After unhooking the battery. [Q]
 

So I understand that unhooking the battery resets the ecu. Does anyone else have to pump the clutch and attempt to start about 5-7 times before it turns over or even attempts to start?

Why would you need to pump the clutch...?

It sounds like their is an issue with your clutch and it's not disengaging the trans from the engine.

Maybe a leak in the system?

I guess the question is this: is it abnormal for the car to not start on the first attempt after reconnecting the battery?

Yes that is abnormal.

From the logical sense of it...it seems like disconnecting the battery makes your clutch lose hydraulic pressure... which means there is a fault somewhere in the clutch.

That's.. Wonderful.. It's done this the entire time I have owned the vehicle.

I think the clutch thing is a red herring. How could disconnecting the battery possibly cause the clutch to lose pressure?

More than likely either a finnicky clutch lockout switch or it's mis-adjusted.

Never had the problem after disconnecting many times. It runs rough until you get through your re-calibration period but it always starts with just the button. This is with replacement air filter, intake hose and nameless down pipe/exhaust.

PS - if you are all stock - perhaps have the dealer re-flash to the latest map...

I'm running oft stg 1. It did this prior to that though

Also, it could have nothing to do with the clutch. That is just part of the car start procedure. Clutch, key on. It's odd to me that the starter doesn't even try.

This happens to my car also. It usually takes 3 attempts before the car starts. I've flashed new maps maybe 20 times and the same thing occurred.

Just tested. On my car I can depress the clutch and leave it, but it will still take 6 on off cycles before the starter actually turns

I think I can solve this.

I used to have a problematic Subaru Outback XT. When I would disconnect the battery to clear the codes, the same thing would happen, it would take a long time to start.

I asked a few forums why, and a guy came back with something to the effect of "the ECU is running a systems check to make sure everything is still there. It had indicated a no power situation"

If you could, disconnect the battery and reconnect it like you usually do, then when you go to start the car, switch the key to the ON position for about 10-20 seconds, then try and start it. Let us know what happens.