2002 outback automatic 4cyl won't start, no crank

[Poopee]

My 2002 outback no start crank. I changed to a new battery same problem. Dash lights come on,radio,lights work. Any suggestions out there where to to start. Original starter and alternator. I also tried shifting into neutral but nothing happened.

[montana tom]

Contacts in your starter solinoid are probably to blame . If you have an assistant try tapping with a small hammer on starter while helper is trying the key. This is a fixable problem if your mechanically inclined or replace starter. 

[987687]

Is there a click/clunk under the hood when you turn the key to start? If the starter doesn't click when you turn the key, it's likely not the starter, rather the inhibitor switch. The switch on the transmission that makes sure it's in P/N. If that fails, it won't crank. Put the transmission in park, set the parking brake and turn the key to the RUN position. Pull the spade connector off the starter solenoid and use a piece of wire from the positive post on the battery to power the solenoid directly. If the engine cranks up and starts you know it's not a mechanical problem, it's a problem with the switch (unlikely) or the inhibitor switch (more likely).

 

If the starter simply clicks when you turn the key, yea, contacts are probably bad. Still test jumping power directly to the solenoid, I've seen cases where a corroded wire wasn't giving enough current to the plunger to actually make contact.

You can buy the starter contacts from subaru for like $8. Remove the starter and replace the contacts, or have a shop that specializes in starters do it.

Edited January 14, 2016 by 987687