Year: 1992 Make: Subaru Model: Loyale Miles: 250,000 Transmission: Auto
Hello everyone
I need some help troubleshooting a starter that sometimes click when I turn the key. Assuming I did my tests correctly (I followed a youtube video) Battery is 12.8v, voltage drop is 1.6v, BAT Positive to starter B terminal is 0v (static) and .2v (cranking), Ground (starter case to BAT Negative) is 0v (static) and .2v (cranking), and 12v coming out of a small wire when turning the key to the start position.
Alternator charge battery to 14.5v.
I'm guessing there is little to no resistance in the starter circuit.
A mechanic replaced the starter and it was cranking fine for the first week then started clicking again. I took it to another mechanic to have an inspection done and I asked him if he can troubleshoot the starter circuit and told me "It seems to be a bad starter". He recommend I take it back to the first mechanic since he got a warranty on it. I took it back and he replaced it again.
Unfortunately, the starter cranked fine the first 5 days then started to click again. This is the 3rd starter having the same issue. I called the same mechanic to get some advice and basically told me those rebuilt starters are junk. I find it hard to believe it's the starter since this is the 3rd one (about to be a 4th).
What else could it be?
Thank you
AVI2020, NC
Well he's a selling you junk starters or there's a problem in the wiring that's not sending enough electricity where it's corroded or weak or connectors aren't right. Could be something as dumb as a weak ignition switch loose terminals. And of course quadruple. Check that the battery and alternator are charging correctly
Scotty, thank you for the reply. I double checked voltage on the S terminal wire (with fuel pump fuse removed) and my meter was reading 7 to 8 volts with the key in the start positon. I have another subaru loyal and the voltage on the S terminal wire is reading 12.2v.
I'm guessing it was a weak ignition switch and will order a new ignition switch soon and see if 12v is coming out of the S terminal wire.
Thank you for this!