2009 Subaru Forrester -strange issue - can't drive the car the last few months because 90% of the time we go out and it wont start. We have driven it loads of miles the last 4 years . Its been a costly to maintain vehicle. Not a fan,
Turn the key, three strong cranks and it stops trying. You turn the key back to off, turn the key on again and three cranks and stops turning over. Then ten minutes or 5 days later (doesn't matter) doing nothing different, it starts the first time. No problems when driving. no stalling no, weak charging lights always bright at start. Yes car is in neutral. I don't think its a connection to starter because of the 3 cranks... it seems like a computer or something is telling it to crank 3 times. I think that is the key in resolving this issue- what causes 3 cranks and to stop
I have concern that an after market remote starter may have something to do with it??? Valet mode or a security mode... because its always 3 exact cranks and stops. We didn't install the system, and do not have a FOB to use it. The system came installed by the previous owner and is an Omega excaliber RS 320 EDP
1- new battery with clean connections ( dads an electrician and former mechanic)
2 strong cranks.. they do not die out even if yo do this 30 times- light bright radio on all works fine
3 striking starter or solenoid with hammer or tapping yields no results.
4 starter doesn't click while turning key or continue to start if car starts - don't feel its the starter or solenoid
5 all fuses have been checked...and starter fuses . Also checked starter relay- (not solenoid but the relay)
6 car is in neutral
please HELP ...college kid can't afford to pay a mechanic for hours of "looking"
