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=
e

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