Is your Subaru Crosstrek refusing to start? If yes, you’re probably up and down looking for ideas on what could be wrong with your vehicle. Luckily, this guide will help you out. We’ll share with you helpful info on what could be causing your car to behave this way and what to do to get it back up and running.
Subaru Crosstrek won’t start is mainly caused by a dead battery. However, there’s a whole list of other potential causes behind this problem including a bad alternator, bad starter motor, ignition switch malfunction, ignition system issues, fuel delivery system issues, faulty engine sensors, wiring issues, and more.
This article comprehensively covers all the possible culprits behind your non-starting Subaru Crosstrek. We’ll also share valuable insights on how to troubleshoot each of these culprits. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have gained the necessary knowledge to help you handle your Crosstrek refusal to start.
Potential Reasons Why Your Subaru Crosstrek Won’t Start
This section covers ALL the possible reasons why your Subaru Crosstrek may be failing to start when you turn on the car
Slabá nebo vybitá baterie
This is the most common reason why your vehicle won’t start. As you already know, Your car battery stores the power needed to turn on the starter motor, which then cranks your engine.
If the battery is dead or doesn’t have sufficient charge, then the starter motor won’t be powered and your car won’t come on.
Řešení: Check if your battery is fine by testing its voltage output using a multimeter. Simply set the multimeter to the voltage range of your battery and then connect it to the terminals of your battery.
Ideally, the multimeter should display a voltage range of 12 to 13V. If it displays anything 14V or below 11.5V, your battery may be defective. Inspect it further and see if it needs a replacement.
A temporary fix for a dead battery is jumpstarting your car with a healthy battery from another car or using a battery booster.
Zkorodované vývody baterie
If the battery is good and has enough charge, then the problem might be a poor connection. This could be caused by corroded terminals or loose terminals causing poor electrical connection and reduced current flow.
Řešení: Inspect your battery terminals for signs of corrosion and clean them to ensure proper current flow. Also, if the terminals are loose, make sure you tighten and secure them for proper flow of current to the components involved in starting your car.
Selhávající alternátor
If your Subaru alternator is failing, it may also make the engine fail to start. The alternator in your car has the crucial task of producing electricity to charge your battery. If it’s malfunctioning, your battery won’t be charged. A drained battery will then be unable to start your car.
Řešení: If the alternator starts malfunctioning, you should replace it with a new one. However, you’d want to look for additional symptoms of a failing alternator and have it checked by a qualified mechanic to confirm if it needs a replacement.
Špatný startér motoru
Your Subaru starter motor doesn’t last forever. It usually wears out with regular use and at some point, it will start to malfunction.
If you turn the key and nothing happens, your starter is likely the issue.
Also, if your car turns over slightly and gradually and the dash lights dim during cranking, this could indicate a bad starter.
Řešení: If your starter starts malfunctioning, you’ll need to replace it.
Nefunkční spínač zapalování
The ignition switch operates your Crosstrek starter motor. It allows current to flow to the starter motor.
Therefore, if it malfunctions, it affects the power supply to the motor, making your engine fail to start.
Řešení: You’ll need to inspect the ignition switch, including to wiring and connections. If you find the switch to be faulty, replace it with a new one.
A failing switch will eventually die and stop working, so the earlier you replace it the better.
Znečištěné zapalovací svíčky
Spark plugs are part of your car ignition. They create the spark required to burn fuel in your car.
Therefore, if they go bad, they’ll also make your car experiencing starting problems.
Fouled spark plugs are the most common culprit behind a hard starting engine.
Řešení: The best solution for a bad spark plug is to replace it with a new one.
Problémy se systémem dodávky paliva
If your fuel delivery system is problematic, it can also stop the engine from receiving proper fuel supply and it may not start as a result.
For instance, if you don’t have sufficient in the fuel tank, your engine won’t start.
Here are common fuel delivery system issues that could cause your engine not to start:
- Defective fuel pump: A faulty pump won’t be able to deliver enough fuel to the engine and it’ll be unable to start.
- Ucpaný palivový filtr: Clogging limits fuel flow through the filter, making the fuel engine unable to receive enough fuel for combustion.
