Car troubles...any mechanics in the house?

[poker]

Originally Posted by AD720

Please excuse my ignorance, I have a very rudimentary knowledge of the combustion engine...


I have an 01 Outback that has had a few sporadic electrical issues.

It started as simple as the car not starting. I had it towed to a local shop to the replace the battery, which was the original.

Second issue - Upon putting the car in gear it would start to stall unless I gave it gas (automatic BTW). Eventually things got worse, I lost power steering and power brakes. This time I had it towed to dealer that I trust. The problem was a seized serpentine belt pulley, which was replaced.

Fast forward to yesterday. The car was sitting since last Wednesday. I went to start it and it wouldn't start. All the electrical works, radio, lights, alarm. The starter turns without clicking but the engine will not turn over. I called the dealer and they said without looking at it that it could be the alternator.

Before I get it towed over there does anyone have any suggestions? I have AAA so the tow is not an issue but if it is something simple like a spark plug or fuel filter I'd rather have it towed to the Pep Boys 1/2 mile away than the dealer, which is about 45 minutes.

Any suggestions are welcome.

The starter turns without clicking, but the engine does not turn? Sounds like a starter solenoid (Starter motor itself spins, but does not engage flywheel due to starter solenoid not kicking out armature.

Selinoid. sounds like it anyways. Specially with it spinning with out clicking

[Zoomschwortz]

Originally Posted by poker

The starter turns without clicking, but the engine does not turn? Sounds like a starter solenoid (Starter motor itself spins, but does not engage flywheel due to starter solenoid not kicking out armature.

Can hear the starter spinning?

Is there any grinding noise?

If you can hear the starter spinning, but the engine is not turning over (the belt in front of the engine should move) as stated above, try tapping on the starter with a hammer. If this works, you should get a new starter.

When you say that the "starter turns without clicking" do you mean that nothing is happening when you turn the ignition switch?