The starter tries to crank but sounds like a very sick cranking.
I tried to jump it, but it didn't work. Doesn't seem to point to an electrical problem because the remote and lights all seem to be working normally.
Seems to point to a bad starter to me.

The car was purchased in May 2002 and has just 37+K miles => standard warranty is just over Does the 5yr/60K mile powertrain warranty cover the starter? Doesn't seem to imply that on the Subaru website

I do have an extended warranty but I'd prefer not to have to deal with them and I believe there is a deductible if I dig up on the terms.

Anyone else has similar experience?

 

if its the starter just buy a new one

 

If you have the extended warranty, why do you choose not to use them?

 

my extended warranty (I've got 76k miles! )only set me under $100. The only issue is that they are going to charge you for checking out the car... in fact, it may even cost $200 to check out the car..... after they are done checking out the car, they could find that it is something that is NOT under warranty, in which case, you will pay $200 (or whatever sum) out of pocket.... and THEN, when you fix it, you will find that you have to pay it all.
It's a pretty ****ty feeling... but if you're certain it's something under warranty, then you'll be ok.

You should be able to differentiate whether it is a problem with your starter or spark plugs. I would find a friend that can check for you.......

 

Thanks for the input. Since I haven't gotten down to it, I'll have to read through the fineprint for the extended warranty, and also confirm that it's indeed the starter that's broken. It's just pain in the *** that the car needs to be towed in order for any service to be done unless I can work on it myself. But I guess unexpected things do happen.

 

Did you get the 30000 mile service? I think that service involves checking or changing the spark plugs. If you didn't get that service done it might just be the spark plugs are dirty.

 

I did get the 30K-mile service performed and that was at Carlsen, and that was only 6K miles ago.

 

did you try to push start it? Does it start fine and idles fine?
I thing one of the local shops can help you out. Do you have like AAA? have them tow the car back to Carlsen and they can check it out.

Nick

 

At least the starter did break by jamming in the "starting" position while the car was in motion and making the car act like it was "possesed". Happened to my wife's Camry. The tow guy had to disconnect the battery before they could "exorcise the demon" and get the engine to stop. The key had no effect. Scary.

The standard powertrain warranty for 2002 was 3yrs 60,000, miles so by my count you are still in the original powertrain warranty period until May 2005 and a car not starting / starter motor is definately powertrain so no extended warranty hassles. Just have it towed to the dealer. Worst case, its the battery and you may have to pay - not sure if that's covered - but that should be less than $100

Subaru had roadside assitance that was also part of the warranty. I'm not sure if that covers the 3ys/60 or just the first yr/30,000. You should have the number somewhere in the user package they gave you. Call them and see if you can get a free tow.