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  #1  
Old 01-24-2012, 02:55 PM
B 4 You's Avatar
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Electrical problem. :(

I was driving around today (unsuccessfully) job searching when i noticed my battery, stop lamp, and parking brake lights all came on at the same time. They were really dim though, as I stepped on the throttle (increasing battery voltage) they dimmed further and shut off. Then as soon as it went to idle, they were back on. It idled fine, the headlights weren't dimming of flashing, and I drove back to campus without any problems. The ABS light also started coming on, also dimming/brightening with voltage change. My first inclination is the alternator. Could it be worse than that? I thought all the lights in the Christmas tree would come on if the alternator was going.

If it is the alternator, how big of a deal is that to change? Could I do it myself? Would you do it yourself?
__________________
1992 Pearl White LS
Owned since 2009
175k Miles
STi Airlift Performance air suspension
2005 WRX manual swap
Rear wheel drive
K-Staff front bumper
Delta Speed side skirts
JDM clear corners
Smallcar grille
Subaru XT steering wheel
Subaru XT shift knob

First bagged SVX in the world
Worlds first SVX on air suspension.
Custom made (by myself) spare tire subwoofer.
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  #2  
Old 01-24-2012, 03:15 PM
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Uncamitzi Uncamitzi is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

Quote:
Originally Posted by B 4 You View Post
I was driving around today (unsuccessfully) job searching when i noticed my battery, stop lamp, and parking brake lights all came on at the same time. They were really dim though, as I stepped on the throttle (increasing battery voltage) they dimmed further and shut off. Then as soon as it went to idle, they were back on. It idled fine, the headlights weren't dimming of flashing, and I drove back to campus without any problems. The ABS light also started coming on, also dimming/brightening with voltage change. My first inclination is the alternator. Could it be worse than that? I thought all the lights in the Christmas tree would come on if the alternator was going.

If it is the alternator, how big of a deal is that to change? Could I do it myself? Would you do it yourself?
Check your belt tension.

That's all I got....
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"uncamitzi"
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  #3  
Old 01-24-2012, 03:23 PM
92snowmachine 92snowmachine is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

could go to your local auto parts store, they will usually check your charging system for free. if you do need one buy one from maniac and put it on yourself. it's very easy to do. if you are charging ok then you may have another issue, could be anything from bad ignition switch to a loose battery cable. i would check the charging first since it's most likely given your description.
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  #4  
Old 01-24-2012, 03:24 PM
httrdd httrdd is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

Alternator is a really quick change job and can get one at a good price. Loosen up the serpintine belt pulley, unbolt and unplug. Make sure you disconnect your battery.
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  #5  
Old 01-24-2012, 08:09 PM
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svxcess svxcess is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

Quote:
Originally Posted by B 4 You View Post
If it is the alternator, how big of a deal is that to change? No big deal
Could I do it myself? Yes
Would you do it yourself? Yes
You can find the complete how-to instructions for the alternator removal nd reinstall in the how documents HERE

Should not take you more than 30 minutes to replace.


.
__________________
.
Subaru Ambassador

1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD

JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995.....
Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan

In-Service Date: January 2, 1997



"The Pristine Green Polo Machine”
First Polo Green on the Network
First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000)
First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007)
First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013)

HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler.


R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016

2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback

2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles.
Plenty of parts, service and windshields.


4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001

My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX .

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  #6  
Old 01-24-2012, 09:34 PM
B 4 You's Avatar
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

That seems do-able for me. How fast do you think the Maniac alternator can get to me? I was planning on going somewhere this weekend. I just bought a new battery a month ago, and I really don't feel like destroying it.
__________________
1992 Pearl White LS
Owned since 2009
175k Miles
STi Airlift Performance air suspension
2005 WRX manual swap
Rear wheel drive
K-Staff front bumper
Delta Speed side skirts
JDM clear corners
Smallcar grille
Subaru XT steering wheel
Subaru XT shift knob

First bagged SVX in the world
Worlds first SVX on air suspension.
Custom made (by myself) spare tire subwoofer.
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  #7  
Old 01-24-2012, 10:33 PM
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svxcess svxcess is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

Call Christian a Maniac tomorrow (972) 557-5768.

