rb5227

Thanks, I'll bear that in mind and listen out for the fuel pump relay on starting.


I've just read the fault codes which give the following:

12 Starter Signal.

and

24 Idle Control System Malfunction
24 ISC Valve (Stick)
24 Open/Short in ISC Valve Circuit

Would these codes be to do with the reluctance of the engine to fire when the Prodrive ECU was put back in, and the ECU is now re-learning? The car fires on first turn of the key now.

So as previously said, I now need to run the car for two or three months and see if the non-starting issue occurs again.

Once gain, thanks to everyone for your help, it's much appreciated.

rb5227

Well that didn't take long. Took the car out for a run this evening, got back turned off, turned the key to start the car and it wouldn't turn over. So the ECU is ruled out of the equation.

So tomorrow the aftermarket ECU goes back in, then try the Sigma in Valet Mode which, according to an old post by Sigma Sam and the manual, effectively disables the Sigma alarm system. Theory being this should allow one of the two immobiliser systems to be eliminated.

rb5227

The alarm on the car has been in valet mode since my last post.

According to the Sigma manual this "Puts the system into valet mode (effectively freezing the passive immobilisation and any other features such as auto arm when the vehicle goes in for service."

So I've taken the alarm system out of the equation.

Went out in the car this afternoon. Parked the car for around 2&1/2 hrs, came back and the engine wouldn't turn over. Turning the key to the position where the Check Engine and other lights come on, I wait a second or so and there is a click. I then fully turn the key to start the engine and nothing. It took around 20 mins of doing this with pauses of a few minutes until the engine cranked and fired.

I've connected the black diagnostic connectors and the Check Engine light then flashes 1 long and 2 short which gives a code of 12. This allegedly means a Starter Signal issue.

Any thoughts on what parts might need to be replaced in relation to this fault?

DoZZa

iTrader: (4)

I think you have current issues. Not enough to crank the starter.

I think I mentioned before, I had a very similar issue and it was down to the thickness of the alarms immobiliser wiring. It could not carry enough current to crank the starter.

You can always run a thick cable direct from the battery positive terminal to the positive side of the starter. When I say run, I dont mean permanently, just keep a suitable cable in the boot and use it when these type of issues arise.

Just need to make sure you have the ignition on, alarm off, and of course out of gear! Touch the cable to the battery terminal and it will turn over.

JDM_Stig

iTrader: (3)

A properly fitted one will only interrupt the starting relay, not actually be wired in series with the starter motor supply.

rb5227

I'm sure there's something like that going on.

I've had another look at the post you linked to previously. you mentioned "When the key is turned you can hear the starter solenoid engage but the starter will not turn."

Just to clarify, my first post mentioned that there was no click from the Starter, the click that I hear is a second or so after turning the ignition key to the position where the ignition lights on the dash illuminate, and is from behind the dash somewhere, so may be a relay? This is before fully turning the key to the position where the engine should crank. There is definitely no click or sound from the starter motor area.

Regardless, I'm going to see about having the Subaru and Sigma immobiliser wiring replaced with better quality cables.

Very much appreciate everyone's help and advice and I'll let you know how it goes.

Smithys STI

iTrader: (1)

If it is your alarm playing up you can't buy any new replacement parts for the M series alarms anymore but you can convert the alarm to an S series which is the system on the later cars.
I have fitted quite a few now and it cost about £500 fitted.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

The very same thing happens to me, maybe once every 3 months. It's on a 2000 Forester though, but engine and alarm wise the same as yours. I can hear the fuel pump prime every time, but it won't turn over, can't even hear the starter click.

I temporarily resolved it about two weeks ago, by gently rocking it forward in 2nd gear.

When it happens again, I will try that straight away, rather than keep alarming/disarming by the fob and keypad. But do let me know the results of the wire fix.