joz8968

iTrader: (13)

I have a 1993 Subaru Impreza WRX...

I've noticed that in this extremely cold weather, the starter-motor takes two attempts or, indeed, has trouble, cranking the engine. Is it just the cold (extra friction due to metal contraction) causing the pinion to stick? - the battery and alternator are good as they hold a rock steady 14 amps charge.

Or is it likely to be that the wiring to the starter-motor needs to be looked at?

Please advise...

Thank you

John

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Do you mean it cranks slowly, or won't start when it cranks, or what?

Cold weather thickens the oil, which makes the engine harder to turn over.

You battery MAY look alright, but not on cranking.

Try turning the headlights on and then crank the engine on the starter. The headlights shouldn't dim by much. If they do, get the battery checked by a decent auto electrics place.

Alcazar

BTW: I think you mean 14VOLTS? 14 Amps isn't enough for the lights, let alone starting

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

<Doh! I do, indeed, mean volts>

Sometimes, the solenoid just clicks. Sometimes it cranks slowly. Sometimes it almost grinds to a halt (symptoms as if the battery charge is low)... But then it will turn over as normal and start the engine! (?)

Any ideas?

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Yes, I've had this recently with a starter on my wife's car, a Citroen Xantia, (yes, I know......)

It was a very dirty/burnt commutator in the starter.

I'd get an auto electrician to look at it, assuming you've done the test I recommended on the starter?

Alcazar

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Cheers. I'm about to leave work, so will be doing the headlight test in a few minutes...

Merry Christmas

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Did the test... starter turned slowly for about half a second, then started okay. Headlights dimmed only a tad (what I consider to be normal)...

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Also worth pointing out that when the engine is reasonably warmed up, starter works with no fault (although I'm sure you'd guess that was the case).

Any ideas - dodgey starter of superficial battery?...

John 37

Sounds like a starter motor problem.
If you're competent, remove it and open it up. If not, get it checked/replaced.

John

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Probably all the crap from the bushes inside. A strip and clean should fix it, but for the sake of £60, you may aswell buy a recon unit.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Can you get re-con units for the WRX from motor factors? If so, do you know of any? (ebay only seems to have 2nd-hand ones from middling to high milage cars, which is probably false economy...)

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Anyone?

skydiver

I have the same problem with my car. The local subaru dealer tell me to take out the starter for recondition, it is an easy job.