1995 impreza outback 1.8l wont crank everytime...

[ltjensen]

my girlfriends 1995 impreza outback 1.8l wont crank everytime... it was initially very bad and pretty much everytime it would not crank with out smacking the starter solenoid with a hammer, i installed a new solenoid, cleaned all ground connections and we replaced the battery. Been working amazing starting strong for about a month now and yesterday same problem and solution! pretty frustrated and dont know a ton about these cars (volkswagen guy) would love to get her confident about her ride again. if it helps i noticed 12v from the battery, 12v at the starter solenoid AND when it wouldnt start the meter dropped to zero while attempting to crank....

 

TYIA!

[1 Lucky Texan]

does the starter have any kind of warrranty? Rebuilt parts do not have a great reputation - sometimes you go thru 3-4. Sometimes you get a good one first time.

[ltjensen]

It was a brand new solenoid, now I'm thinking the starter motor Is the issue.

[Olnick]

A lot of folks go to a Pull n' Pay and grab a decent looking used OEM starter--my son did for his '92 Legacy.  It's usually a better option (and cheaper) than a new or re-man'd aftermarket one.

[1 Lucky Texan]

so, do you still have the original; starter? - it's solenoid can be rebuilt - new contacs and maybe plunger are cheap for Denso starter - amazon,ebay have parts.

 

or, maybe move the solenoid or its internal parts over to the old starter for testing?

 

also, many parts stores can bench test a starter. if it spins, maybe get a wrench on the crank puleey and confirm the engine isn't seized?

 

battery cables can have a lot of 'hidden' corrosion. it wicks under the insulation over time.

 

 

the 'smack it with a hammer' trick can work well, but hit a modern starter too hard and the magnets could crack I guess?

Edited March 24, 2017 by 1 Lucky Texan