My car won't start sometimes. The starter clicks but nothing happens. Eventually car will start. Battery fine.

Question

Hi, my 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback automatic with 2.2l engine is having problems starting. I turn the key, hear a click, and nothing. Sometimes it takes a few clicks, sometime a bunch, but the car will start eventually. I had the battery tested and it is fine. Same was said about my alternator. I am guessing it is not a drain because I can leave it for 2-3 days and it will still start under the same circumstances. I bought a new battery and everything worked fine for about a week until the same problem happened again. I can drive around, turn the car off, and start it up again easily. It is mostly when it has been sitting for a few hours. I had the battery connections replaced and installed. The car doesn't have dim lights and stereo works. I was having a problem a while ago where I couldn't have the stereo and headlights on at the same time. It only lasted a few days. Any ideas?

Answer 1

First of all you should check all connections leading to the starter. Sometimes the nuts on the starter can vibrate loose enough to cause an intermittent break in flow of power from the battery to the starter. If all connections to the starter are good, then I would say it's your solenoid most likely.
However sometimes the bendix drive in the starter can weaken and not fully engage the flywheel, thereby needing replacement also.
1) check all connections from the starter switch to the starter.
2) get new solenoid, some vehicles have a solenoid separate from the starter.
3) get new starter
If the first two don't solve your problem you can have the starter load tested at most any parts store and they can tell you if your bendix drive is the problem before you buy a new one.
Hope this solves your situation

Answer 2

could be starter, bad ground, lose connection anywhere in the circuit, internal problem with wires that cant be seen through the insulation. Could be a starter relay or ignition switch. Could also be a failing clutch starting switch or an issue with the anti theft system. You need a mechanic

Answer 3

The solenoid on the starter is going bad. Have the starter and solenoid replaced at the same time.

Answer 4

get starter replaced and get alternator checked batter checked and fuelpump fuses computer and igiation wires and spark plugs and filters in car checked and bang out air filter some could of bought a defective battery

Answer 5

It sounds like the starter to me.I had a car that did that and I took a hammer and lightly tapped the starter and it would start.Good luck.

Answer 6

It's the starter.
The starter has brushes in it when ever you here that clicking sound and it's not starting your hitting a bad spot on the brushes.

Answer 7

New Starter.

Answer 8

it could be the solenoid or did you clean the terminals and are the wires all tight on the starter?