Dazza9t9

iTrader: (2)

Hey all,

Since I got my MY95 wrx a year ago, i have had an intermittant starting problem.

It would be fine for a while then not start, it may start 10 mins later or may not start at all. Then it maybe fine for a few weeks then it would be fine again, or it may do the same the following day/same day. It was like a lottery if it would start.

When you turned the key you could hear the engine clicking but it would not turn over.

It would jump off from another car, then a couple of times it would not even jump off my mrs brand new TT.

I thought it was the old alarm so i got a brand new alarm fitted, was fine for a whie then it happened again.

I then got a decent battery thinking it was that, same again fine until i went to ten of the best it would not start. I got RAC out then said it was starter motor. He tried to jump it off but it would not start, he continued to jump it off and hit the starter motor, needless to say it fired up.

I took it to an excellent well known home scooby mechanic and the only problem he found was the immobalise which had been changed prior. However it happened a further few times.

I have just took the started motor off to find that the top bolt was fairly tight however the bottom bolt was very loose.

Could this loose bolt have been the problem all along??

Glowplug

iTrader: (8)

The starter is obviously the problem as the irish screwdriver worked. Now it's a case of, was the loose bolt causing the starter to move off-center when you turn the key and stick, which i suspect, and has it damaged/worn the starter causing it to stick?

The only way to find out is to re-fit the starter correctly, if it carries on sticking then it's damaged/worn. If not then it was just the loose bolt letting it move.

Dazza9t9

iTrader: (2)

I was really stressing thinking it was going to be something electronical and cost the earth.

I think I am going to fit a new start altogether

If anyone has one for sale let me know


Big sigh of relief

Dazza9t9

iTrader: (2)

I was really stressing thinking it was going to be something electronical and cost the earth.

I think I am going to fit a new start altogether

If anyone has one for sale let me know


Big sigh of relief

Glowplug

iTrader: (8)

That would be my plan too.

fastboyslim

iTrader: (2)

Check your crank sensor. Kinda under your alternator, little black sensor. Mine did what yours is doing. Cost somewhere in the £20's i think, we talking a year ago.

Dazza9t9

iTrader: (2)

The car is off the road now while i work on it over the weekend.

I will add the crank sensor to the To DO list.

Again thanks for the advice

ImprezaRob

Dazza9t9 - I have EXACTLY the same problem as the one you are describing.

Forgive my lack of technical knowledge, but why would the bolt being slightly loose cause the problem?

I shall take mine to my friend tonight and check my starter motor bolts.

Dazza9t9

iTrader: (2)

I'm guessing it is the starter motor, however the loose bolt would not help.

I have no technical knowledge at all.

Is your problem as sporadic as mine?

Glowplug

iTrader: (8)

As the starter engages there is alot of stress, and, as 50% of the mounts are loose, it would be fair to assume that there is some sort of movement occuring. This movement can be enough to prevent the starter fully engaging or disengaging, and therefore sticking. Also, over time, i would think, causes damage or exess wear to the unit.

ImprezaRob

Yep, mine is sporadic as yours - I will start fine for weeks, but then it can be problematic for a few days.

It's getting to the point now when im nervous going to petrol stations......

B13 - Thanks for the explanation

Dazza9t9

iTrader: (2)

Yep that's exactly how I was.

blueg14rep

I have the same problem, dread turning thecar off. When i rock mine it starts 95% of the time but i'm still worried.