a few weeks ago i noticed when starting my car on cold mornings, there was about a half-second hesitation in starting (the starter cranking). now, it's gotten to the point where I turn the key on cold mornings, nothing happens until I turn it a second or third time.

a search seems to point to the starter is going out. the install seems pretty straightforward. i just need to figure out where to buy the starter from.

is there a notable difference between oem and aftermarket starters? the price seems to be twice as much at the dealer so i was wondering if anyone has any experience with an aftermarket one.

 

you sure its not the battier?

 

Yea, the colder it is the harder it is to start any car, it might not necessarily be the starter.

 

i would say get one from an autozone or an oreillys auto parts. comes with a lifetime warranty so you pretty much dont have to buy one again, just the problem of actually doing the labor. i think if you were to buy one at the dealer, i dont think it comes with a warranty, maybe a 1 year at most. quality-wise, i myself havent noticed any difference, but then again, i havent really dealt with a starter for a subaru yet, only hondas

 

Agreed with above. It may not be the starter, it may actually be your battery. How long ago (if ever) did you replace the battery?

What kind of battery is currently in the car?

 

its the battery....i just changed my battery with the same diagnoses. starts up like a charm. Mine was acting funny with the colder mornings also. I went to costco and bought theres..

 

If its the starter, then OEM.

 

I have a spare starter for sale. Let me know if you need it

 

i don't think it's the battery. i switched my battery out about two years ago (autozone duralast) and the signs when it was going out were different. there would be a "slow turn" of the starter motor when the key was engaged and then it would start.

this time around i turn the key and nothing happens, then i turn it a second or third time and it starts right up w/ no lag from the starter motor. if it is battery related, i suppose it could be a loose connection. i will double check those and maybe get the battery tested for good measure.

 

autozone does car battery check for free

 

Get a multimeater and test it yourself. Should be about 12v sitting 13-14v running and no less than 9-10v cranking.

 

I would also check the battery's ground cable, and the connections from the battery to the starter.

I've seen a lot of loose terminals that were misdiagnosed as bad starters