97 Subaru Legacy Outback wont start because of alarm

[JjSloo]

First of all I just want to say I appreciate any and everything anyone has to offer. well, it started out with other people's key fobs causing my alarm to go off. eventually, when I tried to start it, it would do absolutely nothing. I know it's not the battery or the starter, especially after reading all of the forums and seeing all the other people with the same problem resulting from their alarm system. I know its not the battery since I'm getting power.I think somehow the anti- theft module is telling it not to start or not letting it start.it seems like I've tried everything short of disconnecting the alarm system.the first time it wouldn't start I was told to open the car, automatically lock it, get out of the car and shut the door, manually unlock the driver side door, wait 30 seconds, then try to start it. And that worked for a while. Eventually though it stopped working. Then I paid and online Subaru technician $27 to tell me how to disconnect the negative battery cable, then try to start it, turn it to the off position, reconnect the negative battery cable, then start. That worked twice, but now that won't even work. I've tried about a hundred other things it seems like but this post is already too long as it is, so I'll leave it at that. I would appreciate any good ideas, and thank you in advance.

[Fairtax4me]

When this happens, you turn the key and you just get a Click from under the hood?

Or is the engine cranking but it just won't fire and run?

[JjSloo]

Neither. It does absolutely nothing. All of the lights come on though.

[lmdew]

Subaru or aftermarket security system?

 

Are you marker lights blinking when you turn on the Key?  If so, find the reset button under the dash and press it with the key on.

 

Most systems can be removed, one or two wires will have to be reconnected.

[JjSloo]

it's a factory alarm. I already tried holding down the reset button while the key is in the ON position and that didn't work. it chirped three times and you're supposed to turn the key off and that resets it. I'm guessing that it reset but it just didn't fix the problem. I just hope its not a defective wire. Not really sure how to go about disconnecting the system but my car is broke down in a bank parking lot and I need to get it out of there soon anyway so if I don't have a way to fix it by tomorrow I think I'm just going to get it towed to the Subaru dealer

[AdventureSubaru]

Two things that have worked for me in the past.

 

Put the key in the ignition and rotate it to the on and off position at least 3 times. Worked on my wifes 2000 outback and sisters Legacy GT

 

On a friends 98 outback and a former 97 I had - disconnect the negative battery cable, turn the key to the accessory position, reconnect the cable, start the car.

 

Hope this helps

[AdventureSubaru]

The other option - which you need to be careful with, but should work. Is to take some hefty wire and hardwire the starter to get it going. Had to do this on a friends impreza once when the safety switch went bad. She drove the car by starting it with a lightswitch for months.

 

Make sure (Check 3 times that the car is in neutral/park or have a buddy push in the clutch pedal and keep it there.

 

You pull the small positive wire on the back of the starter and attach a heavy speaker wire to it. When the other end is placed in contact with the positive battery terminal, the starter will crank and start you up. Make sure to pull the wire right away after the engine starts or the flywheel and starter will get into a fight.

 

That should at least get you mobile again if other things don't work.

 

Last I checked Best Buy and other electronic stores that can install anti theft systems would remove one for about $50. Nuts and bolts I understand but the electronics confuse me. Good luck!