Malc63

Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me where I'm likely to find the starter relay for my JDM Impreza S202 (2002).

All my manuals are in Japanese and I can't find a sensible answer on the net.

Cheers,

Malc

Don Clark

As it's an early JDM model it may not have one with the starter solenoid being fed direct from the ignition switch. If an alarm system is fitted this circuit would have the isolating relay fitted in it.

Malc63

Thanks Dan,

My starting issues (intermittent to begin with) started some time after an alarm system was fitted.

There was a click (relay?) when turning the ignition on but the engine wouldn't turn. After 2 to 3 tries she fired up. After not much use recently there is no click and refuses to start at all which made me think of the relay issue.

Any thoughts? The starter motor has been replaced.

Cheers,

Malc.

Don Clark

Sounds as if it's related to the alarm sytem.
Yes there is an ignition relay that activates when the key is turned to the "ign" position, but the start "srt" position feeds direct to ecu and starter solenoid.
Would also check that the two connections to the starter motor are tight.

Malc63

Thanks Dan,

I'll phone the alarm guy and check what you suggested.

What would be the "click" I heard (before it stopped altogether) when I turned from "ign" to "srt"?

rudigtir

Can you hear the fuel pump priming?

Malc63

Yes, no issue with the fuel pump, just refuses to turn over now.

rudigtir

Can you get someone to tap the starter as you turn it over. Starter could need an overhaul.

Don Clark

The starter motor solenoid ? Why was the starter replaced? new or 2nd hand?? Before or after alarm fitted??

Malc63

The starter motor and solenoid were replaced by a Subaru specialist to try to resolve the starting issue and rule out those parts as the issue. Refurbished parts and fitted after the alarm (12 months +).

Don Clark

To rule out the starter motor you could try (with ignition off) removing the wire from the solenoid spade connector (not the bolted battery direct feed wire) and then use a length of wire to connect this spade directly to the battery (only touch to the battery +ve terminal to confirm solenoid engages and motor spins the engine) and thus bypassing the ignition "srt" circuit.
If motor spins up the engine, then it's something within the "srt" circuit.

Following diagrams are from a MY05 UK car, so may have different wiring colours to JDM and ignition switch start circuit is labelled as "ST" (my bad )

Malc63

Thanks Dan, will try that tomorrow :-)

mickywrx

iTrader: (29)

Would that process work on an early car Don? Extend the signal wire to the battery?

Op, Don isn't called Dan.

Don Clark

I think it's predictive text

Early Classic JDM Impreza starter system is AFAIK exactly the same. All you are doing is bypassing the ignition switch and any (if fitted) interlocks.

Generic Starter Circuit

Malc63

Hi Don,

Name right this time :-)

I found a dry day when I was free and did this but the engine never turned.

I guess a faulty solenoid may be the issue?

Cheers,

Malc.