Started having a problem with my 2010 Forester not starting a year ago.  Took it to 2 different Subaru service departments:  the first one thought it need the key reprogramed and they did so.  Drove it out of lot, stopped and of course it wouldn't start.  Took it to a second dealership and they couldn't find anything but decided to "flash" the computer - great - no trouble until this July and of course we are at our cabin in the north woods.  Moved steering wheel and gear shift and it would eventually start for awhile anyway - then that wouldn't work.  Got out of car and pushed it a foot or so - now it starts!  Can't do this all the time for pete's sake.  Took it back to dealership who flashed it last year and they said that wouldn't work -computer was fine.  They have no idea what's wrong - I wanted to yell and tell them to flash the darn thing anyway.  They want to rip the engine apart - does anyone have an idea.

 

Don't let them do anything to it unless it is free. Try a different computer. It should unbolt from under passenger side rug. Get a used one cheap if you can, ebay or something. If it does not work, resell it, take a small loss, but get a free diagnosis in your computer at least. Or keep it as a spare. 2010 is too new for it to be a starter, I'd think the dealer checked fuses, check if all things electrical are working too, could be a short. Check relays.... Talk to people here on the forum, some are very knowledgeable mechanics. I am not.

Hands off the computer - why would you want them fo flash it?  That would be really weird to keep reflashing a Subaru ECU or need a new one. 

 

Someone needs to simply properly diagnose the starting circuit:

 

Sensor - brake pedal or parking selector?

Ignition switch

Starter relay

Maybe someone more familiar with later model components can enlighten the starting circuitry. 

What do you mean when you say it won't start?

When you turn the key does the engine crank? Or do you just get a click? or no noise at all?

If the engine is turning over and still not starting ignore this, if not read on.  I've seen similar sounding problems on other car makes.  In those cases it had nothing to do with a computer, it was the starter/flywheel combination.  As Fairtax4me mentioned, what does the car actually do when it won't start?   A click when the key is turned is the starter solenoid pushing the starter gear out so it can hit the flywheel teeth.  The cases I've seen where either a few dead spots on the starter motor brushes or a few missing teeth from the flywheel (this would sound like a click followed by a small electric motor noise) .  Based on the fact that pushing the car forward got the car started I would suspect that this turned the flywheel just a touch and gave the starter something to spin.  Just a hunch, but then again, I would have suspected the dealer to have looked there.

If the key is damaged, it will turn over but not start.. They wired the ignition/ injection systems thru a logic controller part of the alarm for the chip key.. The starting circuit ( spin starter over ) is still hard wired... Weak/ damaged keys do this all the time.

What do you mean when you say it won't start?

When you turn the key does the engine crank? Or do you just get a click? or no noise at all?

No sound but dashboard lights operate - I don't mean this to be an insult to women who know cars - but I am one who does not know the basics.

If the engine is turning over and still not starting ignore this, if not read on.  I've seen similar sounding problems on other car makes.  In those cases it had nothing to do with a computer, it was the starter/flywheel combination.  As Fairtax4me mentioned, what does the car actually do when it won't start?   A click when the key is turned is the starter solenoid pushing the starter gear out so it can hit the flywheel teeth.  The cases I've seen where either a few dead spots on the starter motor brushes or a few missing teeth from the flywheel (this would sound like a click followed by a small electric motor noise) .  Based on the fact that pushing the car forward got the car started I would suspect that this turned the flywheel just a touch and gave the starter something to spin.  Just a hunch, but then again, I would have suspected the dealer to have looked there.

 

No sound but dashboard lights do operate.  Pushing a car in high heels can be troublesome.

Hands off the computer - why would you want them fo flash it?  That would be really weird to keep reflashing a Subaru ECU or need a new one. 

 

Someone needs to simply properly diagnose the starting circuit:

 

Sensor - brake pedal or parking selector?

Ignition switch

Starter relay

 

Maybe someone more familiar with later model components can enlighten the starting circuitry. 

 

The only reason I mentioned the "flashing" is because last year they flashed it and I had no problem starting it for nine months - I don't want to insult women who know car repairs -especially all the computer in and outs- but I don't know much - but am learning more as I go along with this mess.  Whatever happened to cars that had a motor, AC, working windows and a radio.

If you get no sound it might be a wiring problem.  Check it you are getting power to the alternator solenoid.

 

Good luck, and stay away from that dealer!

Sam

I can be hard to hear on newer cars, but next time it does this roll the window down or open the door and listen for a single Click sound from under the hood when you turn the key to start. If you dont hear it click, look at the indicator LED for the alarm system. 

If the alarm indicator is blinking quickly, that means the alarm has disabled the starter interlock relay, and will not allow the starter to be engaged. 

If this is the case, remove the key from the ignition, Lock the doors with the key fob, then unlock them and try starting it again. 

I can be hard to hear on newer cars, but next time it does this roll the window down or open the door and listen for a single Click sound from under the hood when you turn the key to start. If you dont hear it click, look at the indicator LED for the alarm system. 

If the alarm indicator is blinking quickly, that means the alarm has disabled the starter interlock relay, and will not allow the starter to be engaged. 

If this is the case, remove the key from the ignition, Lock the doors with the key fob, then unlock them and try starting it again. 

I wrote your comments down on paper.  Took it this morning to a local repair shop and lo and behold it would not start for them - yeah!  He stepped on the brake and put the gear shift in neutral and it did start - he ordered some type of switch - so we will see.  Sometimes I think that taking it to someone you know works out better than taking it to a dealership who often really does not have time if you have a stubborn problem.  We will see.