- Znečištěné palivo: If the fuel inside your car has too much water or alcohol in it, it will increase the possibility of your engine starting.
- Vadné vstřikovače paliva: If the injectors are dirty/clogged, your engine won’t receive enough fuel for combustion, resulting in a no-start situation.
Řešení: Here, you’ll need to troubleshoot your fuel delivery system. Start by confirming whether your fuel tank has an adequate amount of fuel. Also, check if the fuel is contaminated.
Next, check if the pump is functioning properly by turning the ignition to the ON position and listening for a humming sound. Inspect the filter and injectors as well and replace them if they’re faulty.
Bad engine sensors
The camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are tasked with providing your vehicle computer with crucial info about your vehicle engine position and speed.
If these sensors become faulty, your car computer will be unable to obtain the info it needs to correctly initiate fuel injection or ignition.
Řešení: Locate the position of these sensors and inspect them for proper functionality.
Alternatively, you can scan your car computer for any available trouble codes to help you find out which sensor is faulty.
Problémy s imobilizérem
Subaru vehicles usually come equipped with an immobilizer security system, which prevents unauthorized access to your car.
If this system starts malfunctioning, it can also make your engine not start. For instance, it may fail to recognize your key or transponder even if they’re valid.
If the security light is on your dash, it could be confirming an issue with the immobilizer.
Řešení: Check if the key battery is dead and replace it. Try to reinsert the key more firmly you’re your car ignition. You can try to re-synchronize the key with your vehicle computer.
If nothing seems to work, or if this system seems faulty, have it checked by a mechanic.
Chybné zapojení
If your Crosstrek has any underlying wiring or electrical issues, they may also make the engine fail to start.
Any damaged wiring, faulty connections, etc. can disrupt the flow of electricity to essential components for starting the car, leading to a failed start.
For instance, the wiring running from the battery to the starter may become loose or broken and affect the starter functionality.
Řešení: Inspect the wires and cables related to the starting system for damage, faulty connections, etc., and repair or replace them as necessary.
Why Your Subaru Crosstrek Is Not Starting And Makes A Clicking Noise
When your Subaru Crosstrek won’t start and is making clicking noise, you should first check if your battery is dead.
If the battery checks out, there are other pontifical causes to consider including faulty motor starter, bad ignition switch, corroded/loose battery connections, or malfunctioning starter relay.
Have your car inspected by a qualified auto mechanic to help you accurately diagnose and fix this issue in your Subaru Crosstrek.
Why Your Subaru Crosstrek Is Intermittently Not Starting
If your Subaru Crosstrek is failing to start intermittently, you should consider various culprits such as:
- Corroded or loose battery terminals/connections
- Vadný spínač zapalování
- Vadný startér motoru
- Malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor
- Vadné palivové čerpadlo
However, you’ll need to have your car diagnosed by a qualified auto mechanic to help you accurately determine the exact cause of this problem.
What Causes Your New Subaru Crosstrek Not To Start?
If your new Subaru Crosstrek won’t start, you probably have a bad battery. Test the battery to see if it has enough charge.
If the battery isn’t the problem, you should check other likely causes such as issues with the immobilizer key, an empty fuel tank, or a dead fob battery.
Since your car is new, it means it’s still under warranty, so you can try reaching out to your dealership to see if they can inspect the car for you and fix the underlying issue.
We come across this Redditor who claims to have experienced a similar issue.
On reaching out to the dealership, they said that all new cars tend to drain their cars in days. They advised the car owner to drive the car daily.
Why Your Subaru Crosstrek Won’t Start And Dash Lights Are Flashing
Sometimes your Crosstrek may fail to start and at the same time, the dashboard lights will come on.
The most likely culprits, in this case, include a dead battery, poor battery connection, failing alternator, bad ignition switch, and poor ground connection.
Have your vehicle diagnosed to find out the exact cause and have it fixed.
While the Subaru Crosstrek may present its set of starting issues, it’s interesting to note that such problems are not confined to this model alone. For those driving the larger Subaru Ascent, there have been instances of ignition challenges. To understand more about this, our comprehensive article on why a Subaru Ascent won’t start provides insights into common problems and potential solutions. Venturing outside of Subaru, even robust models like the Nissan Xterra can face their own unique ignition hurdles. For Xterra enthusiasts or owners who’ve encountered a peculiar clicking noise during ignition, our detailed guide on the Nissan Xterra not starting with a clicking noise can be particularly enlightening.
