False Start? 96 Outback

[lizs5150]

I find myself in need of some asssitance with my 96 Subaru Outback (2.5 with 123k). THe problem is so intermittent that I never know when it will happen. Allow me to elaborate. About a year ago, the car would not start when I was at a baseball game. The systoms were just like trying to start the car in Drive. I had strong headlights and radio, but it just would not start.....no turning over...no nothing but silence. I replaced the battery, the starter and the alternator, but the problem still exists. This happens so infequent (1 in every 50-60 starts) and it is never back to back, that I am baffled on the cause. Could it be a bad starter? Is the car really in park? I give up and would appreciate any feedback from the group. Thanks! Lizs5150

[njdrsubaru]

nahhh its your ignition key cylinder, that happned to me with 3 different subarus, try to use a different key, your key may be worn

[lizs5150]

wow! Thanks for the tip....! Would have never thought about that one!!!

[lizs5150]

Thought we had this corrected with a new key, but the problem still exists. In fact, I ran into it last night where I actually had to call AAA because the car was DOA (DOA in the sense that it didn't start, but we had working lights, and radio). Like I said earlier, I replaced the Alternator, Battery and even the start, and I now know that actual problem lies outside my ignition switch. See when I brokedown yesterday, they AAA guy used a knife to simply jump my car by crossing the battery terminal and the starter. BooYahh....it started right up (of couse the key was on, but like i said before, I could not get any turning over of the engine......sorta like trying to start a car in drive...the lights are there, but the car cannot start). So, we are back to square one....looking for any advice as to the problem....my guess at this point is that the car really isn't in park, or simply isn't registering as being in park...any thoughts on what I can replace?

[1 Lucky Texan]

Hmmm.... maybe some corrosion inside the battery cables? Or you got a bad, new , starter?

 

I dunno

 

Carl

[SaltCar]

Could still be your ignition switch. Several different circuits are completed when you turn your key, you need a wiring diagram to understand.

[nipper]

gee i would have said the neutral saftey switch first, ignition switch second.

 

 

nipper

[nipper]

Thought we had this corrected with a new key, but the problem still exists. In fact, I ran into it last night where I actually had to call AAA because the car was DOA (DOA in the sense that it didn't start, but we had working lights, and radio). Like I said earlier, I replaced the Alternator, Battery and even the start, and I now know that actual problem lies outside my ignition switch. See when I brokedown yesterday, they AAA guy used a knife to simply jump my car by crossing the battery terminal and the starter. BooYahh....it started right up (of couse the key was on, but like i said before, I could not get any turning over of the engine......sorta like trying to start a car in drive...the lights are there, but the car cannot start). So, we are back to square one....looking for any advice as to the problem....my guess at this point is that the car really isn't in park, or simply isn't registering as being in park...any thoughts on what I can replace?

 

You had a new key made? Thats the same as having a front door jammed in the frame and replacing the lock. If you can turn the key, they cylinder is fine. The ignition cylinder turns the actual ignition switch. the switch has several contacts in it. There is a lot of current that goes through that switch, and the grease in the switch can dry out. When this happens you will have a no start, but the accessories will all work.

 

nipper

[svxpert]

does this happen when the car has been driven for a distance and is still hot/warm?

[mwatt]

Thought we had this corrected with a new key, but the problem still exists. In fact, I ran into it last night where I actually had to call AAA because the car was DOA (DOA in the sense that it didn't start, but we had working lights, and radio). Like I said earlier, I replaced the Alternator, Battery and even the start, and I now know that actual problem lies outside my ignition switch. See when I brokedown yesterday, they AAA guy used a knife to simply jump my car by crossing the battery terminal and the starter. BooYahh....it started right up (of couse the key was on, but like i said before, I could not get any turning over of the engine......sorta like trying to start a car in drive...the lights are there, but the car cannot start). So, we are back to square one....looking for any advice as to the problem....my guess at this point is that the car really isn't in park, or simply isn't registering as being in park...any thoughts on what I can replace?

 

When the problem occurs, have you tried starting the engine with the shifter in "N" ?

[nipper]

Thought we had this corrected with a new key, but the problem still exists. In fact, I ran into it last night where I actually had to call AAA because the car was DOA (DOA in the sense that it didn't start, but we had working lights, and radio). Like I said earlier, I replaced the Alternator, Battery and even the start, and I now know that actual problem lies outside my ignition switch. See when I brokedown yesterday, they AAA guy used a knife to simply jump my car by crossing the battery terminal and the starter. BooYahh....it started right up (of couse the key was on, but like i said before, I could not get any turning over of the engine......sorta like trying to start a car in drive...the lights are there, but the car cannot start). So, we are back to square one....looking for any advice as to the problem....my guess at this point is that the car really isn't in park, or simply isn't registering as being in park...any thoughts on what I can replace?

 

Neutral saftey switch, i think subaru calls it an inhibitor.

