Starting problems- help?
Discussion
2004 2.5 na Forester
Imported my subaru after spending 6 months driving it around Australia and falling in love, all went well delivered to the driveway etc
It was going well, until it wouldn't start. I replaced the battery as that was dead- but still no life.
It cranks really well, it also sounds like the fuel pump is priming but alas no spark. I have some new leads and plugs to fit today, anything else which can be suggested to fire it into life?
Imported my subaru after spending 6 months driving it around Australia and falling in love, all went well delivered to the driveway etc
It was going well, until it wouldn't start. I replaced the battery as that was dead- but still no life.
It cranks really well, it also sounds like the fuel pump is priming but alas no spark. I have some new leads and plugs to fit today, anything else which can be suggested to fire it into life?
Yes, it could be the alarm system has lost its code from memory. Go to subaruforester.org and search alarm faults, there are perfect write ups where most of us have had this problem. http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/
PS when you bought the car did it come with its security code tab?
PS when you bought the car did it come with its security code tab?
v8250 said:
Yes, it could be the alarm system has lost its code from memory. Go to subaruforester.org and search alarm faults, there are perfect write ups where most of us have had this problem. http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/
PS when you bought the car did it come with its security code tab?
It might be in the owners book I'd have to check. It wasn't starting before the battery change either, but I'm assuming that's because the battery was dead. Would the battery change bring on the issue with the alarm code normally?PS when you bought the car did it come with its security code tab?
joefraser said:
It might be in the owners book I'd have to check. It wasn't starting before the battery change either, but I'm assuming that's because the battery was dead. Would the battery change bring on the issue with the alarm code normally?
It can do. There are two issues that can crop up with the alarm 1. when key battery fails...the alarm needs re-programming via the keypad, 2. the alarm is susceptible to main battery changes and microwave signals/EMF from overhead power cables[this is common on many cars]. First, disconnect battery negative and leave off for 20-30mins, this allows the ECU to completely reset. If this does not work you'll need to reset the alarm as per the alarm manual. The PIN code you'll need should have been supplied with the car on self adhesive labels. Here's link when this happened to mine with all the right info' to get you started...http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/urgent...
joefraser said:
Having a read through that now but not sure how relevant it is, my car doesn't have a keypad to input any codes into?
You're right, it's an Australian import [will read post net time, doh], therefore comes with a different alarm. Why not post Q?'s to the Aussie guys here as I'm sure they'll have the answer for you...http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f81/
vxr2010 said:
can you hear the fuel pump priming ? is it therefore alarm that's stopping pump from working of an engine issue ?
It sounds like it's priming to be honest. I went through the flooded engine process tonight as detailed in the owners book and made no progress. I can't see an immobiliser light flashing anywhere, but I'm pretty sure it has one fitted- going to check fob batteries tomorrow but have a mobile mech coming out in the evening.Fingers crossed
so if it's priming and you think it's alarm related then it must be an ignition circuit that's immobilised , other considerations if not the alarm is the crank sensor or cam or Maf , I would disconnect the battery pump the brake pedal as apparently that helps , re connect battery and see if things work , I believe a faulty crank sensor makes a car a non starter , I don't know the year if the coil packs on top as per classics pull a lead and see if you have a spark , could plugs be old and no longer working and could it be the coil , most things are easy to check
second hand Ecu or get it repaired independently , or try drying it out first , they are not as much as you think , depending on age of car the Keys are linked to the Ecu , if you have an independent alarm fob yours may not be , I have an 01 jdm and put a cat 2 and other bits on it as it had no security
the age of your car you probably have a built in transponder in your key , if you do you normally have a padlock type light flash on the dash but again with Subaru you may not , I know you are a long way away , U.K. wise and I'm sure down under we have a chap called Ecu doctor and I think they charge about 500 £
joefraser said:
Looking at about £300 for a replacement ecu, the cars worth it because it's in great condition- it's just a bit of a downer considering the distance it covered problem free before going in the container!
Joe, hopefully you'll get this sorted soon. As note, if you're going down the new ECU route...when installing would be a good time to remove, clean and re-fit every sensor/sensor connector and give the wiring looms a good inspection, repairing any worn looking wires/connectors. It takes a little while but really worth doing and you'll sleep well at night knowing all is very well with the system.Gassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff