Starter motor issue?
 

Hey all,

97 2.0 manual impreza wagon.

Battery is charged, lights, etc all work fine.

Immobiliser ok.

Turn ignition and get a mixture of results.

1. Ticking noise from engine may but no start, headlights don't dim, but dash lights do (as per normal when starting).
2. No noise, lights don't dim etc
3. Instead of ticking noise a hum from engine bay.

Tried rocking in gear, this either results in the ticking noise again if it had previously been absent, or no change whatsoever.

Hit starter motor. No change.

All connections appear ok. Recently had all the earths checked and replaced along with fuses replaced (link fuse had died an epic death of fail).

Am I right to assume only option is to replace starter entirely and see if this works? I appreciate it could be the solenoid on the starter, but by replacing both with a new working version of both parts surely gets me back on the road, and I can eliminate the culprit on a work bench when I don't need to be gettin to work...

Must add, this is a uk car, and as far as I'm aware, I do not need to depress clutch to start so clutch switch issue (as advised by some US car types) is unlikely to be the cause..

Is there a relay for the starter ? Might be worth taking the starter off the car and see if u can get it operating .If you have jumper cables use those to test the starter . Just for a few seconds should do.

Don't honestly know!

I fix humans for a living so cars aren't my forté...

Trying to source a replacement starter to rule it out..

I'd remove starter and put power to it directly,make sure its held down well,it'll probably kick like a mule! You could try putting power straight to it whilst its on the car,this may be tricky

Does it start from a bump/push

Haven't tried this yet.. But I'm gonna try later and see what happens.

I got a replacement starter motor from Pole Position, you might want to try them.

Hit starter with hammer whilst someone turned ignition.. And it's worming.


So must be gunked/ worn brushes on starter motor?

I thought you tried hitting starter previously? it does take two though lol.
Take starter to an auto electricians,theres one near me called charge n start and they test and repair alternators n starters. I know usually with an alternator its just a regulator or diode that needs replacing or even just a clean can do it at a fraction the cost of a new one

This may help
How To Test A Car Starter With A Screwdriver And …: