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Old 01-06-2006, 02:17 PM   #1
Greg_R
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Default RS engine not starting - water?

I came back from vacation (2 weeks) and my engine (2000 RS, 2.5L) no longer starts. I hooked up a battery charger but that still didn't fix the issue. The engine makes a clicking sounds for about 1-2 seconds and then it makes faster clicking sounds. (click----click----click----click-click-click-click, etc.). Each 'click' causes a slight movement (1/8 rotation of pulleys) of the engine's belts. While I was gone we had very heavy rains. Any thoughts on where to start looking for problems? My engine has ~55k miles on it. My best guess is that there is some form of electrical problem (engine is not cranking)... any thoughts? Thanks!!!
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Old 01-06-2006, 02:33 PM   #2
Master2192
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Sounds like a bad starter
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Old 01-06-2006, 02:46 PM   #3
DreddRS25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Master2192
Sounds like a bad starter
Could be. I would still look into a dead battery. When I had a dead battery once, it would make that clicking sound when trying to crank.

Greg_r: how long did you charge the battery? Did you charge it up to 12.0 to 12.5 volts? Have you tried a jump start?
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Old 01-06-2006, 02:59 PM   #4
kamil212
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Sounds like the battery.
This usually happens if you don't start your car for a long time.
My friend has crap load of problems with his car so he doesn't drive it that much, but still turns it on for 10 minutes at least once a week.
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Old 01-06-2006, 03:01 PM   #5
Greg_R
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Thanks everyone! I'll swap the battery with a known good one before checking the starter, etc...
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Old 01-06-2006, 03:12 PM   #6
DreddRS25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg_R
Thanks everyone! I'll swap the battery with a known good one before checking the starter, etc...
One thing before you swap it (though battery are pretty cheap). If you have the stock battery, then check the fluid levels. I forget if the subaru batteries need servicing, but in any event check the fluid levels.

After I swapped out my stock battery, when I had the above issues, I noticed that the six or so fluid cells seemed quite low.

My stock battery would work fine immediately after getting jumped. Though if I parked the car and ran the stereo for a few minutes or even a fan, it would kill the battery.

(BTW I bought a $34 Walmart battery and its worked fine for 18 months or so. Been acting a little funny lately with the cooler weather, but it has always fired right up. I even am running with two amps and a 10" sub)
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Old 01-06-2006, 03:30 PM   #7
Sperm
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Bad battery.
Happened to me a few weeks ago.
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Old 01-06-2006, 03:32 PM   #8
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If it was the starter, it wouldn't even click like that.
And, my lights, radio, and everything else worked just fine, but the car would not start.
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Old 01-06-2006, 04:26 PM   #9
Master2192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSpych
If it was the starter, it wouldn't even click like that.
And, my lights, radio, and everything else worked just fine, but the car would not start.
What do you mean it wouldn't click like that? I admit it could be the battery, but I read warranty stories all day long and am knowledgable in failures of a starter.

A single click would usually point towards a weak battery, but he said it clicks several times, that would point me to a bad solenoid on the starter.

of course...he could also have a bad ground on the frame or something...
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Old 01-06-2006, 04:31 PM   #10
DreddRS25
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Battery, starter, alternator issues are tough to diagnose without measuring a charge or testing the equipment.

Best thing to do is the easiest. Check the battery charge and its fluid level. Then check the alternator at Autozone or Advance Auto. Then move on to the starter.

Bad starters may not always click, but they do like to screech and whine when trying to start the engine.
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Old 01-06-2006, 04:33 PM   #11
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simplest explanation is usually the right one.
As long as he had no previous trouble and the car sat there for two weeks then that should be the battery. Fully charge the battery (a couple of hours if you have the charger) or jump start it. Then let us know. Good luck.
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Old 01-07-2006, 11:45 AM   #12
Charlie-III
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kamil212
simplest explanation is usually the right one.
As long as he had no previous trouble and the car sat there for two weeks then that should be the battery. Fully charge the battery (a couple of hours if you have the charger) or jump start it. Then let us know. Good luck.
I agree....if that does not work, put a meter on your battery while cranking. If it drops to ~10vdc or less you have an issue.
Try disconnectiong your battery and using a different one (either installed or off a set of jumper cables.)
The reason for this is that your battery may be so bad, it is preventing power from getting to your starter. So remove your battery.
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