Until very recently, my GF was in love with her 2012 Impressa hatch back. But now the car is getting very hard to start on occassions. It's happening  more and more and it's taking longer and longer to start. Her car only has 16,000 miles on it. There is a thread on this problem on the NASIOC website, so she is not the only one. Does anyone have any additional information on this problem? We love the car, but I'm really concerned that soon, it will just refuse to start leaving us stranded. So far, there has bee no CEL light.

Edited April 29, 201312 yr by The Dude

Checked out the threads on this.  Sounds like the starter is being engaged before the fuels pump is fully charged. I can make the same thing happen with my 93 Loyale if I hop in an immediately crank the key to start. Instead, I turn the key to ON, not cranking, while the automatic seat belts strap me in (about 4 seconds). While this is happening I can hear the buzzing of the fuel pump charging. Then I crank.

 

I suspect in the new Impreza the fuel pump doesn't make any noise when charging the pressure. So try this:

 

 

Turn the key to "ON" (not just "ACC").

 

Wait 5-7 seconds. Buckle your seatbelt or just watch the lights and gauges waving and greeting you for a couple seconds.(or listen for the fuel pump to cycle)

Do not under any circumstance touch the accelerator on a first attempt.

THEN crank the car.

what he said - try priming the pump like that every single time for a week and see if anything changes.

 

if that gives noticeable change to the symptoms then that narrows down a lot of things.

 

unlikely and odd for a 2012 but having the battery tested for any given starting delay/issues is generally good protocol.

It's ridiculous that the pump can not build pressure immediately when starting. I've heard of this issue in several newer Subarus and it just sounds like the new fuel pumps are weak.

A fuel pressure test when cranking should confirm if the pump is not priming properly. If pressure does not build to 35-40 psi as soon as the key is turned to start the fuel pump needs to be replaced.

You should still be under warranty. Be sure to take it to a dealer for a diagnostic. Even if they don't find the problem right away its better to have it documented with the dealer that there is an issue.

IIRC, there is a TSB about a reflash on the ECU for the '12 Imprezas (and even the BRZ/FRS).. it deals with some of the throttle mapping and an idle problem... Call up the dealer!

Thanks for all your suggestions. My GF took her Impreza to the local dealership under warranty. The result? Anyone? Anyone? NOTHING!!!!! She was told that there was a technical service bulletin on this problem, but her PARTICULAR VIN number was not on it. Sounds like Subaru may be trying to limit warranty repair costs on this issue. The VIN range only expands when enough customers express outrage with their non-starting cars. I've been in her car when it refuses to start, this is not a joke. This car could leave her stranded in a dangerous place at night. SUBARU NEEDS TO STEP UP AND DO THE  RIGHT THING. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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