Had a weird one today at lunchtime. Drove (my MY99 with Subaru cat1 alarm/immobiliser) out of the work car park and over to the local shopping centre (about 2 miles) so engine had barely warmed up.

Did some shopping, came back about 20 minutes later and unlocked the car on the plip (thus un-arming the immobiliser). Tried to start the car but the engine just turned over for about 10 seconds without firing. Turned ignition off and back on again, pressed plip again in case it was the immobiliser and it started almost immediately.

Any ideas? I guess it can't have been the immobiliser as it wouldn't have turned over at all if that was still armed?

Haven't tried it again since...

 

Sounds like Crank sensor..

Take it out and give it a clean.

cam sensor looks the same and is below the oil filler with a 10mm bolt and a couple of wires coming out.. easiest way to describe what the crank sensor looks like.

Look for the crank sensor between the pulleys on the front of the engine..

They are magnetic and as they get older they work less well through the crap that builds up on them.

Give it a clean with a rag and WD40 or brake cleaner etc and problem solved hopefully for a bit and when it returns you know what to replace.

JGM

 

Nice one, thanks!

I'll keep an eye on it, as it's only done it the once. I may have a look at the crank sensor but as its under warranty i may just pop it back into the dealers, they're just round the corner from me anyway! :-)