I'm getting an issue with occasional problem with starting my car ( Legacy 2.0r 2005 163bhp )
I insert the ignition key press the immobiliser button on the key and hear the 'click' inside the dashboard but then I turn the key and nothing happens.
I repeat the process a few times then suddenly it works and the car starts with no problem.
I have noticed an occasional 'acc' fault code displaying on the centre console clock/mpg computer display recently although that's not happening when the starting issue is happening.. also I can hear what sounds like a relay clicking quickly behind the same display display too when the car engine is not running but the ignition is 'on'. The clicking happens both before starting and after turning off the engine.
Anyone got any ideas or advice please?
Cheers A

 

Anyone know any Subaru electrical specialists ( preferably independent ) in the UK? The above problem persists and my nearest dealer in Abergavenny are not particularly good in my experience.

 

See will it start with a push when it does it again.

 

It always starts after after few tries with the immobiliser button..so far.
But the problem is becoming more persistent with time and getting slowly worse.
I don't see how push starting the car would make any difference as the fob fails to initiate the ignition plus the immobiliser fault would still be happening even if by chance pushing it did work.

 

id say the relays in the Sigma immobiliser unit are probably starting to fail/stick

 

What would you advise?
Btw it's also had a very occasional immobiliser fault which means on rare occasions the offside rear indicator light gets stuck on after the key fob is used to open the doors. This has been happening since I got the car 7 years ago and the light will switch off after a random short period of time.
Could that be in anyway connected do you think?

 

You never stated in your first post you had no ignition lights etc was just trying to establish had you a faulty starter or relay before we went on to the next question but there won't be one now for your ignorance

 

Sorry, but you have clearly taken offense where, I can assure you, none was meant
The written word sometimes doesn't come across as one means it to, apologies if it came across badly.

 

Bingo! That's the tell tale sign of immobiliser relays failing.

There are 3 relays in the immobiliser unit

Fuel pump
Hazard/indicator signal
Starter motor

ive ordered them in the order they usually start to fail....you can trace the wires from the immobiliser unit (up behind steering column) and bypass them....you'll soon see the gauge/thickness of wiring on immobiliser side is much thinner than the wiring it's spliced into which is why the relays then fail due to extra load on them

Short answer, bypass them and do without immobiliser, if starter and indicators are starting to fail ill guess the fuel pump one has already been bypassed at some point previous to your ownership....or get the immobiliser unit replaced with a more modern setup...costly

 

BIG Thanks for the advice.. very useful
Btw how many wires will need to be bypassed and does that just involve disconnecting them or do the need bridging?
I've got no experience with car electrical repairs unfortunately 😊

 

Good thread here on it

https://www.scoobynet.com/security-1...oval-help.html

I'd find yourself a decent car electrician and just tell them/show them that if they don't already have experience of them...they're are a known issue with age on subaru

 

Again I really appreciate the input.

 

I've managed to get a second hand unit from a breakers for next to nothing ( apparently it's guaranteed functioning although I guess I'll see ) as I fancy trying a replacement before deciding just to bypass.
Will it need some sort of programming to work with my existing key fob?🤔

 

Hey
I'm new here so I hope im doing this right.
I have had this issue just last week & i found it to be the connector to the starter motor.
At first I thought it was the dreaded immobiliser issue which I have had in the past. But after trying lots of things I went to install a start stop button because I had been using a wire from the starter motor to the positive battery terminal to start it after locking and unlocking & the thought came into my head to clean the connector whilst I was there to which I did & so far after a week ive had no issues now. So i hope this helps if you haven't fixed it yet or there is someone else out there who has the same issue.