Tribeca wont start when wet

[jimh21524]

We have a 2009 Tribeca which we purchased about 6 months ago

 

When it gets really wet (heavy rain, driving thru puddles) it will not start or even turnover. There is no noise whatsoever when you turn the key. There is full power as all the lights and radio work fine.

 

When this happens the check engine lights come on plus the cruise control light flashes.

 

After the car dries out (usually 24-48 hours) it starts fine but the warning lights stay on.

 

We have taken it to our local mechanic as well as local subaru dealer but neither one could find a cause.

 

Anyone have a suggestion?

[later, Peter]

something's shorting out when wet... I'd start with new plug wires.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Tribeca's have plug wires? I thought they were H6es with coil on plug?

 

post the code from scanning for the CEL (Pxxxx)

 

 

next time it happens, try jiggling the shift lever, or starting in neutral.

[Fairtax4me]

Does it click from the starter solenoid at all?

Subarus have had some issues with the contacts in the starter solenoid wearing and making poor contact. Usually turning the key a few times will clear them well enough to make contact again and engage the starter.

 

If you're not even getting a click though I think it's likely to be either the Park/Nuetral interlock switch on the transmission, or the starter interlock relay.

If it does this again, turn the key ON then shift the trans to Nuetral and try to start the engine.