the top of the engine
without crawling under the car. So a rubber mallet or deadblow hammer
might work for persuading the solenoid to engage. Also looking at it
to assess the rebuildableness of it shouldn't be too hard.

I love how subaru makes these cars easy to work on. All the engine
accessories they could stick on top are there for easy access. I don't
even have to lay under the car to take off my oil filter. I just get
down on one knee and reach under the front bumper. Brilliant designs.

Bill

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

If it clicks and doesn't start it's the starter.
A little known seceret: SOME sub's have a rebuildable starter. If it has
been replaced in the past your probably out of luck. look at the solenoid,
if it has the ability to remove the end cap by screws or nuts than you can
rebuild it.

Go to the dealership and ask for the starter rebuild parts (I don't know
what the exact name is for them) they are the two wire lugs that go into and
out of the solenoid. (can't be too expensive)

This is common with older Toyotas, the contacts wear down. Even before I
knew much about cars I became familiar with this condition! Kind of an
easy fix, depending on where the motor is located...

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

I love how subaru makes these cars easy to work on. All the engine
accessories they could stick on top are there for easy access. I don't
even have to lay under the car to take off my oil filter.

I have a Supra I'll sell cheap!

Probably the worst car I've ever owned for making repairs. And one of the
cars I've owned that needed them. When I worked at a Toyota dealer one of
the older mechanics said, "You have one of THOSE? That car's going to
nickle and dime you..."

Shoot, they could at least have made it easy to work on!!!

But, your point taken, I have noticed the two Suby's I have are pretty
easy to work on!

I'll have to try to find an SVX...

 

[S.Hansen]

I'll have to try to find an SVX...

Are you freaking crazy!

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

Are you freaking crazy!

How come?!?! What's the deal with those. I wanted one when they came out
in the early 90's.

There's one in town that looks pretty good and seems to run well.

So, what's the deal with the SVX?

I have a Supra...can't be too much worse than that! (I got the *LAST*
Trans cooler line in the WORLD shipped from a dealer in Japan...)

Or, a Mitsubishi 3000GT. Call me a glutton for punishment...

Oh, BTW, yes, I *AM* crazy!!! ;p

 

[S.Hansen]

How come?!?! What's the deal with those. I wanted one when they came out
in the early 90's.

There's one in town that looks pretty good and seems to run well.

So, what's the deal with the SVX?

I have a Supra...can't be too much worse than that! (I got the *LAST*
Trans cooler line in the WORLD shipped from a dealer in Japan...)

Or, a Mitsubishi 3000GT. Call me a glutton for punishment...

Oh, BTW, yes, I *AM* crazy!!! ;p

Overall an increadable car for its time, infact most say it was ahead of
it's time. Didn't sell well because not many wanted to pay 30,000 for a car
back then. Remember, when it came out subaru was known as a "Affordable" car
company
The 6 cylinder engine runs 2 timing belts. Very tight fit, Car is heavy
Very difficult to get plugs out. Coilovers, are interchangable from left to
right, but not to the cylinder next to it. difficult to get them unplugged!

All the techs run from a SVX when it comes in-- that should tell you
something...


Steve

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Overall an increadable car for its time, infact most say it was ahead of
it's time. Didn't sell well because not many wanted to pay 30,000 for a car
back then. Remember, when it came out subaru was known as a "Affordable" car
company
The 6 cylinder engine runs 2 timing belts. Very tight fit, Car is heavy
Very difficult to get plugs out. Coilovers, are interchangable from left to
right, but not to the cylinder next to it. difficult to get them unplugged!

All the techs run from a SVX when it comes in-- that should tell you
something...


Steve

Transmission issues too IIRC. Still, they have a strong following.


Carl

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

Overall an increadable car for its time, infact most say it was ahead of
it's time. Didn't sell well because not many wanted to pay 30,000 for a car
back then. Remember, when it came out subaru was known as a "Affordable" car
company

I have the original sticker from my '88 Supra. It was $33K!!

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

Transmission issues too IIRC. Still, they have a strong following.

Pretty cool looking car, and a lot of innovation. And AWD to boot.