i just bought a 1988 subaru gl. it seemed to start just fine. right after we picked it up, we went for a drivew to check it out some more. we stopped and went into a store. when we came out, we turned the key and all the lights came onbut nothing happened when the key was turned. if i jump he starter wires it fires right up. the fuse for the hazard/horn/clock circuit was missing and i was able to install it once. i was able to start the car right after i put the fuse in. then ~pop~ and since then, it pops as soon as contact is made. does anyone know if this circuit as something in it that may be causing this to happen, or any other ideas?

Check the fusible links for a loose connection. They are in the plastic box mounted on the coolant resevoir. Make sure the contacts are snug and clean.

 

I assume the fuse you are talking about is fuse #5 and it has to be installed in order for the ignition to work along with other less important things. If the engine is able to run without that fuse installed then the wiring has been modified.

Edited March 9, 201016 yr by Cougar

I have run into a couple similar situations. On a 1980 Brat , the inside of the battery cable clamp developed a glaze. On a DL i had ( AND ALL SUZUKIS ) , you get a problem where the key switch doesn't send enough power to the starter solenoid and you have to add an additional relay between the 2.

Check for bad stereo wiring - more than one person has found their problem with the #5 fuse to be a poorly wired aftermarket stereo.

 

The crank circuit issue will be solved either by addressing each component of the crank circuit (battery, cables, starter/solenoid contacts, ignition switch, connections, etc) or it will just get worse no matter what you do and you'll have to install a relay to power the solenoid.

 

GD

i will check the radio thing out and get back to u, as i am unsure if there was an aftermarket stereo installed somewhere or not. this car has the two knob stereo next to the ashtray. also it is an 87 not an 88 as previously posted

Two knob next to the ashtray - sounds like an EA81 to me. I'm guessing it's an EA81 Hatchback since you don't mention it being a Brat. If that's the case remember than you need to order parts for an '84 unless you go to the dealer. The EA81 hatch was a hold-over from the 80-84 body style. It's not a "true" '87 though they made them till '89.

 

Check the connector between the ignition switch and the body harness - it's under the dash below the column. It's pink. Unplug it and look for burnt wireing and melted plastic. Pretty common on the EA81's.

 

GD

sweet, now we are getting somewhere.. TY MAN!!! yes, a hatchback it is. also i believe the issue with the non starting has to do with the aftermarket ignition that was installed by the previous owner. i also managed to find the short. there is a two wire plug(a blue and a yellow wire) that comes from the stock ign. that was plugged in to some plug from under the dash. i unplugged this wire and ~WHALA~ now it seems there is something going on with the charging system. there is one fuse that is next to the battery that is slightly melted. i am curious as to what this fuse may do? TY AGAIN for the model year info