Nejčastější dotazy:
Why is my Subaru Crosstrek not cranking?
Your Subaru Crosstrek isn’t cranking because of a weak or dead battery, ignition system issues, faulty starter motor, or electrical system faults.
What causes my Subaru Crosstrek to crank but won’t start?
If your Subaru cranks but won’t start, the most likely issues include a bad battery, fouled sparks, lack of fuel in the fuel tank, or a failing starter motor.
Kde je startér na Subaru Crosstrek?
The starter on Subaru Crosstrek is usually located near the transmission. You’ll find it bolted between the transmission housing and the engine. If you’re not sure about the starter location in your car, be sure to consult your car owner’s manual.
Here’s a video showing the Subaru Crosstrek starter location:
Video:
Proč investovat do čističky vzduchu?
When your Subaru Crosstrek refuses to start, there are many potential culprits to consider. These include a bad battery, bad starter motor, bad alternator, failing ignition switch, fuel delivery system issues, bad spark plugs, or immobilizer issues. Bad engine sensor and faulty wiring are additional culprits to consider.
A thorough diagnosis of your car will help you find out the exact cause of this problem and resolve it. The first thing to check is whether your battery is dead. If the battery is good, you can move on to other potential causes listed above. If you’re unable to diagnose your car by yourself, have a mechanic do it for you.
Starting problems are a major concern, especially for vehicles using a smart key to start such as the Subaru Crosstrek. You may have experienced your Subaru Crosstrek not starting when you ignite. But ever wondered what causes this issue?
Why your Subaru Crosstrek won’t start? The main reasons behind the problem are a weak or dead car battery, a defective alternator and a broken starter. It may also be due to poor electrical connections, a faulty fuel system, or a blown fuse. Poor ground or battery connection can also cause your vehicle not to start.
In this guide, we shall discuss the main problems causing your Subaru Crosstrek not to start and the possible solution to these problems.
Subaru Crosstrek Won’t Start – Quick Overview!
Check the table below to have a quick overview of the causes for your Subaru Crosstrek not starting and the possible solutions.
| Reason Subaru Crosstrek won’t start | Možné řešení |
|---|---|
| Vybitá autobaterie nebo špatné připojení baterie | Dobijte nebo vyměňte baterii |
| Zajistěte správné připojení na svorkách baterie | |
| Očistěte zkorodované vývody baterie | |
| Vadný alternátor | Vyměňte jej za nový alternátor |
| Vadný startér nebo vybitá baterie klíčenky | Vyměňte hlavu startéru |
| Vyměňte baterii klíčenky | |
| Vyhořelá pojistka | Vyměňte spálenou pojistku |
| Zkontrolujte připojení vodičů, zda nejsou vadná | |
| Prázdná palivová nádrž nebo ucpané palivové filtry | Doplňte palivovou nádrž |
| Clean clogged filters and replace them if needed | |
| Faulty electrical connections between the battery and the starter | Zkontrolujte připojení vodičů a opravte poškozené nebo uvolněné spoje |
| Poor ground wire connection | Reinforce the connection with a conductor onto the chassis |
Subaru Crosstrek Won’t Start – (Common Causes And Possible Solutions!)
Below are the causes of your Subaru Crosstrek not starting and solutions you can DIY at the garage. For complex issues, consult a qualified mechanic.
1. Vybitá nebo slabá baterie
Battery-related problems are the significant causes of your vehicle not starting. The car battery provides start-up power to the electrical components that cause the engine to start.
If your battery dies, the ignition switch doesn’t get enough power to start the engine.
Co mám dělat?
Před výměnou nebo dobitím baterie zkontrolujte napětí baterie a zjistěte, zda se jedná o příčinný problém nebo ne pomocí níže uvedeného postupu.