 

nipper

[nipper]

Thought we had this corrected with a new key, but the problem still exists. In fact, I ran into it last night where I actually had to call AAA because the car was DOA (DOA in the sense that it didn't start, but we had working lights, and radio). Like I said earlier, I replaced the Alternator, Battery and even the start, and I now know that actual problem lies outside my ignition switch. See when I brokedown yesterday, they AAA guy used a knife to simply jump my car by crossing the battery terminal and the starter. BooYahh....it started right up (of couse the key was on, but like i said before, I could not get any turning over of the engine......sorta like trying to start a car in drive...the lights are there, but the car cannot start). So, we are back to square one....looking for any advice as to the problem....my guess at this point is that the car really isn't in park, or simply isn't registering as being in park...any thoughts on what I can replace?

 

Neutral saftey switch, i think subaru calls it an inhibitor.

 

nipper

[lizs5150]

does this happen when the car has been driven for a distance and is still hot/warm?

 

come to think of it......yes!, the problem only happens when the car has been driven for sometime....i never have the problem in the AM when i first start it......

[lizs5150]

When the problem occurs, have you tried starting the engine with the shifter in "N" ?

 

I have, and the problem still exist...simply nothing but silence....(the same as if I started in Park)

 

thanks for the feedback...keep it coming!

[lizs5150]

Neutral saftey switch, i think subaru calls it an inhibitor.

 

nipper

 

Thanks Nipper....I can only think that this is the problem....I have in the past, "rocked" the car while in park, and sometimes I was able to get it started.....I'm not sure it was luck or just something eles...but the last time I rocked and rocked and nothing....had it not been for the AAA guy and cross jumping the starter and the battery line...i might still be at the store....keep the feedback coming...thanks!

[Cougar]

I agree with Nipper about checking the inhibit switch as Subaru calls it. The problem could also be in the wiring from the ignition switch but I would check the safety switch first and is a fairly common problem. The switch is in the console area fairly near the shifter I believe. Heavy tapping around the tunnel area may help get the switch to connect.

[Sweden]

Cam angle (position) sensor???

That was the issue with mine; I would drive the car about 10-15 minutes and then turn it off. No start. It didn't give me any codes either.

 

Just a thought...

 

Sweden

[JPX]

Cam angle (position) sensor???

That was the issue with mine; I would drive the car about 10-15 minutes and then turn it off. No start. It didn't give me any codes either.

 

Just a thought...

 

Sweden

 

This is a very good thought. When I moved the sensors from my old longblock to the rebuilt one, I found that the sensors had an incredible amount of junk attached to them. It looked a lot like how a magnetic drain plug looks with the metal shavings on it.

 

Just wipe down and reinstall (10mm retaining nut) before resorting to a replacement sensor.

[lizs5150]

I agree with Nipper about checking the inhibit switch as Subaru calls it. The problem could also be in the wiring from the ignition switch but I would check the safety switch first and is a fairly common problem. The switch is in the console area fairly near the shifter I believe. Heavy tapping around the tunnel area may help get the switch to connect.

 

 

Anyone know where this inhibit switch is located or how can I get at it to replace it.....or for that matter.....the approximate cost?

[Cougar]

The switch should be in the console area near the shifter. It may also be under the floor area there.

[nipper]

Haynes says (as i thought) its under the car on the transmission

 

nipper

[lizs5150]

Thanks once again nipper, I have the haynes repair manual....but I don't see the inhibitor switch....any thoughts? and is this a do it yourself job?

[johnceggleston]

for what it's worth my 90 nissan pickup uses the same ignition switch as subaru (95-97 anyway). i had intermitten trouble with my pickup until it became constant.

 

i think it was the lock out / saftey switch on the clutch pedal, but never confirmed it. i ran a new wire from the ignition wiring in the steering column to the starter and i've had no problem since, (3 years). and yes i have turned the key with the truck in gear and the clutch out and it does jump. but i only do it every now and then, and i always use the hand break. always.

 

good luck,

john

[nipper]

Thanks once again nipper, I have the haynes repair manual....but I don't see the inhibitor switch....any thoughts? and is this a do it yourself job?

 

Section 7B-5 bottom shows the switch

 

nipper

[lizs5150]

come to think of it......yes!, the problem only happens when the car has been driven for sometime....i never have the problem in the AM when i first start it......

 

Well I'm back for another round of advice....the weather here is heating up and so is my impatience....let me reiterate, I love my 96 outback, but the problem with the inconsistent starting has got to stop.....I have not had any problems with the car (until recent where I spent about 2500 in some significant repairs and maintenance), but I am still having problems starting the car after it is warm...I have taken it to the dealer for a review, and of course they can't find the issue because it doesn't happen there....but the basic problem is this....I'll drive the car for about 30 minutes (to/from work).......shut it down and then take it to the grocery store to pick up something for the family....When I go to start the car for that second time (after it has run for 30 minutes) I get nothing.....no cranking, no grrrrr, no clicking, simply silence (with the exception of the radio). I’ve replaced the starter, replaced the alternator, replaced the battery.....these did not remedy the problem......when the problem now happens, I am able to start the car ONLY by turning the key to the “on” position and using a screwdriver/knife jump where the battery terminal hits the firewall AND the starter.....I hit it and it starts right up.....Looking for any thoughts on this as my wife also use the car and I am concern that she would be stranded somewhere....thanks to all who help!!! lizs5150