trawson

So this morning we tried one last time with the extra key -- and it started. Drove it to the mechanic's and he tested everything, no problem. Tried the other key and it worked. Very odd. Now we don't know if / when it will fail again. Tom

Thanks folks. Will definitely try the hammer. How do you get this starter out? One bolt is reasonably accessible from above. Found one more underneath toward the L side of the car but I don't think I have the tools to access it. And presumably there is a third somewhere underneath toward the R that I haven't found yet? Tom

A little more info ... the clicking does not keep going. It clicks maybe 8 - 10 (?) times and then stops. Turn the key off and back on, it will do it again. There is no measurable voltage drop in either cable while attempting to start. Tom

We have a low mileage 2007 Legacy. Yesterday it suddenly would not start, but clicks continuously when the key is turned to the start position. I know this is usually an indication of not enough power to the starter, but ... The battery was new about 12 - 15 months ago. Battery voltage is ~12.5, a jump start attempt brings this up to ~13.1 but it still just clicks. The resistance of the ground cable measures out at about 1.5 ohms from the battery terminal to the bolt on the engine block (on 20 ohm scale, lowest I have). We got about 2 ohms from the battery terminal to other points on the frame. The positive cable measures at 1 ohm or less from the battery terminal to the bolt on the back of the starter. So to me both cables seem good. There is no visible corrosion. Also the start attempt does not drop the battery voltage noticeably, nor does it dim the headlights even slightly. So despite the classic symptoms of battery problems, we suspect the starter. Anyone have other thoughts? Experience with this? Other tests to do? Thanks! Tom