I have a 1993 Subaru Impreza WRX...

I've noticed that in this extremely cold weather, the starter-motor takes two attempts or, indeed, has trouble, cranking the engine. Is it just the cold (extra friction due to metal contraction) causing the pinion to stick? - the battery and alternator are good as they hold a rock steady 14 amps charge.

Or is it likely to be that the wiring to the starter-motor needs to be looked at?

Please advise...

Thank you

John

 

Do you mean it cranks slowly, or won't start when it cranks, or what?

Cold weather thickens the oil, which makes the engine harder to turn over.

You battery MAY look alright, but not on cranking.

Try turning the headlights on and then crank the engine on the starter. The headlights shouldn't dim by much. If they do, get the battery checked by a decent auto electrics place.

Alcazar

BTW: I think you mean 14VOLTS? 14 Amps isn't enough for the lights, let alone starting

 

<Doh! I do, indeed, mean volts>

Sometimes, the solenoid just clicks. Sometimes it cranks slowly. Sometimes it almost grinds to a halt (symptoms as if the battery charge is low)... But then it will turn over as normal and start the engine! (?)

Any ideas?

 

Yes, I've had this recently with a starter on my wife's car, a Citroen Xantia, (yes, I know......)

It was a very dirty/burnt commutator in the starter.

I'd get an auto electrician to look at it, assuming you've done the test I recommended on the starter?

Alcazar

 

Cheers. I'm about to leave work, so will be doing the headlight test in a few minutes...

Merry Christmas

 

Did the test... starter turned slowly for about half a second, then started okay. Headlights dimmed only a tad (what I consider to be normal)...

 

Also worth pointing out that when the engine is reasonably warmed up, starter works with no fault (although I'm sure you'd guess that was the case).

Any ideas - dodgey starter of superficial battery?...

 

Sounds like a starter motor problem.
If you're competent, remove it and open it up. If not, get it checked/replaced.

John

 

Probably all the crap from the bushes inside. A strip and clean should fix it, but for the sake of £60, you may aswell buy a recon unit.

 

Can you get re-con units for the WRX from motor factors? If so, do you know of any? (ebay only seems to have 2nd-hand ones from middling to high milage cars, which is probably false economy...)

 

Anyone?

 

I have the same problem with my car. The local subaru dealer tell me to take out the starter for recondition, it is an easy job.