So... about 2 weeks ago the baby mama left her dome light on in her 02 Subi Impreza Outback Sport, and didn't realize it until 2 days later when she went to grocery shop. The car wouldn't click or turn over. I figured a combination of the slow draw of the dome light coupled with our -30F temperatures, done the battery in more than normal. So, when I came to pick the kids up, I hooked up the jumper cables to her car. The immediate juice from my battery triggered her alarm. So, I was optimistic at this point it really was just a dead battery.

But it still wouldn't start. It would click, and even turned over, but wouldn't start. So, I went and bought a new battery. Once I installed the new battery the car clicked, but started up on its own. I attributed the clicking, but eventual startup, due to a non-super-right positive battery cable. It didn't seem to tighten all the way.. I could move the cable on the post, but not so loose that I could easily work it off the post (have since got it tightened down all the way).

Now, fast forward to yesterday, she was going to come over here so we could make Christmas cookies with our girls, but her car was dead. I drove over and jumped it off with no issue. She drove it the roughly 8 miles to my house with no issue with light dimming or such, so I was ruling the alternator out at this point. Once she arrived she turned off the car and before getting out of the car she tried to start it again... nothing. No clicking, no turning over.

I tried to jump start it this time... but still nothing. No clicking, not turning over.

What gives guys? Starter solenoid is starting to sound like a possible culprit, but honestly I don't even know where the starter is on her car. I've read some people recommend giving it a good tap with a ballpen and trying again... saying sometimes the solenoid gets stuck. :|