Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Ultimate Subaru Message Board

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Question On '88 Justy Starter

Featured Replies

I have a 1988 Justy. The starter just went out. Will another Subaru model fit? Also, any recommendations on where to get a starter for a reasonable price? I live very rural and there are no junk yards around.

I have a 1988 Justy. The starter just went out. Will another Subaru model fit? Also, any recommendations on where to get a starter for a reasonable price? I live very rural and there are no junk yards around.

 

Why do you think the starter is out? Are you getting a "click" when you turn the key? It could be that you have the classic ignition switch fault. The switch won't send enough power through(can't conduct the amps) to the starter solenoid.

 

Try using a remote start switch connected to the solenoid. Or just simply jumper a wire to the solenoid. either way, if the starter then spins, you have a switch issue.

 

This type of failure happens 10 to 1 over actual starter failure with Subarus. I've personally never had to replace an OEM starter. But I've seen more than a dozen ignition switch failures in Subies (and Hondas and Toyotas, which share switch suppliers)

 

My solution is apushbutton starter switch, wired to fused constant 12v. Others use a relay, sometimes in conjunction with a pushbutton.

 

I'd at least investigate the possibility before buying a new starter. You could end up with the same problem with the new starter.

  • Author

Thanks for the tip Gloyale. There is no click, nothing. It was starting but every 3rd or 4th try, it would do nothing. No click, nothing. I would do the old smack the starter trick and then it would start. Now that doesn't work and it does nothing when the key is turned.

 

When this all started, sometimes the starter would turn slowly, like the battery was drained. The battery is fine as it's almost new and checks out fine. Other times it would start fine until now where I get no click or anything.

 

Just in case, I tried jumping it but no dice.

sounds like the starter solenoid contacts

want replaced.

 

We don't see may Justys but if it has the same set up as

our cars, it's a pretty common problem.

 

You can change them if you are so inclined.

  • Author

Thanks much Skip. I'll look into that.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

Sign In Now

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.