trouble starting 96wagon

[budahbuddy803]

Well today is my bday, i turned 16 and i got a 96 legacy wagon. I cranked it right up and rode around and came back, went inside to get my mom, went back outside to give her a ride and i turned the key and all electrical things inside and out worked, but there was not noise what so ever in the engine. We tested the battery and it was perfectly new, and the key turns all the way, just not starting. We let it cool and it cranked right up. Brought it home and it cranked up multiple times. I guess it isnt a problem now that it hasnt repeated the incodent, but i dont want to be somewhere and my ride not start up. Anyone know anything about this situation or had this problem?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Clutch all the way down?

She might not've pushed it all the way to the floor.

[Plays_with_Toys]

5speed or auto? Could have been as simple as your carpet sliding under the clutch, which didn't allow it to go all the way to the floor and hence, the clutch button wasn't allowing it to start.

Could be a failed temperature sensor or faulty radiator cap. I just read about an incident like this:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1122548 (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1122548)

Its an impreza out back sport, so should have the same motor as you (unless you have an outback, which has a 2.5 liter motor). I doubt it's that serious, and was probably just a fluke. If it happens a few more times then start looking into it.

EDIT: Almost forgot! Take your car to the local subie dealer and check if all recall work has been done on it. I got a free alternator! There was a recall from like 95-97 on alternators.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Actually, 96-98. 95 wasn't included in that alternator recall.

[shazapple]

If its an auto, sometimes the shifter will not quite be in park so the car will not start (all the electronics stay on, but nothing else happens when you turn the key). Just give the shifter a bit of a wiggle

[budahbuddy803]

well its an automatic and we did mess with the shifter. Its a 1993 subaru legacy wagon. Not an outback. I think it was just a fluke because i have been cranking it daily, multiple times. Thank you guys for you help. I hooked up my cd player which was a very easy install. I love the dash, and my cd player volt meter says that it will drop all the way down to 12.8 volts at idel. Isnt this a bad electrical system? I know when i hook up my kicker zx750.1 it will draw even more power than is already taking place which is not a good thing. Think i need a new alternator?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Nah, that's normal at idle. If you're dipping below 12volts then you might want to start looking at a battery.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Do a ground kit, should bump up your idling voltage. I'm pretty sure it is supposed to be 13.8v at idle...?