Car makes a clicking sound but will not start. Battery seems to be okay since lights and accessories come on with key in the ignition. Turning the key produces a clicking sound that repeats as long as the key is turned.
This actually does sound like the battery is low on charge. A battery which is quite low on charge will still light the headlights and run many other electrical accessories, but will not engage the starter (which requires much more power than other accessories).
I would start by making sure that an electrical device, such as interior lights, glove box lights, trunk light or something else has not been left on. Then carefully jump start the engine. It is also possible that the battery might need to be replaced for not holding a charge.
SOURCE: Electrical issues with a 1997 Subaru Outback
I believe I can help with the clicking. The parking lights should be flashing Also. Whenever power is lost to the system IE the battery removed, The factory anti theft comes on. It is a small 4" x4" box hooked by steering column under dash. It has a red button you push for a few secounds and that should stop the clicking and flashing.
SOURCE: alarm sounds and car wont start on my 1995 subaru
First try to reset alarm by inserting key in drivers door lock and lock and unlock-if this does not work try tail lock as well.
SOURCE: My running lights will not turn off unless I unhook the battery.
Subaru Outback Legacy Flashing
Q. I have a 1996 Subaru Outback Legacy AWD manual transmission. the hazards flash when I turn the car off. I tried to reset the system by pushing the little black button under the drivers' side dash but it won't reset the system. I had problems with the brakes so I did not drive it for about two months and when I tried to start the car the battery was dead.
Now the brakes are fixed but the hazards won't quit flashing and the guy who repaired the car said I needed to reset the system by pushing the little black button. And I don't know if I should have it looked at, or change the battery, or if it is something very simple I can fix by my self.
Thank you very much,
Patrick
A. Patrick, you are the third person in the last two days that has come to me with this same exact problem under the same conditions. As of now I don't have any concrete information on this, but I believe the problem to be in the alarm system.
I believe the battery being disconnected or dying does something to the Anti-theft and Alarm System module and having a Subaru dealer reset the system will correct it.
If you do this and it works, please, let me know and I will pass the information on to the others.
Added 11/7/2003
Dear Mr. Ciulla,
I read your Q&A titled "Subaru Outback Legacy Flashing". I recently had the same problem on my 1996 2.5 liter Subaru Legacy Outback and your response is correct but I can give you a little more detail on what worked for me to stop the light flashing (which occurs sometimes if the battery had been dead):
There is a black reset button under the I/P near the anti-theft module.
This also resets the key FOB so as step 2.5 you should also press the "lock" button on the key FOB before releasing the black reset button (door locks will lock/unlock one more time--do this with each key FOB you own). That's all!
The questioner in your Q&A said he tried the reset button; I suspect he either didn't turn the ignition on/off or didn't hold it in for over 20 seconds.
PS... pulling the door lock fuse will stop it temporarily if you can't get the above to work and have to take it to the dealer
Regards,
John
Photo Courtesy John Spieth ©2003
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
SOURCE: 1995 Subaru Legacy LS starting problem
I agree. my '95 Legacy had the same problem. about a hundred buck bought me a new starter and the problem vanished.
SOURCE: Electrical Issues for a 1997 Subaru Outback
Its me again, You might want to have someone check the grounds for the electrical system from motor to body and body to frame. This will cause a similar broblem with the charging system to not allow it to function properly. On the brake issue I am still trying to figure the relationship to what started your problem but to no avail. Do you have the height adjusted air suspension? If so there is a procedure for bleeding the power steering system that has to be done which is lengthy to type. I will do it if this is the case and you do not have a repair manual.
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