Subaru Outback 2001 - won't start

[batvanio]

Hi,

I have the following problem: Sometimes in the morning (especially when the car is cold) the car won't start. The battery is new (and I tried it with the jumper cable) so I don't think it is the battery problem. There is a clicking sound as if something tries to engage but that's it. Eventually the car will start after several attempts and will be fine for a few days, and then it does it again. I wonder what kind of problem this might be. (I was thinking either a starter or solenoid but am not sure). Unfortunately, once it starts, it works fine for a while, so it cannot be diagnosed. What should I do? Any input is highly appreciated.

Thanks
Ivan

 

[Bugalugs]

Hi,

I have the following problem: Sometimes in the morning (especially when the car is cold) the car won't start. The battery is new (and I tried it with the jumper cable) so I don't think it is the battery problem. There is a clicking sound as if something tries to engage but that's it. Eventually the car will start after several attempts and will be fine for a few days, and then it does it again. I wonder what kind of problem this might be. (I was thinking either a starter or solenoid but am not sure). Unfortunately, once it starts, it works fine for a while, so it cannot be diagnosed. What should I do? Any input is highly appreciated.

Thanks
Ivan

First thing I'd check would be the battery connections. Take them off, put a wire brush over them and put em on tight.

 

[johninKY]

Just as a start, pull both battery cables at the battery. Clean both th cables and battery terminals. If either cable looks corroded, jus replace it.

 

[Bob Noble]

Sounds like the starter brushes are worn out.
Replace the starter, or the brushes, most people replace the starter.

 

[batvanio]

Just as a start, pull both battery cables at the battery.  Clean both the cables and battery terminals.  If either cable looks corroded, just replace it.  

Thanks for the suggestions.
It is strange though why would it do it only early morning, and then once it started, it will go well for a day or two... Well, I will clean up the terminals and see what happens tomorrow.... I have the suspicion it's the starter though...

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Thanks for the suggestions.
It is strange though why would it do it only early morning, and then once it started, it will go well for a day or two... Well, I will clean up the terminals and see what happens tomorrow.... I have the suspicion it's the starter though...

Sometimes, hitting an intermittent starter with a piece of wood on those mornings when it fails will make it start. If so, probably the starter and not the battery cables. Cables are a good, easy place to begin the search though.

Carl

 

[Tony Hwang]

First thing I'd check would be the battery connections. Take them off, put a wire brush over them and put em on tight.

Yup,
On the battery posts and ground wire to the engine. Remove clean and apply some dielectric silicon paste and retighten.

 

[hippo]

both
th=
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Thanks for the suggestions.
It is strange though why would it do it only early morning, and then once it started, it will go well for a day or two... Well, I will clean up the terminals and see what happens tomorrow.... I have the suspicion it's the starter though...

Early morning there's more moisture in the air, unless you're in th middle of some deserts plus the air is colder and denser, so condensatio can wreak havoc with dodgy connections more easily. Terminals & cable first, then start eliminating the more expensive possibilities if still n fix. Cheers