Why is my Subaru not cranking?

Most no-crank Subaru issues stem from a dead or weak battery, a failing starter or solenoid, or an ignition/neutral-safety/immobilizer problem. This article walks you through quick, safe checks and deeper diagnostics to help you identify the cause and decide what to fix or where to seek help.

Common causes of a no-crank condition

Subarus share several frequent failure points that prevent the engine from turning over. Understanding these helps you prioritize your troubleshooting.

• Dead or weak battery or poor battery connections


• Failing starter motor or solenoid


• Blown fuses or faulty relays in the starting circuit


• Ignition switch or anti-theft/immobilizer system preventing crank


• Neutral safety switch (automatic) or clutch interlock (manual) not detecting proper gear


• Crankshaft position sensor or other engine sensors failing to signal the ECU

Conclusion: Start with the battery and electrical connections, then verify the starting circuit and gear selector conditions before moving to more advanced checks.

Quick checks you can perform safely

These steps help determine if the problem is a simple electrical issue or something more complex. Do them with the key out of the ignition and the parking brake set, and avoid touching terminals with metal tools.

• Test the battery voltage with the engine off; healthy batteries typically show 12.6 volts or more. If you see significantly less, charge or replace the battery.


• Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and ensure clamps are tight. Clean corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water if needed.


• Try to jump-start the vehicle with a known-good battery or booster pack; if the engine cranks when jump-started, the problem is likely the battery or alternator.


• Check for a clicking sound when turning the key. A rapid clicking often indicates a weak battery or poor connections; a single click may be a failing starter solenoid.


• Check relevant fuses and relays in the fuse block, especially the starting/EFI relays. Replace blown fuses with ones of the correct rating.


• Verify the gear is fully in Park (automatic) or the clutch pedal is fully depressed (manual) to satisfy the neutral safety/clutch interlock.

Conclusion: If the car still won't crank after these checks, move to more in-depth diagnostics or seek professional help.

Deeper diagnostics: Narrowing down the cause

When quick checks don’t nail the problem, focus on the starting circuit, immobilizer, sensors, and wiring. The steps below help isolate the issue more precisely. Some steps require basic tools; if you're unsure, contact a mechanic.

Battery health and charging system

A failing alternator or sulfated battery can leave you with sufficient lights but no crank. Check the battery's resting voltage and consider a load test if available.

• Measure voltage with engine off and again with the key in ACC, noting any drop under load; voltage should remain above ~12.0 V when the engine is cranking.


• Inspect alternator belt condition and listen for unusual whining or slipping belts; a bad alternator can drain the battery while driving or fail to recharge.


• Consider professional battery or alternator test if you have access to a multimeter or an auto parts shop test.

Conclusion: Battery and charging issues are common; testing these components early saves time.

Starter motor and ignition system

If the engine doesn't crank and you hear a mechanical grinding or no movement at all, the problem could be the starter or its solenoid, or the ignition switch not sending the start signal to the starter.

• Check for audible sounds: a single clunk when turning the key may indicate a sticking solenoid; persistent grinding could indicate a damaged starter gear.


• Inspect wiring to the starter for loose connections or corrosion; dirty grounds can impede current flow.


• Test or have tested the starter relay; swapping with a known-good relay can confirm.

Conclusion: A faulty starter or ignition switch is a common no-crank cause and often requires a replacement or professional service.

Neutral safety switch and transmission interlock

For automatic transmissions, the car must sense Park or Neutral; for manuals, the clutch interlock must be depressed. If this switch is faulty or out of adjustment, the starter won't engage.

• Ensure the car is fully in Park or Neutral; test by shifting while attempting to crank in different gears.


• If the vehicle cranks in a different gear, the neutral safety switch could be faulty; replacement or adjustment may be required.

Conclusion: Gear selector issues are a common but fixable cause of no-crank in Subarus.

Immobilizer/PATS and ignition key issues

Subaru models with the immobilizer (Passive Anti-Theft System or PATS) will not crank if the key is not recognized or the system is malfunctioning.

• Check the immobilizer indicator light on the dash; if it stays on or blinks, the key may not be recognized.


• Try using a spare key if available; worn or damaged keys can fail transponder checks.


• In some cases, a faulty ignition cylinder or security module requires dealership or locksmith service to reprogram or repair.

Conclusion: If the immobilizer is the issue, professional diagnosis is often required to avoid lockouts or permanent immobilization.

Crank position sensor and engine sensors

Modern Subarus rely on signals from crankshaft position sensors and other engine sensors to initiate starting. A fault can prevent cranking or energize the starting circuit incorrectly.

• Inconsistent or no signals from the crank sensor can prevent starting; diagnostic codes can help identify sensor faults.


• Electrical connectors and harnesses behind the engine should be inspected for corrosion or loose connections.

Conclusion: Sensor faults are possible culprits; professional diagnostics with a scan tool can confirm.

Wiring, grounds, and fuses

A damaged harness, blown fuse, or loose ground can interrupt the path from battery to starter.

