soccer13wv

Had a similar issue recently with my Forester. This is just a possibility, but it's simple to rule out. There is a little flange on the back of the starter that a connection slides over to allow the engine to start. On your car because it's a manual it's connected to the clutch pedal. If that is not connected then the ECU assumes that clutch pedal is not depressed and will not allow the car to start. On an automatic it's connected to the neutral safety switch on the transmission. It will immobilize the vehicle if not connected. Best of luck.

Thanks for the input. I appreciate the clarification as to which was "in" & "out". I failed to mention what my car was in the original post. I have a 97 legacy L with a 2.2 and 5 speed. The noise is being made when the clutch is not depressed, does any of this information change any input? My car has 165k miles on it.

About 2 weeks ago I started noticing a sound when I started the car up. It seems to have gotten a little worse but not much. It makes the noise when I am driving but it is harder to hear over the engine and tire noise. While idling the car only makes the noise if the clutch is out. As soon as I engage the clutch the noise stops. It is a continual but cyclical noise. I am looking for some help in diagnosing the problem and how soon it is going to need to be fixed. Thanks, Rick