I don't think it can be done in your time frame. Tomorrow is already Wednesday.

Even, if they had one ready to ship tomorrow (which would be one of the stock 95A units), any savings would be eaten up by UPS overnight ($130.00) or second day air ($77.00) charges. Christian may be able to get you a better rate.

I know from talking to her that ground shipping from Dallas is 3 days and runs her about $19.00.

,
__________________
.
Subaru Ambassador

1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD

JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995.....
Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan

In-Service Date: January 2, 1997



"The Pristine Green Polo Machine”
First Polo Green on the Network
First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000)
First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007)
First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013)

HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler.


R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016

2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback

2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles.
Plenty of parts, service and windshields.


4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001

My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX .

.

Last edited by svxcess; 01-24-2012 at 10:43 PM.
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  #8  
Old 01-25-2012, 05:08 AM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

Quote:
Originally Posted by B 4 You View Post
My first inclination is the alternator. Could it be worse than that? I thought all the lights in the Christmas tree would come on if the alternator was going.

If it is the alternator, how big of a deal is that to change? Could I do it myself? Would you do it yourself?
Both of mine displayed exactly the same symptoms and replacing the alternator was the fix in both instances. I'm no mechanic, but changing an alternator on these things isn't much more complicated than changing the oil.

Not to contradict good and popular advice: If you decide against Maniac, the alternators I bought were remans from Advance Auto, which they had for me within 24 hours, and I've had no trouble from either.

dcb
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  #9  
Old 01-25-2012, 07:43 AM
B 4 You's Avatar
B 4 You B 4 You is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

I'm going over to Advance Auto when school is out to get my alternator tested. If it is bad (I'm assuming it is) I will most likely buy a Maniac one. Mainly because they have such high ratings and popularity here. The ones at Advance are much more expensive now too. hHopefully someone can bring my some tools this weekend, because all I have on hand is a pen screwdriver.
__________________
1992 Pearl White LS
Owned since 2009
175k Miles
STi Airlift Performance air suspension
2005 WRX manual swap
Rear wheel drive
K-Staff front bumper
Delta Speed side skirts
JDM clear corners
Smallcar grille
Subaru XT steering wheel
Subaru XT shift knob

First bagged SVX in the world
Worlds first SVX on air suspension.
Custom made (by myself) spare tire subwoofer.
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  #10  
Old 01-25-2012, 08:14 AM
dragoontwo dragoontwo is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

What about the tool kit that comes in the car that lives in the spare tire area? It should be able to remove it.
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  #11  
Old 01-25-2012, 11:14 AM
B 4 You's Avatar
B 4 You B 4 You is offline
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

I took it out because of reasons.
__________________
1992 Pearl White LS
Owned since 2009
175k Miles
STi Airlift Performance air suspension
2005 WRX manual swap
Rear wheel drive
K-Staff front bumper
Delta Speed side skirts
JDM clear corners
Smallcar grille
Subaru XT steering wheel
Subaru XT shift knob

First bagged SVX in the world
Worlds first SVX on air suspension.
Custom made (by myself) spare tire subwoofer.
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  #12  
Old 01-25-2012, 05:32 PM
B 4 You's Avatar
B 4 You B 4 You is offline
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Location: Indiana, PA
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Re: Electrical problem. :(

Took it to Advance today, alternator is dead. Ordering one tomorrow. Oh and John, I called Christian, she was really nice, but she said shipping it expedited isn't worth it. She said it should take about 4 days to get to me, and that should be fine. Thanks for the help gentlemen!
__________________
1992 Pearl White LS
Owned since 2009
175k Miles
STi Airlift Performance air suspension
2005 WRX manual swap
Rear wheel drive
K-Staff front bumper
Delta Speed side skirts
JDM clear corners
Smallcar grille
Subaru XT steering wheel
Subaru XT shift knob

First bagged SVX in the world
Worlds first SVX on air suspension.
Custom made (by myself) spare tire subwoofer.
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