tomeban

I just bought a 96 Legacy Outback(146K mi)and had issues starting and with the security system. I finally reset the security system, bought a new battery, cleaned the cable contacts and the solenoid contacts. The starter seems to work perfectly on the bench, jumping to the battery. The starting problem continued to get worse. The number of times I had to turn the key and just get a click increased until I thought I would have to get towed. I bought a rebuild starter for $100 and the problem is gone.

After trying a multitude of techniques, I found a combination of them that worked. I believe I have a factory security system with the siren upgrade. To disable the alarm, I have to hold the reset button in and cycle the ignition switch on and off four or five times. The light then stays on when the key is removed.

I tried the reset ecu technique. Now, 30 sec after removing the key, get a small chirp, and the light blinks every second. When the door is openned, get two chirps and the alarm goes off. Turning the key and hitting the reset button stops the alarm and starts the car. I may have to buy a remote to try that. Hope the security system works with a remote.

I just bought a 96 Outback. It didn't come with a remote control for the security system. I disconnected the battery. When I reconnected it the security system activated the horn/siren. Turning the key did nothing. Slowly locking and unlocking the door with the key did nothing. Random pushing of the little black button under the dash near the driver's door and turning the key in the ignition finally stopped it. This continued every time I got in the car for two days. Now, the starter won't crank unless I push the button while turning the key. Sometimes this doesn't work. I've seen other posts with this problem but no solution that doesn't require a remote control. The security light blinks once every few seconds when the car is not running.