MSP area - can anyone confirm that this sounds like starter issue?

jeffreyjames · 01-08-2013, 06:27 AM

someone had an issue similar to this:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2401689

My car is different:
1996 Impreza outback wagon 2.2 AWD Automatic

...and had some additional symptoms besides just not starting all of a sudden. Being as concise as possible, here's the scoop:

- wouldn't start couple weeks ago but eventually started after trying for 40 min.
- engine turnover got weaker and weaker over the course of a week or two.
- Wouldn't start a few days ago, but it would turn over.
- The more I tried it the less times it would turn over until it would just click.
- I don't even get a click now.
- The nav lights dim very slightly when I turn the key.
- Battery was tested and exceeded the cold cranking amp specs by 100.
- Battery posts cleaned and connections checked.
- tow truck guy tried jumping it. No difference.
- It is winter but the engine was warm both times that it wouldn't start.
(I go house to house doing property inspections so I turn my car on and off a lot)

Can someone confirm that the lights dimming means the ignition relay is fine and seems like a starter if I'm getting no click? Could it be something else?

My car knowledge is limited to conversations I've overheard and me asking a few people that know a bit about cars. I wanted to ask here because I'm sure there's some folks that know this car inside and out that might have some valuable insight.

I appreciate any help anyone could give me. Even if that help is simply, "yes, that sounds like a starter."

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hoffmanEstates · 01-08-2013, 09:51 AM

Where you located.? You getting spark and fuel? Typical battery tests can.be wrong using an amp.clamp would help diagnosis a lot.better
Showing you how much.amps the starter is drawing and if.battery is supplying enough. Is alternator charging? fuses good? Getting fuel and spark?

jeffreyjames · 01-08-2013, 11:28 AM

I got it towed home, in lower town saint paul right near the farmer's market.

checked the fuel pressure by releasing some air and it seemed good. I'm not sure how to check for spark though. They did use an clamp amp I'm fairly certain. I can't find the printout but the alternator was relplaced about a month ago and the printout had a bunch of battery and alternator specs that exceeded all the requirements by quite a bit.

I'll check the fuses later today. That would be awesome if it was a fuse! ha!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoffmanEstates

Where you located.? You getting spark and fuel? Typical battery tests can.be wrong using an amp.clamp would help diagnosis a lot.better
Showing you how much.amps the starter is drawing and if.battery is supplying enough. Is alternator charging? fuses good? Getting fuel and spark?

I Like It Sideways · 01-16-2013, 12:32 PM

Did you ever get this sorted out?

01-08-2013, 06:27 AM	#1
jeffreyjames Scooby Newbie Member#: 342789 Join Date: Jan 2013 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Twin Cities, MN Vehicle: 1996 Impreza Outback red	MSP area - can anyone confirm that this sounds like starter issue? someone had an issue similar to this: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2401689 My car is different: 1996 Impreza outback wagon 2.2 AWD Automatic ...and had some additional symptoms besides just not starting all of a sudden. Being as concise as possible, here's the scoop: - wouldn't start couple weeks ago but eventually started after trying for 40 min. - engine turnover got weaker and weaker over the course of a week or two. - Wouldn't start a few days ago, but it would turn over. - The more I tried it the less times it would turn over until it would just click. - I don't even get a click now. - The nav lights dim very slightly when I turn the key. - Battery was tested and exceeded the cold cranking amp specs by 100. - Battery posts cleaned and connections checked. - tow truck guy tried jumping it. No difference. - It is winter but the engine was warm both times that it wouldn't start. (I go house to house doing property inspections so I turn my car on and off a lot) Can someone confirm that the lights dimming means the ignition relay is fine and seems like a starter if I'm getting no click? Could it be something else? My car knowledge is limited to conversations I've overheard and me asking a few people that know a bit about cars. I wanted to ask here because I'm sure there's some folks that know this car inside and out that might have some valuable insight. I appreciate any help anyone could give me. Even if that help is simply, "yes, that sounds like a starter." * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by jeffreyjames; 01-08-2013 at 06:33 AM.

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01-08-2013, 09:51 AM	#2
hoffmanEstates Scooby Guru Member#: 122043 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: aurora Vehicle: 04 wagonier psm	Where you located.? You getting spark and fuel? Typical battery tests can.be wrong using an amp.clamp would help diagnosis a lot.better Showing you how much.amps the starter is drawing and if.battery is supplying enough. Is alternator charging? fuses good? Getting fuel and spark?

01-16-2013, 12:32 PM	#4
I Like It Sideways Scooby Specialist Member#: 97707 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Rockford, IL Vehicle: '01 BRP GC6 '06 SGM WRX,'91 Legacy SS	Did you ever get this sorted out?