99 2.5L Outback just clicks on both the relay and cylinoid when I turn the key. no sign of drain from jumper battery. no previous signs of bad battery. did happen before and started up strong for a couple of weeks.

what are symptoms of bad relay? bad cylinoid? where would bad connection to starter be? where is the relay?

 

Thanks,

Pam

 

PS I'm looking for a shop repair manual for this car too.

If you believe it is the relay you could have someone turn the key and listen for the clicking of the relay. If there is more than one relay just stick your finger on each one of them and repeat the process untill you find wich one is clicking. You could replace it and then go from there. Intermitent starting is the sign of a bad selenoid or bushings in the starter. Take it to your local auto parts store to have it tested. They will be able to give you a solid yes or no as to weither it is bad or not.

 

Hope this helps.

You most likely have bad solenoid contacts causing this to happen. The solenoid is mounted on the starter motor. It is the smaller round cylinder on the motor. The contacts can be replaced for a small amount of money.

 

The symtoms are just the thing you are experiencing, a clicking but no action from the starter. The worn internal contacts won't pass the battery voltage to the motor windings because of the high resistance so the motor doesn't turn.

Thank you. The tow truck guy didn't have a flat bed so he jumped in the car did a few quick cranks on the key and the starter motor gave in and started up. He suggested the motor going bad or the contacts.

I'll check the contacts on the solenoid.