Ignition problems

[gbsmith]

I have a '95 Impreza. Sometimes, when I turn the key to turn the car
on, nothing happens but a "click." It helps if I turn off electrical
items if I left them on, e.g. lights, A/C, radio. If all else fails, I
turn the wheel a bit. I don't know if the latter makes any difference
at all. It may be the equivalent of throwing salt over your shoulder
from spilling salt....

At any rate, what am I looking at? A new ignition switch? A starter?

TIA

 

[Edward Hayes]

Start with a battery load test after checking the main battery connections
and grounds. ed

 

[Gilles Gour]

I have a '95 Impreza. Sometimes, when I turn the key to turn the car
on, nothing happens but a "click." It helps if I turn off electrical
items if I left them on, e.g. lights, A/C, radio. If all else fails, I
turn the wheel a bit. I don't know if the latter makes any difference
at all. It may be the equivalent of throwing salt over your shoulder
from spilling salt....

At any rate, what am I looking at? A new ignition switch? A starter?

TIA

1)If you hear a click = no problem with the ignition switch, nor with
the clutch pedal switch if it's a manual or the starter defeat switch if
it's an auto.
2) If you hear a click and the starter does'nt turn over, than it's
probably the starter's solenoid (just next to the starter motor)
contacts. Then go to a starter rebuilder and buy the two copper contacts
(2$ at most) for your starter solenoid (if you're a DIYer that is). No
need to replace the starter most of the time. The starter motor itself
is bullet proof and the carbon brushes almost never need replacing. To
learn how to remove the starter and get at the contacts, buy a cheap
Haynes manual for your car.

 

[Edward Hayes]

You may want to check the battery + & - cables for corrosion and tightness
as well as the battery to ground and starter connections. Then a battery
load and voltage check before digging deeper. ed

 

[S]

Hi GB!

At any rate, what am I looking at? A new ignition switch? A starter?

Mmmmm, before you really dig into the car's electrical system, do
check the clutch switch. (If equipped with an AT, ignore me)
My wifes Legacy had a similar sounding problem, which turned out to be
that damned switch.
Otherwise, suspect corroded battery terminals and/or cables, or a
loose connection. Starter solenoid and ignition switch are also
potential culprits. Starter is easily checked with a jumper wire;
connecting large starter lug (battery +) to small terminal (solenoid)
should crank the engine reliably. If you remove the starter (2 bolts),
most auto parts stores can test it for you as well. Ignition switch
can (I think) be replaced separately from the key/steering lock
assembly, but is a PITA. Hope this helps.

ByeBye! S.

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

 

[MIKE]

If you have a car alarm installed with an immobiliser it could be the
problem.

 

[Gilles Gour]

Hi GB!




Mmmmm, before you really dig into the car's electrical system, do
check the clutch switch. (If equipped with an AT, ignore me)
My wifes Legacy had a similar sounding problem, which turned out to be
that damned switch.
Otherwise, suspect corroded battery terminals and/or cables, or a
loose connection. Starter solenoid and ignition switch are also
potential culprits. Starter is easily checked with a jumper wire;
connecting large starter lug (battery +) to small terminal (solenoid)
should crank the engine reliably. If you remove the starter (2 bolts),
most auto parts stores can test it for you as well. Ignition switch
can (I think) be replaced separately from the key/steering lock
assembly, but is a PITA. Hope this helps.

ByeBye! S.

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

Hi Steve! Just for the sake of argument, if it were the clutch switch or
the ignition switch, there would be no current flowing thru the
starter's relay and the starter's solenoid, and there would be no click
heard.

 

[S]

Hi Gilles!

Hi Steve! Just for the sake of argument, if it were the clutch switch or
the ignition switch, there would be no current flowing thru the
starter's relay and the starter's solenoid, and there would be no click
heard.

Nope, won't argue that point. Brain fade on my part; if the clutch
switch is bad, you get nothing from the starter when you turn the key.
You _might_ perhaps hear a tiny click from the fuel pump, ignition, or
some other relay, but questionable whether you'd notice it in the cab.
I just chased my tail around for soooo long trying to find the bad
circuit on the Forester that it stuck firmly in my (failing, alas)
memory

ByeBye! S.

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