• Inspect main grounding points and ensure metal-to-metal contact; clean corrosion if present.


• Look for damaged wiring near the engine bay, fuse box, or battery tray; repair as needed.


• Replace blown fuses and check for intermittent fuse failures that might indicate a broader electrical issue.

Conclusion: Electrical integrity in the starting circuit is essential for reliable cranking.

What to do next if your Subaru still won't crank

If you have worked through these checks and the problem persists, it's time to turn to professional help. A professional mechanic or roadside assistance can perform a comprehensive diagnostic, including wiring checks, specialty tests, and safety-critical inspections.

Summary

Most Subaru no-crank situations come down to battery and charging problems, a failing starter, or a safety/immobilizer or transmission interlock issue. Start with the simplest checks—battery health, clean and tight terminals, and function of the gear selector—and then move to targeted tests of the starter, ignition system, immobilizer, sensors, and wiring. When in doubt, seek professional diagnostic help to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure safe operation.

Why is my Subaru turning on but not starting?

Electrical system issues, such as blown fuses, corroded battery terminals, or damaged wiring, can also prevent a Subaru car from starting. It's essential to inspect the electrical system components and connections for signs of damage or corrosion and address any issues promptly.

Why won't my car crank but I have power?

If your car won't crank but has power, the most likely culprits are a bad starter motor, loose or corroded battery cables, or a faulty ignition switch. Other causes include a weak battery that can't provide enough power for the starter, an alternator issue, or a problem with the vehicle's fuel system. 
Common electrical problems

• Bad starter motor or solenoid: This is a very common cause. You might hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, but the engine won't turn over. 
• Weak or dead battery: Even if your lights and radio work, the battery may not have enough cranking amps to start the engine. It can be a sign of a failing battery or one that's been drained. 
• Loose or corroded battery terminals: Corroded terminals or loose connections can prevent the starter from receiving the necessary power, even if the battery itself is fine. 
• Faulty ignition switch: A worn-out ignition switch can fail to send the signal to the starter to crank the engine. 
• Bad alternator: A failing alternator can't charge the battery properly, which will eventually lead to a weak battery that can't start the car. You might notice the battery light on the dashboard before this happens. 

This video explains common reasons why a car won't start, even with power, including a bad starter motor or a faulty ignition switch: 46sHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · Jan 24, 2024
Other potential issues

• Problems with the fuel system: If the starter is engaging but the engine isn't catching, there could be a fuel-related problem, such as a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. 
• Blown fuse: A fuse related to the starting system could be blown. 
• Park/Neutral safety switch: If your car is an automatic, a faulty park/neutral safety switch can prevent the car from starting if it doesn't sense the gear selector is in park or neutral. 

What to check

1. Tighten battery terminals: Check the clamps at the ends of your battery cables and make sure they are tight and free of corrosion. 
2. Check the gear selector: For automatic vehicles, ensure the gear selector is firmly in "Park" or "Neutral". 
3. Listen for sounds: Turn the key to the "start" position.
   • If you hear a single click or whirring noise, it could be a starter solenoid or starter motor issue. 
   • If you hear a rapid clicking, the battery may be weak. 
4. Try a jump-start: A jump-start can help determine if the battery is the problem. If the car starts with a jump, your battery is likely the issue. 
5. Consider professional help: If the simple checks don't work, it's best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose the problem to avoid further damage. 

This video demonstrates how to check for loose or corroded battery terminals, which is a common cause of a car not starting: 1mAuto V Fix YouTube · Jun 14, 2025

Why won't my Subaru crank over?

One of the most common reasons a Subaru won't start is a dead or weak battery. If you hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine or the lights on your dashboard appear dim, the issue is likely with the battery. Over time, batteries lose their charge and need to be replaced.

What are the most common causes of a no crank problem?

The most common causes of a no-crank problem are a dead or weak battery, a faulty starter motor, or issues with the starter's electrical connections. Less frequent but possible causes include problems with the ignition switch, blown fuses or relays, a faulty anti-theft system, or wiring problems. 
Common causes

• Dead or weak battery: A flat battery is the most frequent cause. A weak battery may not have enough power to turn the starter, even if lights and other electronics work. 
• Poor electrical connections: Loose, corroded, or dirty battery terminals prevent sufficient power from reaching the starter motor. 
• Faulty starter motor: The starter motor itself could be broken, preventing the engine from cranking. You might hear a clicking sound if the starter motor is trying to engage but can't. 

Other potential causes

• Faulty ignition switch: The switch that you turn with the key could be broken, preventing power from reaching the starter. 
• Blown fuses or bad relays: The starter circuit is protected by fuses and a relay. If either fails, it can cut power to the starter. 
• Faulty anti-theft system: A malfunctioning immobilizer or anti-theft system can prevent the engine from cranking. 
• Wiring issues: Damaged or broken wires in the starting circuit can prevent the starter from receiving power. 
• Seized engine: In severe cases, a seized engine can stop the crankshaft from turning, making a no-crank condition occur. This is a much more serious and less common mechanical issue.