So I got a few more questions about this ea81 sedan if got, and I appreciate the previous input on the dash btw. But I've got  an issue with the ignition. When I turn the key, sometimes absolutely nothing happens, the key physically turns easily enough, but you get nothing. Give it a couple more shots and it would just start suddenly as if nothing was ever wrong. Someone suggested the ignition may just be weak because its old. This may be true, as when I bought the car, the key wouldn't even turn in the switch. I got a locksmith to cut a new key and clean out the lock and it turns nice and smooth, but obviously an old and worn ignition.  

 

But I also see that the clock resets every time I'm not sure why that would be happening. Perhaps it does make sense, and someone could explain to me why this happens and how I could fix it?  I obviously don't know that much about the electrics of the car...and although its never not started, i'd still like to fix it before it gets worse.

 

thanks!

 

IF it is like the newer EA82 powered cars, there is a connector or 2 that is getting higher resistance. There are several in the wire rout from the fuse box to the starter. I gave up trying to find them. I did the relay mod. There are a few threads on adding a start relay. The clocks are also notorious for clearing and also just not lighting. I added a capacitor and a diode to the always powered wire to the clock. No resets since.

The ignition switch has an electrical side that has contacts in it. Probably what has happened is the electrical contact side is worn out. I had a similar problem with my 87 Brat a couple or three years ago. Turn key and nothing. Maybe do it 5-6 times and then starts up like nothing was wrong. Until it wouldn't start at all. If your sedan has tilt wheel and is the same as my Brat you need this part here:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Forecast-Products-IS67-Ignition-Switch-/301743374409?fits=Make%3ASubaru%7CModel%3ABrat&hash=item46414e8049&vxp=mtr

 

It has to have the pink connector. You can search down the side of your steering column to the pink connector under the dash to confirm. Also some times the pink connector itself has over heated and failed. That would be my best guess. While your at it not a bad idea to check/clean or install new batter cables. Clean up your grounds under the hood and check ignition to starter connection to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the input. I've been doing some more research on the relay option, it seems that has been done quite a few times and been covered on the board. Still trying to decide which makes more sense for me (relay option or replace ignition switch).  

relay did the trick fyi in case other people are weighing the option it works