- Vypněte auto a otevřete kapotu, abyste získali přístup k autobaterii
- Odšroubujte kryt baterie a odkryjte baterii
- Odstraňte plastová/pryžová pouzdra na svorkách baterie
- Odpojte vodiče na svorkách
- Připojte svorky voltmetru k oběma svorkám baterie
- Check the readings on the voltmeter
If the voltmeter reads between 12.4 volts and 12.7 volts, the battery is in good condition, and you should proceed with further diagnosis.
If the voltage reads below 12.4V, recharge it with a trickle-slow process. For voltage above 12.9, turn on the high beams to remove the excess charge. You can also discharge the battery by connecting a 20 ohm, 10W resistor across the battery terminals.
Keep checking the voltage level and stop the discharge once it hits the 12v standard mark.
For a dead battery, replace the battery with a new battery and use the recommended type and size following the process above.
2. Poor Connections And Corroded Terminals
If you confirm that the battery is in good condition, move on to check the connections and whether the battery terminals are corroded. Also, check the calipers which get worn out due to acidic corrosion leading to loose connections.
The battery may suffer from loose connections at the terminals, mainly when corrosion occurs. Corroded terminals reduce current flow affecting the starter powering unit.
Co mám dělat?
- Clean the battery terminals to remove any corrosion using a soft brush and tighten any loose connections.
- Use clean hot water to melt the corrosion and ensure the terminals are not immersed in water for possible short-circuiting.
Your Subaru Crosstrek should now start without any battery problems.
3. A Defective Alternator
Alternátor dobíjí autobaterii přeměnou mechanické energie na elektrickou energii. Vadný alternátor ovlivňuje nabíjecí systém a baterie se vybije, i když je nová.
Co mám dělat?
Vyměňte vadný alternátor za nový a ujistěte se, že má podobné vlastnosti, jaké doporučuje výrobce.
Při výměně alternátoru postupujte podle následujících kroků.
- Krok 1: Vypněte auto a odpojte svorky baterie
- Krok 2: Najděte připojení kabelů na zadní straně alternátoru a opatrně je odpojte
- Krok 3: Odstraňte řemen připevněný k řemenici na předním konci alternátoru
- Krok 4: Najděte a odšroubujte šrouby a šrouby držící alternátor
- Krok 5: Získejte nový alternátor a vyměňte jej a držte jej na místě pomocí šroubů
4. Poor ground wire connection
The ground wire connection completes the electrical and the ignition system by providing an earthing for efficient current flow. When the connection is faulty, the current doesn’t flow as intended and the end result is your vehicle not starting when ignited.
The ground connection is caused by too much insulation of the engine and its components from the chassis to absorb vibrations. The insulation cuts the flow of the ground connection to the chassis.
Co mám dělat?
Introduce a cable connection from the engine and the starter motor to the chassis to complete the earthing connection. The ground connection allows the flow of electrons in the ignition system for efficient starting of the engine.
5. Faulty Electrical Connections
Aby startér fungoval, musí být napájen z baterie. Pokud jsou spoje uvolněné nebo poškozené hlodavci, vaše vozidlo nenastartuje. Proto musíte zkontrolovat kabelové připojení od baterie k hlavě startéru.
Co mám dělat?
Opravte zlomené nebo poškozené části podél spojů. Vyměňte také všechny kabely a příslušenství, které jsou neopravitelné.
Izolujte jemné kabely a příslušenství, jako jsou pojistky a spoje. Utáhněte všechny uvolněné spoje nebo spoje, které mohou ztrácet výkon.
6. Faulty Starter Or Weak Key Fob Battery
Pokud zkontrolujete elektrický systém a potvrdíte, že je v dobrém stavu, ale váš vůz nenastartuje, zvažte kontrolu hlavy startéru a přívěsku na klíče, zda nejsou možné problémy.
Check if the starter key is broken or damaged so it fails to complete the electrical circuit. Also, check the key fob battery with a voltmeter.
Co mám dělat?
Replace the key fob battery and test if the vehicle will ignite and keep the key fob within range for efficient functionality.
Also, replace the damaged starter with a new OEM part that fits the starter groove following the process below.
