Subaru BRZ with Proximity Key Fails to Start

[Newguyottawa]

Agreed. It is likely a locked steering wheel. Wiggle it. I have had it happen several times.

[eprosenx]

Originally Posted by 86•BRZ

If the steering is loaded against the steering lock the car can't remove the lock pin it will fail to start. Easy to work out once you know what it is.. This is a possibility...

Hmm, in both cases I don't think that the wheels were cranked at all one way or the other so I don't think there should have been tension up against the steering wheel lock.

If it happens again I will see if the steering wheel moves ok when in the "wedged" state. Thanks for the suggestion!

As to others comments about power lines, no, neither of these were anywhere near power lines.

Also, as to the link to another thread about things not starting: This is not even cranking the engine, so it is a totally different issue.

-Eric

[Trog]

I've had three start-refusals to date. The first was right in the dealers lot. In all cases I got out of the car. Closed and locked the door. Waited a few minutes.. then it will fire right up. Last week, I had an odd event when I shut the motor down after a drive, and it restarted all by itself!

I HATE keyless entry. If anyone made a KEYLESS entry delete kit, I would be first in line to buy it.

[eprosenx]

Originally Posted by Trog

I've had three start-refusals to date. The first was right in the dealers lot. In all cases I got out of the car. Closed and locked the door. Waited a few minutes.. then it will fire right up. Last week, I had an odd event when I shut the motor down after a drive, and it restarted all by itself!

I HATE keyless entry. If anyone made a KEYLESS entry delete kit, I would be first in line to buy it.

Wow, it started by itself? Do you have an automatic transmission or a manual? If it cranks the engine without the clutch depressed in a manual that could be dangerous!

I like the keyless entry/start feature a lot (have had other cars in which it has worked flawlessly).

From the posts here it sounds like several folks have had this happen. Perhaps if we can catalog everyone having this issue it would help raise visibility to Subaru.

-Eric

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by Trog

I HATE keyless entry. If anyone made a KEYLESS entry delete kit, I would be first in line to buy it.

That kit already exists, you just missed it!!

Its called the BRZ Premium.

[zc06_kisstherain]

I love old style insert key and start.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

That kit already exists, you just missed it!!

Its called the BRZ Premium.

They don't have those in the North.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by King Tut

They don't have those in the North.

Oh...

[Trog]

Originally Posted by eprosenx

Wow, it started by itself? Do you have an automatic transmission or a manual? If it cranks the engine without the clutch depressed in a manual that could be dangerous!

I like the keyless entry/start feature a lot (have had other cars in which it has worked flawlessly).

From the posts here it sounds like several folks have had this happen. Perhaps if we can catalog everyone having this issue it would help raise visibility to Subaru.

-Eric

Very spooky indeed!

This is what happened; arrived home, pulled into the driveway. Pressed the clutch and brake, then hit the STOP button. Engine stopped, and immediately restarted. Like I said, very spooky!

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by eprosenx

I am wondering if I have run into a "race" condition bug in the engine ECU where I provide control input (i.e. start signal) too soon while it is in the process of booting up still, and I get it into a "wedged" state.

The steering wheel lock is in a “wedged” state.

This second time I decided to video tape my troubleshooting procedure so that I can help the dealership/Subaru troubleshoot. See the video below:

And your video proves it.

There’s something different in your video between the initial failed attempt to start and the final successful attempt to start.

For those of you who enjoy a challenge and a puzzle, I’ll put a bit of white space between this text and the solution below. See if you can find the answer without peeking at the solution below; it’s right there. What's different?





…












The green key symbol begins blinking rapidly at about twice per second when the START button is pushed but the steering lock fails to release. The car won’t initiate its starting procedure. Normally, the key symbol blinks slowly at about once per second. That’s the “key” to understanding this non-start phenomenon. The green key symbol is NOT blinking on the display at the end when the car starts properly. That’s what differs in the video and it’s what signals the nature of the problem.

What did the driver do differently? What he did was more inadvertent than deliberate; he moved the steering wheel slightly with his hand or leg as he entered/exited the car, freeing up the steering lock, so that now the car would start normally. It had nothing whatsoever to do with fuses, keys-on-the-roof, or anything else; just the steering lock.

Very simple.

See page 165 in the Subaru Owner’s Manual.

I’ve explained this before, yet, oddly, many people reject my explanation. I’m right, though. And if you refuse to believe me, then enjoy your walk home.

This should be in a sticky, since some owners may truly be faced with walking home, and the solution is not intuitive, however obvious it may be when once seen.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by eprosenx

Also, I have noticed the passenger side window is not doing "auto-down" very well today perhaps due to the humidity. I have to press the button harder, or multiple times. Not sure if it is a switch issue, or if the force limiter is causing the "auto" down feature to kick off since there is too much friction.

It could be a switch issue; I understand there may be a modified part available now or soon.

Then again, it may just be the routine business of needing to reset the window "logic" when the glass gets stuck in cold temps. It's annoying, but apparently necessary as the glass barely clears the metal car body if closed in the fully up position; a little flex and the glass could hit the body and shatter. So, it moves up and down, but at the "expense" of regularly jamming in freezing temps. This car does not like the winter. (I love it anyway.)

To reset the passenger window, go sit in the passenger seat and perform the following: using the passenger door window switch, open the window fully, then briefly pull the switch UP momentarily, partially closing the window, repeat , and finally a third time, this time holding the switch in the UP position until the window is fully closed and then continuing to hold for a few seconds more. You may hear a click sound as the system resets itself.

Now, return to the driver side and see if the window operates properly. Hopefully, it will.

[Porsche]

Oh, I should add for the very young drivers who may not realize the obvious solution: Just wiggle the steering wheel WHILE pushing the START button, which will free up the steering wheel lock and allow the car to start. That's all one need do.

Note, too, that unlike the conventional key in the ignition lock routine where one turns the key and HOLDS it turned until the engine starts, this push start system does not require one to HOLD the START button down. Just give the button a brief press and the computer will start the car, engaging the starter for as long as necessary.

Think kindly of elderly Porsche as you DRIVE home, rather than walk. We Old Farts can still be useful from time to time.

[eprosenx]

Originally Posted by Porsche

The steering wheel lock is in a “wedged” state.

The green key symbol begins blinking rapidly at about twice per second when the START button is pushed but the steering lock fails to release. The car won’t initiate its starting procedure. Normally, the key symbol blinks slowly at about once per second. That’s the “key” to understanding this non-start phenomenon. The green key symbol is NOT blinking on the display at the end when the car starts properly. That’s what differs in the video and it’s what signals the nature of the problem.

Porsche- I tested this a couple times today and it looks like you are 100% on the money. Thanks much!

Video proof of me re-creating the issue is here:

[ame]http://youtu.be/qCIxFpxjLYk[/ame]

Indeed, this should be sticky'd!

P.S. I don't get why having the steering wheel solenoid engaged/disengaged would have any bearing on it cranking the engine for you or not, but hey, whatever... I had no clue the car could even tell if the solenoid successfully engaged/disengaged or not!!!

-Eric

[86•BRZ]

Originally Posted by eprosenx

Porsche- I tested this a couple times today and it looks like you are 100% on the money. Thanks much!

Video proof of me re-creating the issue is here:

Indeed, this should be sticky'd!

P.S. I don't get why having the steering wheel solenoid engaged/disengaged would have any bearing on it cranking the engine for you or not, but hey, whatever... I had no clue the car could even tell if the solenoid successfully engaged/disengaged or not!!!

-Eric

So this is exactly what I said in post 11, 4 days prior!

For understandable reasons, you don't want your car starting with the steering lock engaged.