My 54 plate UK WRX won't start. There appears to be enough power available from the battery - headlights are strong white light for example.

That said, when I first tried to start it today the starter motor did fire - weakly and briefly - but since that first attempt it has not fired.

Car unlocks normally via the remote on the key, insert the key in the ignition and the normal dashboard lights come on - the red LED by the clock is illuminated to say the immobiliser is disarmed. Turn the key and there is a higher pitched sound from inside the engine bay, but the starter motor doesn't turn over. When you release the key back to the started position in the ignition the alarm emits a single high pitched noise (about a seconds worth).

Any ideas? Could it be as simple as a low battery?

 

Yep id say the battery is flat> just coz the lights work doesnt mean there is enough amps to turn the starter> starter maybe wants 300amps, lights maybe 20 or 30>


If the ignition lights go out when you try to crank its a pretty good indication the batteries dead although not conclusive

 

Jump started it this morning, so you were right - thanks.

Just a bit perplexed as to why the battery was low, it had only been stationary for 24 hours.....

 

If the battery is old and on it's last legs, the seasonal cold and damp weather can j-u-s-t tip it over the edge.

I had this happen twice in the last three weekends, where, because the car was stood for 48-72hrs, a completely dead batt.! After the second time, I got fed up and got a brand new batt from RCM ..... which cost £88.