palfer Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 180K miles, original alternator, battery is little over 2 years old (6 year battery). Accessories come on and dash light but nothing when you turn the key, even while attempting to jump start. Had this happen about 6 weeks ago (DOA when I went to start) and it started fine with the help of a jump. Just figured I left something on or a door open. Didn't think much of it. Car ran fine up until today. Not sure where to begin, any help is appreciated. thanks- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebugs Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Start with ALL connections to starter. To the battery, to the ignition, the ground, etc. If starter is original it may be due. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Auto or Manual Trans If its a manual make sure the clutch is pressed all the way down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palfer Posted January 1, 2013 Author Share Posted January 1, 2013 Auto-Transmission. Just went out in the garage and wiggled the negative terminal on the battery and it was tight. For giggles tried to start it again and bingo--she started right up. Guess my battery and alternator are good. Can't figure out what I did since the Neg connection on the battery is good, no acid build up at all. Positive terminal is good and tight as well, little build-up on that connection. Think I should replace both of the cables just to be safe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 I wouldn't replace the main cables unless you first prove they have a problem. You need to check to see if voltage is getting to the starter solenoid wire while this trouble is occurring. There could be a problem with the inhibit switch and is a common issue with this kind of trouble. Sometimes moving the shifter around in the slot will clear the trouble for a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 (edited) Cougar is an electrical guru I would definitely key in on his advice. cables almost never fail on Subaru's, i wouldn't throw parts at it just yet. get a battery post and cable end/terminal cleaner and clean them both and reinstall. gotta start digging into electrical stuff if that's not it. testing for voltage at the starter jumping it via the battery jumping via the starter - give 12 volts right to the starter etc... Edited January 1, 2013 by grossgary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Sometimes moving the shifter around in the slot will clear the trouble for a bit.yes! very common. if it's an auto, move the shifter forward/back a few times and they crank right up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palfer Posted January 1, 2013 Author Share Posted January 1, 2013 Thanks for the tips. I'll begin by cleaning off all the contacts/terminals. Where is the neutral safety switch that you're referring to located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 The switch might be on top of the transmission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 If it does it again, you can do the manual release of the shifter and put it in Neutral and see if that fixes the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palfer Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 Happened again. Moved the shifter up and down a few times and she started right up. What part is the culprit? thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 It appears then the inhibitor switch has dirty contacts. Look for a gray plug with 12 poles, just behind the flywheel on top of the transmission, in the engine compartment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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