mayesdl

starting clicking problem solved. I can hardly believe this but it was the battery. The battery was only holding about 200 amps. So, when I applied directly from the battery post to the solenoid it would start. When I ran through the key switch and other switches and relays the amps would drop to around 145 to 150, not enough to kick the starter in. The battery tested bad! The guy at Sears said the battery dropped to 7 volts. Put a new battery in and it starts right up everytime. I have never had a battery do this belore. This was a new one on me. I guess we learn something new everyday. Many thanks to all you that made suggestions and helped. I would not have found it without you. This is a great website!!

I did a test yesterday with a volt meter. I checked to see if the starter had any voltage on the solenoid with it unplugged and turning the key to start. It did not. That rules out a starter problem. Next I ran a wire between the starter soleniod and the plastic connector going to the starter solenoid so I could measure the amps easier. The most I get when trying to start with the key is about 142 - 150 amps. When I unplug from the plastic connector and touch this wire to the positive battery post and start I get about 198 amps and it starts right up. I am going to have my battrery checked today. Then I can rule that out.

Fixed!! I replaced the modulator valve. I did find a vacuum line completely off and another one that was split. Fixed one and will have to wait until tomorrow for a new line from O'Reillys. Drove today and the transmission shifts like it is suppose to. Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I sure did learn alot. On the the clicking starting problem.

Went back out this morning while ccol to see the old subaru would start. Just click! I checked the voltage on the connector going to the solenoid and get 10+ volts. I next wired around this plastic connector to see if it could be in the connector. Just click! I decided to turn the engine a little to see if that made a difference. Just click! I just can't understand why it starts when I apply 12v from the battery directly to the soleniod and will not start when 12 v are applied by way of the connector? It would seem if a switch or something like the neutral safety switch would stop the voltage to the stater. It does not! The best I can tell the distributor clicks when I try to start in the normal way. Could there be something in the distributor that is keeping it from starting sometimes? Sometimes it will start right up the normal way(key not using wire from battery). May be the distributor stops in a certain place? I don't know! I am ready to sale!!

Just checked the vacuum line to the modulator. No ATF inside. I removed at the modulator valve close to the transmission. Not sure where to go next.

I replaced the governor and the shaft with the gear. The gear I took out and the one I put on were both good. No apple coreing. I could not see inside but I did try and feel and the inside gear seemed ok. Speedo and tach both work find. Have not checked the fluid in the modalator line or not changed the mod. valve. I will check that next.

The shifter moves find, it does not shift in drive or 3rd when in drive. Manually or in drive it will shift from 1st to 2nd but not 3rd. This is a 3AT. I did a separate post on this problem. It also just clicks when trying to start. Checked all wiring and cleaned, replaced the contacts in the starter, replaced the ignition switch. Checked the neutral safety switch and seems ok. Getting voltage accross when starting wires on the switch. I just run a wire from the battery to the starter solenoid and starts evertime. I know I can add a relay and a push button switch to start but I would like to find the problem and fix it right so I can start by turning the key. It has to be a senser or wire somewhere that is telling it not to start. thanks

I am having transmission shifting problems in my '93 loyale, 3AT, 191,xxx miles. All original. It does not shift into drive or 3rd. 1st and 2nd seem ok but no drive. I tried manual shifting but still will not shift in drive. Dropped the transmission pan and replaced the filter. no metal in pan and fluid was clean. I try to keep it changed on a regular basis. Filled it up with new fluid and went for a drive. Same problem, will not shift into drive. Checked the governor, cleaned and replaced. Same problem. Changed the governor. Same problem. I did notice the same time it stopped shifting it developed a miss. at idle it will miss. It never did that before. Thay both occured at the same time. Like one is affecting or causing the other. Not getting a code on the ECM. I believe it is something simple and when I find one it will fix the other. Like a senser or something. I just do not know where to begin looking or checking. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Just wanted to update on the subaru. The transmission is not shifting so I have it parked in the front yard under a tree. Trying to find parts to put it back on the road. Once I get it going I will pickup with the starting problem.

I checked the small wire going to the starter. It does not have 12 volts about 1 volt. That means it is back up foward the ignition switch. How do I check the neutral switch? Can I bypass this switch?

Thanks for your help. I have replaced the electrical side of the ignition switch. Checked all the cables for corrision and making sure they are tight. I have not replaced the cables. I have replaced the starter contacts. No difference in starting. Is there a safety switch between the key switch and the starter? It just seems like something is wearing out like a electrical switch.

I need help with my 1993 Loyale. Sometimes it will not start, just clicks like a weak battery. It seems to be getting worst. 1) I checked the wiring and cleaned the battery cables. Removed the cables to the starter and cleaned and checked. Made no difference. 2) I removed the starter and replaced both contacters and the center plunger. No difference. 3) I replaced the bottom side, the electrical part of the ignition, I thought for sure this would be the fix. Same problem. The starter seems not to be getting enough amps to start??? If I keep clicking usually in a couple of minutes it will start find. The battery is strong. I do not know where to look next. Anyboby have any ideas?????