legacycentral bbs

Had a problem yesterday. My 93 turbo wagon (w/150k) wouldn't start. All the accessories worked and lights were good. When I turned the key over to start... the starter didn't crank over... nothing. Came back about 30 minutes later and it started right up. Any ideas? Need a new ignition switch? (I had forgotten to put it into park before I turned off the ignition when I last drove it - would that have any effect?) Car is new to me so I'm learning it's quirks.

Eric
93 Legacy Touring Wagon
02 Mazda Protege5

So what exactly happened when you turned the key? Did the lights dim? Did the starter try to turn or click or anything?
Was the engine hot or cold?

There are a number of things that could cause similar problems. I think the battery cables being loose or corroded; particularly the negative one could cause this. Perhaps your battery itself is on its way out or the terminals need cleaned. Maybe it is your starter. Ignition switch, maybe, but probably not.
Or whatever tells the rest of the car that the transmission is in park could be on the fritz or maladjusted. I’ve never had an automatic so I have very little experience in this arena.

If you are handy you could check a few of these things.

Near by where I live there is a battery shop that will, for free, test you under hood electrical system; things like the alternator, battery, cables, and the amps drawn by the starter, and probably some other things as well. You could check in you area for a similar facility and take advantage if you can.


I don't know if not putting it in park before turning it off would have any affect or not, but I do not believe it would.