Random No Crank, No Start! Ignition Switch?

[Nick Bruns]

Hello everyone. I have a recently re surfacing issue. Before I go any farther, here’s what I’ve done: Battery and alternator test good. I cleaned the contacts on the battery and the battery cables. Tested the lights (turn headlights on while in the ‘ACC’ position), battery voltage is good. Now here’s the issue. 99.5% of the time the car is fine- starts right up, no stalling, hesitation, or weirdness, but recently it’s been experiencing a no-crank, no-start condition where I turn the key and the starter solenoid clicks, the chime goes, fuel pump activates, and the dash lights turn on, but no crank. I have to turn the ignition from off to start several times and it will start, and run fine after that. No other issues. I did used to have issues where the battery would drain fast, but cleaning the contacts fixed that. I am ready to condemn the ignition switch because the key will get warm while driving I’ve noticed as well. I have yet to take apart the column though. So I wanted to get a second opinion first before I commit to taking it to a tech. One more thing, after I clear codes with my scan tool (a Bluetooth dongle), when I go to start the car after driving it, sometimes it will start then die right away, but starts and runs fine after that until I clear codes again. Weird.

Any help is appreciated! BTW, it’s a 2002 Subaru Legacy GT with a hair under 158,000 miles.

Thanks!

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

First off..
What codes are you clearing?
Next before you fire the parts cannon and replace the ignition switch.
Perhaps you should test the starting circuit.
You could be dealing with a voltage drop condition, faulty starter /starter solenoid, starter solenoid relay or perhaps a fuse box issue.
Another possible cause, if you have anti thief that could be causing a issue.

Best to attempt to eliminate as many causes and narrow the possible issue points.

[Nick Bruns]

Code is P0420 I think for the catalytic converter. I wouldn’t think it would cause an issue, but it’s done that before repeatedly after clearing the code.

How do I go about testing all of those areas?

Thanks for the reply!

[Richard Kirshy]

To start with…
You’ll need a wiring diagram of the starting circuit for your specific vehicle.
As to how to preform the testing…
There is information you can get from YouTube to assist you.

[Billy]

If it were the ignition switch, the solenoid wouldn’t click. After checking all contacts, including the ground straps, I’d be inclined to pull the starter and get it tested.

[Author]

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