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Starter issue

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:17 pm
by drwrx
OK, the Forester starts right up this morning, no issues. Now I turn the key and the dreaded click, click, click of a starter issue. Anyone have some insight into where to start? Relay, solenoid, starter motor? This is actually the first time I've ever had to deal with this issue.

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:52 pm
by Sabre
If you're just getting clicks, it's probably the battery. Jump it and head up to AutoZone/PepBoys/etc. and they will check the battery out :)

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 1:17 pm
by drwrx
I would normally think battery, but it had started up without an issue just 2 hours earlier.

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 6:21 pm
by zaxrex
Weird, one click is usually solenoid, where multiple clicks would say that the solenoid is engaging, but the starter circuit is not getting sufficient power to overcome initial resistance of the starter.
If it were me I would first check the voltage across the terminals. If 12-13, then I would think it is the starter/circuit. Then I would jump from another battery, but without the other vehicle on. Just see if it is an amperage issue rather than voltage.
But then you know what happens to the stuff I do...

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 10:29 pm
by Sabre
You know what I thought of on the way home. I had to rebuild the starter on the L because the brushes had worn down completely. If you're getting the voltage at the starter like Zak had pointed out, I'd consider cracking it open and checking these. I bought a replacement head (couldn't buy just the brushes) for around $5 from RockAuto.

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 7:55 am
by drwrx
You may be right on the battery. I was able to jump it w/o issues last night, and it ran smoothly for a trip around the block and about 5 minutes of idling.
However, once the car was turned off it would not restart, again click, click, click.
The battery is only 3 years old, but maybe the lack of driving and cold weather has conspired to kill the battery.
I'll get another this weekend and see if that changes things.

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 11:07 am
by Sabre
Excellent :)

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 10:04 am
by drwrx
Julian called it! New battery cures all. Sadly, the old battery didn't last but a little over 3 years.
I think we may need to drive the Forester a bit more.

Re: Starter issue

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 2:02 pm
by Sabre
Happy to hear it was an easy fix :)