Starter Relay Problem?

[JUDDSON1]

Does anyone know if there is a starter relay that could go bad, and prevent
the starter from operating on a 1995 Subaru Legacy Wagon?
I am getting click- click- click, then it sometimes ingages.
Thanks,

t.c.

 

[johninKY]

Clean the contacts inside the starter solenoid or just replace that part
and your problem will probably be solved. Don't know if there is a
starter relay.The older models didn't use one.

 

[S]

Hi TC, All!

Does anyone know if there is a starter relay that could go bad, and prevent
the starter from operating on a 1995 Subaru Legacy Wagon?
I am getting click- click- click, then it sometimes ingages.

There _are_ a couple relays in the starter circuit, related to
interlocks (clutch depressed? AT in "P" or "N"?, security system
alarm?). Don't think a failure here would yield the symptoms you
describe, if one of these failed, nothing would happen when you turned
the key. The contactor that switches all of the starter current (BIG
current) is inside of the starter, and engages when the solenoid is
powered (small wire going to starter is +12V)(this also pulls the
starter gear into mesh with the ring gear on the flywheel). The
"click-click-click" you describe is usually a sign that the starter is
not getting enough voltage, due either to a weak battery, or faulty
battery cables/connections. I'd look these over real well before
jumping on the starter. While it is probably possible to disassemble
the starter to clean/burnish the contactor points, you'll probably be
time and money ahead to simply replace the starter if you determine
that it is indeed bad. FWIW, Subaru starters rarely fail . . .

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[JUDDSON1]

Steve-
Yes, low voltage was my first thought also, checked the alternator (was
good), checkd the battery (was bad) replaced battery.
Problem went away for awhile, then came back.
How big of job to replace stater, looks a little tight to work in?

t.c.

 

[S]

Hi TC!

How big of job to replace stater, looks a little tight to work in?

Not too bad. The upper fastener, a 10mm bolt thru the bell housing
(14mm head) is readily accessible, as are the electrical connections.
You have to squeeze the solenoid connector to get it to release from
the spade lug on the starter, a pair of pliers is sometimes necessary.
The hi-current lead connects to a stud with a nut, 12mm IIRC. The
bottom fastener (probably a 14mm nut, but may be a 17mm; it's on a
stud so no backup wrench is required) is a bit troublesome to access
from the top side; you'll probably have to move the AC line, and
whatever else is in the way to get your hands in, very tight even so.
Quite easy from underneath, tho, use a swivel socket and a long
extension. Lift the old starter out and fit the new one. Reconnect.
The fasteners don't have to be killer tight, 20-30ftlb probably
adequate.
Whatever, shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour or so.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[rd]

I had the same problem on my '99 OWB. I removed the wires from the
solenoid, wire brushed them clean (with my Dremel), including the
solenoid and put them back on. Problem was solved.