> Florian /FFF/ wrote:
> >> I have a 1998 2.5 Legacy GT Wagon with a strangestarterissue. >
> >> In cold weather, thestarterwon't work. I can hear a click and the
> >> battery seem to be charged. Turning the key in the ignition again and
> >> again eventually turns the engine over. In warmer weather, not a
> >> problem. It has also happened twice that thestarterdid not disengage
> >> after turning over the engine.
>
> > Remove thestartermotor and apply grease to the shaft that thestarter
> > gear moves along.
> > Reinstallstartermotor.
>
> > =A0Turning off the ignition completely
> >> doesn't help. Does that seem like astarterissue or a wiring issue? >
> I was taught never under any circumstances to grease or lubricate this
> shaft (Bendix), as this will cause extra friction on the solinoid,
> slowing down the engagement and disingagement of the drive gear.
> Clean the bendix in Petrol, dry then reassemble.
> The accumulation of dust from the clutch can also cause problems in the > Bendix.
> This may or may not clear your problem, but in general I have found to
> replace the complete stater to give the best results.
> You could end up trying several thing, and still need to replace thestart= er.
For what it's worth, replacing the starter fixed the issue. The brushes and solenoid are not "user serviceable".
The cost of the repair (parts, labor, 8.375% NYC tax): $321.87