QuestionI really enjoy reading your site and find your answers to be both thoughtful and informative. I hope you don't mind a double-dip, as I have two quick questions for you. We own a 1990 Loyale Wagon 1.8L 4WD 130,000 miles and a 1997 Legacy Outback Wagon 2.5L AWD 160,000 miles. Both are automatic transmissions.
1. The '90 Loyale has an issue in which, on occasion, it doesn't start. Turn the key, nothing happens. No sounds at all (dash lights up as usual and accessories will operate normally). Wait a while (10mins to 1/2 hour) and it starts. I've found that when it doesn't start, if I pop the hood and tap the side of the starter with a wrench (I use the Subaru lug wrench), it starts right-up. It may be fine for days or even weeks, and then doesn't start for a time or two. I replaced the starter last year. It seemed OK for a while, but gradually began to do it again more often.
2. '97 Legacy Outback - lately when pulling up to a stop, occasionally the engine seems to idle too high. I really have to apply the brake to hold it back. When this happens at a traffic light, I actually shift into neutral while sitting. No other issues, the car seems to run great and no check engine lights are illuminated. It did something similar last year, but after a minor tune-up (plugs, wires, oil change, air & fuel filters) it stopped.
Any thoughts/recommendations that you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John
AnswerHey John,
There are a lot of possibilities for both.
The loyale could be a faulty aftermarket reman starter. Or the electrical portion of the ignition switch could be faulty.
Next time do nothing except for keep turning the key if eventually it starts you will know that hitting the poor starter isn't really helping.
The outback probably has a sticky ISC or something else a bit out of range causing the problem.
Testing/ diagnoses is really what is needed in both cases and I can only give you "the most common" type of solutions.
Justin.
http://allwheeldriveauto.com/
