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subbybot

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  1. So I have had a recurring problem with my 1990 loyale not wanting to start. It was intermittent but got worse as time went on.

     

    Symptom:  When car was hot or from a cold start, when I turned the key I would hear a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. I would turn the key over and over again until it would finally turn over (sometimes it would take 50 times!). Car would run fine after starting. 

     

    Attempts to Fix:   :horse:

    • Replaced coolant temperature sensor: A lot of posts on these causing hot starting issues. Did not fix the problem. 
       
    •  Replaced starter: nope.
       
    • Cleaned all battery connections and connections to starter: didn't fix problem
       
    • Changed out battery and replaced with new one: still had same issues
       

    Actual Fix: After reading up on the USMB forums and on other toyota forums I discovered that the early Subarus do not  have starter relays. As the wiring gets older and more worn out, the power going to the starter diminishes.  The fix is to put a relay in between the starter and the ignition. Some people recommend buying a cheap headlight relay and wiring it in yourself. You can look up starter relay or ignition relay yourself to find instructions. Not being a mechanic myself, I chose this kit: 

    Bosch WR1 Starter Relay Kit  http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-WR1-Starter-Relay/dp/B001COAX78 

    The kit comes with a relay, all the wires, and easy to follow instructions including a wiring diagram. It took me 20 minutes to wire up and made the whole process a breeze. 

     

    Mystery Solved!  Starts up without hesitation. For $25.00 this was a cheap and painless fix (once I figured out the actual problem) Hope this helps some of my fellow vintage sub owners. Peace!   :lol:

    • Like 3
  2. Wow, play the lottery that day? haha

     

    I'm interested to see how this goes as my girlfriend's Loyale has done the same thing since we got it 5 years ago. I've jumped through a few hoops trying to figure it out but still haven't. It doesn't do it *too* often but it's annoying when it happens.

     

    Usually I'll just keep trying to start the car over and over again and eventually on the 50th or 100th try it'll turn over, but by then I've gotten so in to the routine of turning the key off and on quickly I'll turn it off while it's cranking and then the next key turn it's back to *CLICK* lol

     

    I'm not so sure it's the same issue though as I'm certain the click I get when it won't start is under the hood and there is no even slight attempt at engaging the starter motor. Just a click.

     

    Also! Are you ever around Hoboken? If you're in Jersey often we should meet up and take pictures of our old cars society shuns.

     

    Cheers!

     

    I have had the same problem with my 1990 Loyale. Clicking sound comes from the hood area. Replaced the starter and battery is good. Every other time I try to start the car just clicking and no attempt to turn over. It always eventually starts and runs great. I will let you know if I find a solution. 

  3. Hello Soob People!

     

    My name is Stuart and I'm the proud owner of a 1990 Subaru Loyale. My soob and I are from Portland Oregon, currently residing in the great city of Portland, Maine. Though I am currently having some problems with starting, my Loyale has been an awesome and dependable car. This summer I have done some body work on rusty wheel wells. I'm more of an artist than a mechanic, so I am always on the USMB forums trolling for solutions to my problems. Loving the community here and glad to be officially signed up now.

     

    See you around the forums,

     

    Stuart aka subbybot

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