INtermittent starting problem

[psyktek]

Totally random start-up issues with this '99 Outback wagon with A/T and
88K miles. Some mornings it fires right up, others it takes anywhere
from 3 to 15 turns of the key to get it to turn over. Or, it will turn
over 3-4 times then stop. Other times of the day, it starts just fine,
but can also happen after work.
Alternator has been replaced and battery voltage at the terminals shows
nominal. I'm thinking starter (although this doesn't seem like a
typical starter failure) or ignition switch.
Anyone else experienced this? Recommendations on brand of starter if it
needs replacing?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Tcassette]

Check the cam position sensor. It should cause a CEL error if bad, but
maybe not.

 

[Blair Baucom]

Consider the park/neutral switch in the transmission also. Maybe try
starting in neutral to see if anything changes.

Blair

 

[psyktek]

Consider the park/neutral switch in the transmission also. Maybe try
starting in neutral to see if anything changes.

Blair

Thanks for these two suggestions. Starting in neutral makes no
difference, and the crank position sensor is out of my league. But I
can present that to my mechanic as a possibility.

Bob

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Totally random start-up issues with this '99 Outback wagon with A/T and
88K miles. Some mornings it fires right up, others it takes anywhere
from 3 to 15 turns of the key to get it to turn over. Or, it will turn
over 3-4 times then stop. Other times of the day, it starts just fine,
but can also happen after work.
Alternator has been replaced and battery voltage at the terminals shows
nominal. I'm thinking starter (although this doesn't seem like a
typical starter failure) or ignition switch.
Anyone else experienced this? Recommendations on brand of starter if it
needs replacing?

Thanks for any help.

Possibly the solenoid contacts. They can be changed, as can just the
solenoid, on many cars. Most folks just opt for a new or rebuilt
starter. The next time it refuses to start, try rapping on the starter
with a chunk of wood. Sometimes it shifts position of the contacts or
something enough to work. If it starts immediately, that would be
diagnostic for a bum starter.

Carl