Subaru Repair: Intermittent starting problem 96 Outback, subaru outback, subaru dealer
QuestionRe: 1996 Subaru Outback, automatic transmission, less than 80,000 miles, the larger of the two engine sizes they made that year (I forgot the #).
Problem: So far on 2 occasions approx 2 weeks apart, I turn the key and nothing happens. Turn the key again and again and nothing. Then I turn the key and car starts. Noticed the 2nd time that while rotating the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key, it started. My husband tends to use steering wheel as a crutch to get out of the car which then "locks" it in place and I have to turn the wheel a bit in order to turn the key. (Could this have something to do with it?) Also, sometimes the key seems a little hesitant to go into the ignition (or that may be just my imagination). I haven't been stranded by the situation yet but am going on a trip soon and don't won't to get stuck somewhere. I don't usually take my car to the dealer for repairs, but I'm wondering if this is a problem that only a Subaru dealer would be able to address. My neighbor told me that there are many "sensors" that might affect this problem too. I have a fairly new battery so I don't think that's it. I have had all of the recommended service done to the car, including timing belt, and have had no problems with it until now. An anonymous call to a dealer said that if it's the starter, it could only be checked while the problem was happening. What do you recommend? Thank You.
AnswerHello Mary,
It sounds like one of two things. The next time this happens, (turn the key and nothing happens) Hit the shifter forward and see if it starts then. If it starts then, it sounds like the shifter cable needs adjusting. We are seeing more and more of this happening. Or the next time it happens, listen and see if your hear a loud clicking sound from under the hood. This usually indicates a bad starter. I hope this helps.
Thanks,
Frank
