2005 Impreza cranks well but starts poorly

Asked by BilleG Jan 07, 2019 at 11:57 AM about the 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My Subaru has a new battery and the alternator output is correct.
When I turn the key I can hear the fuel pump prime and  it cranks like a
champ.
But it usually won't start unless I boost it with another vehicle - at which point
it starts instantly.
Once running it is perfect.

So I'm a bit confused - it can't really lack of spark because the car runs
perfectly. And it can't be lack of fuel because it runs perfectly...

I'm thinking it may be something with the fuel pump however, and maybe the
extra boost gets it over the hump? Or possibly some grounding issue with
the fuel pump?

Do my assumptions sound reasonable or what might I be missing?
Thanks.

3 Answers

F_O_R answered 5 years ago

I would test the battery even if it is new. Sounds like it is weak but that could be from low voltage out of the alternator. What is the alternator output?

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BilleG answered 5 years ago

The alternator output is about 14.2 volts, which seems in the right range. But that is just with a multimeter at the output so maybe all of that is not getting through to the battery? I'm not sure what you mean by "tuned it up"? It's a fuel injected car with a computerized ignition- what is there to tune-up? I've changed the plugs, wires and coil pack in the last year however.

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