Subaru Outback Not Starting: /

Tasmaniac on 24/07/2017 - 21:43
Last edited 25/07/2017 - 11:29 by 1 other user

Hi there fellow OzBargainers was just hoping to get some automotive advice from the more mechanically minded.

Unfortunately my Subaru Outback 99 has just stalled out at the McDonald's drive-through after a series of ticking/grinding sounds and now fails to start. Before calling a mechanic out to possibly tow and fix the car I just wanted to check that there wasn't anything I'd forgot to check and failed to diagnose, I'm not very mechanically minded so it could just be something basic to someone who knows about cars. The engine sounds as though it's turning or engaging so I'm not quite sure what the issue could be.

I've recorded the sound as well as I know these things are hard to diagnose and any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,Tas.

Sound Of Subaru Not Starting

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 24/07/2017 - 21:43
    -1

    Sounds like its siezed up
    Oil levels checked?

    • Tasmaniac on 24/07/2017 - 21:52

      It kind of stalled out as though it had seized to.

      • [Deactivated] on 24/07/2017 - 21:58
        +1

        yeah common issue is head cracking on those engines

  • adr8 on 24/07/2017 - 22:29
    +1

    Have these got a timing chain or belt? If it has a belt, has it ever been changed? If it hasn't it could be the timing belt snapping and seizing the motor.

  • Randxyz123 on 24/07/2017 - 22:50

    Does it have fuel in it?

    Seriously though I'd be calling roadside. Get a tow to your mechanic (or at least to your house). It's unlikely to be something fixable at 10pm at night. You do have a RACT or equivalent roadside don't you? Because driving a old car without roadside could make this very expensive…

    • Slippery Fish on 25/07/2017 - 07:27
      +1

      You can sign up ND pay at the time you ring lol.

      • Randxyz123 on 25/07/2017 - 11:01

        Depends what's needed… they'll come and replace the battery. They might not tow you.

        • Slippery Fish on 25/07/2017 - 11:38

          If you have the cover level bought over phone the service guy at your end can't tell you just signed up. Should be treated the same as anyone.

  • JimmyF on 24/07/2017 - 23:06
    +2

    Sounds flat as a tack my friend…..

    The battery will be stuffed, guessing your car alternator is stuffed, hence draining the battery down.

    Dull lights on the dash in the video, slow turn over of the starter motor. All point to the above.

    Pop a new battery in, it'll start BUT if its the alternator, its only a matter of time until you're back here again with a stuffed car.

    • Tasmaniac on 24/07/2017 - 23:10

      It's funny you say that, I actually took the battery home to charge for 5 hours in case that was the issue. It's only been holding enough charge for a few starts lately.

      • JimmyF on 24/07/2017 - 23:38
        +4

        well…. winner winner, chicken dinner!

        Looks like we have an answer then. You're now the proud owner of a stuffed battery and a matching stuffed alternator!

        Batteries don't like being drained, so don't go 'cheap' on the repair, replace them both together!

        Also car batteries don't need to 'charged' like you are doing. Thats the job of the alternator, it happens automatic once the motor is running. Hence why I'm saying the alternator is stuffed, as its not charging the battery.

        • Tasmaniac on 25/07/2017 - 00:07
          +1

          I feel kind of silly now. Thanks for the advice, hopefully it's just the alternator.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 01:06

          I hope for your sake it's the alternator otherwise kiss goodbye your plans for Mt Everest next year.

        • RockyRaccoon on 25/07/2017 - 10:46

          @TightBottom: Batterys can die wthout it being the fault of the alternator. They do have a finite life.

          Put in a new battery if that dies after a short time, then investigate the alternator. Alternatively many battery supply places will test the alternator for you

          If the battery is good, a 5 hour charge should have lasted longer than a few starts, even with a dicky alternator.

          Not saying there isnt an issue with an alternator, just that having a flat battery isnt always indicating the alternator is at fault.

          Batteries die in winter months due to cold, and Hobart is COLD

        • JimmyF on 25/07/2017 - 12:16

          @RockyRaccoon: True, but replacing the battery without checking the alternator is silly, as if the alternator is stuffed, you'll just end up killing another battery.

          A simple voltage check while running will tell if the alternator is good or not, and yep most battery shops will be able to test it for you.

          If the battery is good, a 5 hour charge should have lasted longer than a few starts

          Which is a sign the alternator is stuffed, as the battery is powering the entire car, that draws it down.

          The OP video was shot at NIGHT (think headlights), and the car died while running, which means the alternator isn't putting out enough power, so drawing all the power from the battery until the voltage got too low and everything died.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 07:22
      +1

      Grinding sounds isn't a flat battery
      Armchair experts here though

      • John Kimble on 25/07/2017 - 11:43

        Nope, it's due to flat tyres. :p

  • shaybisc on 25/07/2017 - 08:37

    If it makes a grinding noise but the headlights still work it sounds like a starter motor problem.

  • CLoSeR on 25/07/2017 - 09:07

    NRMA will diagnose fault; why didn't you call them?

    • RockyRaccoon on 25/07/2017 - 10:43

      NRMA would take weeks to get there - They are in Tasmania

      • CLoSeR on 25/07/2017 - 10:53
        +1

        haha.. Ok I guess the equivalent for our island neighbour. Would that be RACT?

  • pantsparty on 25/07/2017 - 09:27

    Last time my car made a ticking noise like that the battery was flat. Replace battery?

  • Baysew on 25/07/2017 - 10:11
    +1

    Any bargains at McDonald's ?

  • zeppeybabey on 25/07/2017 - 11:01
    +1

    Hey mate, it could be any number of things.

    I have a feeling that it is either the crank sensor or the coil pack that is shot. Both are relatively cheap to fix. It's a common issue for pre 2002 outbacks.

    ps: I don't think it's a battery/alternator issue, because if that was the case, you would have earlier noticed your electronics shut down one by one.

  • Tasmaniac on 25/07/2017 - 17:28

    Apparently it's a blown head gasket. The mechanic seems to think there's no compression.

    Anyway thanks to everyone for the help, it seems the Subaru's are prone to this sort of thing.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 19:54

      Bugger. Maybe Mt Everest in 2020 then

      • Tasmaniac on 25/07/2017 - 21:22

        It's only $700 to Kathmandu. Didn't you see last weeks deal ?.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join