lizs5150

Did this fix the problem?

I've been around the block a few times and placed many miles on all my cars. The best ride with the best price along with the best warranty are Yokahama's. You can find them at tire rack.com. Just put a full set of all season (80k treadware) for about 225. Love them so much ended up buying another set for my minivan. Won't ride on anything else....

Once again I find myself in need of a little advice. I own a 96 Subaru Outback with 130 miles. Until recently, she have given my very little problems. However, I have noticed that she is "sputtering" when she is in park. Furthermore, I have noticed that if I step on the gas just slighly, I get a hesitation before I go. I have tried all the very basic stuff (changed gas stations, changed brands, put fuel cleaner in, changed the air filter etc) but nothing seems to correct the problem. The next step that I am thinking of is changing the plugs (they have been in there for about 50k)......I will say that I seem to be getting a lot of carbon coming out of the tailpipe.......Be interested in feedback....thanks!

Thanks Nipper....I am going to pose the same thoughts as I did for Carl above..... I am not a car guy per say (thought I know enough to be dangerous)....but what I don't understand about the starter replacement would be if it is bad, why would the car not start with the key, but if I "cross connect/ jump" the terminals from the battery to the starter head, it cranks over and starts. ....that one has me puzzled...but then again, I am not a car guy...Thanks for all your input on this!

Thanks Carl....I am not a car guy per say (thought I know enough to be dangerous)....but what I don't understand about the starter replacement as on option.....why would the car not start with the key, but as soon as I "cross connect/ jump" the terminals from the battery to the starter head, it cranks over and starts? ....that one has me puzzled...but then again, I am not a car guy...thoughts? by the way, thanks for all your help on this.....!

Well I'm back for another round of advice....the weather here is heating up and so is my impatience....let me reiterate, I love my 96 outback, but the problem with the inconsistent starting has got to stop.....I have not had any problems with the car (until recent where I spent about 2500 in some significant repairs and maintenance), but I am still having problems starting the car after it is warm...I have taken it to the dealer for a review, and of course they can't find the issue because it doesn't happen there....but the basic problem is this....I'll drive the car for about 30 minutes (to/from work).......shut it down and then take it to the grocery store to pick up something for the family....When I go to start the car for that second time (after it has run for 30 minutes) I get nothing.....no cranking, no grrrrr, no clicking, simply silence (with the exception of the radio). I’ve replaced the starter, replaced the alternator, replaced the battery.....these did not remedy the problem......when the problem now happens, I am able to start the car ONLY by turning the key to the “on” position and using a screwdriver/knife jump where the battery terminal hits the firewall AND the starter.....I hit it and it starts right up.....Looking for any thoughts on this as my wife also use the car and I am concern that she would be stranded somewhere....thanks to all who help!!! lizs5150

Thanks once again nipper, I have the haynes repair manual....but I don't see the inhibitor switch....any thoughts? and is this a do it yourself job?

Anyone know where this inhibit switch is located or how can I get at it to replace it.....or for that matter.....the approximate cost?

Thanks Nipper....I can only think that this is the problem....I have in the past, "rocked" the car while in park, and sometimes I was able to get it started.....I'm not sure it was luck or just something eles...but the last time I rocked and rocked and nothing....had it not been for the AAA guy and cross jumping the starter and the battery line...i might still be at the store....keep the feedback coming...thanks!

I have, and the problem still exist...simply nothing but silence....(the same as if I started in Park) thanks for the feedback...keep it coming!

come to think of it......yes!, the problem only happens when the car has been driven for sometime....i never have the problem in the AM when i first start it......

Thought we had this corrected with a new key, but the problem still exists. In fact, I ran into it last night where I actually had to call AAA because the car was DOA (DOA in the sense that it didn't start, but we had working lights, and radio). Like I said earlier, I replaced the Alternator, Battery and even the start, and I now know that actual problem lies outside my ignition switch. See when I brokedown yesterday, they AAA guy used a knife to simply jump my car by crossing the battery terminal and the starter. BooYahh....it started right up (of couse the key was on, but like i said before, I could not get any turning over of the engine......sorta like trying to start a car in drive...the lights are there, but the car cannot start). So, we are back to square one....looking for any advice as to the problem....my guess at this point is that the car really isn't in park, or simply isn't registering as being in park...any thoughts on what I can replace?

wow! Thanks for the tip....! Would have never thought about that one!!!

I find myself in need of some asssitance with my 96 Subaru Outback (2.5 with 123k). THe problem is so intermittent that I never know when it will happen. Allow me to elaborate. About a year ago, the car would not start when I was at a baseball game. The systoms were just like trying to start the car in Drive. I had strong headlights and radio, but it just would not start.....no turning over...no nothing but silence. I replaced the battery, the starter and the alternator, but the problem still exists. This happens so infequent (1 in every 50-60 starts) and it is never back to back, that I am baffled on the cause. Could it be a bad starter? Is the car really in park? I give up and would appreciate any feedback from the group. Thanks! Lizs5150

Thanks to all who replied....you guy rock!!!! Love this site! Keep up the great work!