Hi,

Years ago, a co-worker had a second "night job" driving a tow truck. He
always carried a six pack of Coca Cola in the cab. Purpose: it was the
best "field cleaner" anybody knew of for corroded connections. He said
it's gotta be Coca Cola--apparently that brand has more of the "good
stuff" than others--and gotta be the "real" stuff, not the diet or any
other variants. Yeah, you're gonna have a sticky mess to clean up when
you get home, but if it gets you there, that's a small price to pay, no?

Rick

My experience with the symtems you describe has be a problem
with a buildup of crud between the battery terminals and the
attachment of the cables. There is enough contact for a
small amount of current to flow but when the higher drain of
a starter is just too much. Cleaning the terminals and
re-tightening the cables solved the problem. If it happens
somewhere inconvenient just attempting to gently twist the
cables on the terminal post is usually enough to get you home.
YMMV

Hi all,
I have a 2000 outback, 2.5L. For the past month or so its had a
problem getting steadily worse - first thing in the morning when I
turn the key it only makes a "click" - the starter doesn't turn at
all. After about 10 key turns the starter finally engages, it starts
fine, and is usually fine the rest of the day. The battery voltage is
good.

Its in the shop now, and the guy is telling me he thinks it is the
fuel pump. Is that possible? Would a lack of fuel pressure disengage
the starter? My experience with cars is with older volkswagens where
the starter and fuel pump circuits are independent - a bad fuel pump
would still let the starter turn.

Thanks for any help.

cheers,
Jeff