- Press the ignition button to switch off the vehicle and disconnect the negative and the positive cables from the battery terminals
- Pomocí šroubováku odšroubujte šrouby a klipsy držící startér na místě
- Opatrně odpojte kabely připojené ke startéru od palubní desky, aby nedošlo k poškození kabelů
- Vyjměte startér z vozidla zatlačením do palubní desky
- Získejte nový startér a upevněte jej do drážky. Držte jej na místě pomocí šroubů a nůžek a zajistěte, aby pevně držel
- Vyměňte kabelové spoje do nového startéru v pořadí uvedeném v návodu
The replacement cost will vary between $70 and $100.
7. Spálená pojistka
Pojistka může být poškozena v případě nadměrného proudu v elektrickém systému, zejména pokud je vadný alternátor. Otevřete pojistkovou skříňku a zkontrolujte pojistky pomocí zkušebního šroubu, abyste zkontrolovali tok proudu.
Spálené pojistky jsou často zbarveny s přepáleným efektem v důsledku nadměrného proudu. Spálenými pojistkami přitom neprotéká proud.
Co mám dělat?
Najděte a vyměňte spálené pojistky. Můžete také zkontrolovat problém s elektrickým připojením, který způsobil vypálení pojistky.
8. Faulty Fuel Pump Or Clogged Fuel Filters
Vadné palivové čerpadlo snižuje množství paliva, které se dostává do motoru ke spalování. V situacích s vysokou poptávkou, jako je velké zatížení, motor nenastartuje, protože vyžaduje více energie.
Palivové filtry mohou být ucpané nečistotami v palivu nebo částicemi nasávanými netěsnostmi. Takové nečistoty ucpávají palivový filtr a snižují přívod paliva do motoru.
Co mám dělat?
Vyměňte palivové čerpadlo za ekvivalentní náhradní čerpadlo OEM a zajistěte, aby v palivovém systému nedocházelo k únikům. Vyměňte také ucpaný palivový filtr pro efektivní přívod paliva do motoru.
Výměna palivového čerpadla;
- Začněte odpojením hadic čerpadla a brzdových vedení připojených k čerpadlu
- Odšroubujte šrouby a matice držící čerpadlo na místě a opatrně jej vyjměte, aniž byste poškodili připojené příslušenství
If the fuel pump is in good condition but won’t start, check the fuel filter for any clogged parts.
Open the fuel filter portion by unscrewing the bolts and replacing the fuel filter with a new one. For a completely damaged fuel pump and filter,
- Replace it with the new fuel pump
- Use the screws to hold the new pump in position and ensure that the pump is correctly placed
- Připojte hadice a další příslušenství připojené k palivovému čerpadlu
Nejčastější dotazy
Read the frequently asked questions below by other Subaru Crosstrek users whose vehicles won’t start.
Q: Why Does My Subaru Crosstrek Engine Crank But Won’t Start?
Váš motor se může protočit, ale nenastartovat kvůli nízkému napětí v baterii nebo uvolněnému spojení, které dodává málo energie do startéru, ale nestačí k nastartování motoru.
Check the battery and related connections for a smooth start to your Subaru Crosstrek. Also, inspect for corrosion and worn-out terminal clippers.
Q: After How Long Should I Replace My Subaru Crosstrek Car Battery?
Replace your car battery after 4-5 years. The battery lifespan may be extended for up to 7 years with proper care and maintenance, depending on the usage frequency.
Q: How Do I Know My Subaru Crosstrek Battery Is Running Low?
A dead Subaru Crosstrek battery has dim front and backlights that may not switch into full blast. Another indicator is flickering dashboard lights that can be observed when you start the vehicle.
In extreme conditions, the vehicle doesn’t start or cranks slowly and goes off.
Proč investovat do čističky vzduchu?
Existuje mnoho důvodů, proč Subaru Crosstrek won’t start, but most of the starting problems are caused by power supply problems or connections in the electrical system. However, Subaru Crosstrek starting problems can easily be rectified if detected early enough.
Zajistěte správnou údržbu a servis svého vozu, abyste předešli problémům se startováním. Poškozené díly můžete bezpečně opravit nebo vyměnit ve své garáži. V případě složitých problémů, jako jsou opravy motoru, však vyhledejte mechanickou pomoc.
