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#1
02-12-2006, 06:02 PM
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Alternator Problems
Recently there have been posts about dead batteries, electrical drains and such. Some, including myxalplyx and michael, mentioned the alternator wiring mod connections touching the alternator, some talked about the visor wires, etc.
Add me to the list with an alternator problem; Friday We picked up Svxit's 92 pearlie at his house on Friday night. She cranked right up and we drove home with no problems. Saturday On Saturday morning the battery was dead, the warning lights came on, but not enough juice to turn the engine over. I thought it might be the battery, since svxit said it was A 4 year old Optima redtop. It went dead on him after lack of use for a very long time. He took it ti Advance Auto and they gave it a full charge, but told him it was on its way out. Once he put it back in the car he didn't have any more problems as long as he started it on a regular basis. Anyway, I called the AAA Mobile Battery Service and they came out and jumped the battery. Then they ran their diagnostics and said the charging system/alternator were fine but the battery wasn't passing the three-minute load test. They replaced the battery with an Exide 770CCA and left. I drove it around the rest of the day, making numerous stops and restarts with no problems. Sunday This morning I went to start it and the battery was completely dead! No interior lights, warning lights, buzzers. Not even a click when I tried to start it. called AAA Mobile Battery Service again. Jumped the battery and ran diagnostics with different equipment. Battery was fine, but the alternator/charging system was failing their test. Let it idle for a while and shut it off, started it up later and everything was fine. Did this a couple of times. What should I check? So are there definitive symptoms of a failing alternator? My electronics run perfectly, no odd electrical gremlins or warning lights. Belt appears to be tight and doesn't squeal. So either the alternator is failing to charge the battery or there is something suddenly draining the battery overnight. I thought the alternator wiring mod connector touching the alternator case would produce a short, not a slow drain; same with the visor wires. Any help is greatly appreciated. Does anyone have a good working alternator or links to a good rebuilding shop? My son is really geting bummed out-- two mornings in a row he has a dead battery. .
__________________
. 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; 02-14-2006 at 02:48 PM. 
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#2
02-12-2006, 06:14 PM
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John
It is a new battery and we can rule that out. It must be some kind of drain that draws it down over night. The only thing could be the alternator. I am not from that area, so can not give you a shop to go to, but a shop should be able to check the alternator for you and give you the answer. Good luck. I can imagine what his thoughts are when he comes out to the car with a dead battery. PS I find that batteries are cheaper by the dozen. 
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19
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#3
02-12-2006, 08:34 PM
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Check out this thread,http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...battery+drains
just be sure to either have a alternator shop undo and redo the solder or be sure you have a really powerful soldering gun 200 watts or a resistance soldering gun. Also check the wires going to the alternator they seem to crack from the heat above the engine. How much aftermarket equipment does the car have? Check that stuff out too.
__________________
"The things you own end up owning you. It's only after you lose everything that you're free to do anything." 92 Pearl White Ls-l (138k) Euro Headlights & Blinkers, 97 Grill, Euro Tail Lights, SS Brake Lines, Stebro Exhaust, Slotted Rotors, Classic Registration 96 Legacy Outback (206k) 5-speed 2.2 Lightweight Crank Pulley, Group N Trans & Motor Mounts SOLD Wanted: Steering Wheel
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#4
02-12-2006, 10:14 PM
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After driving, Use a volt meter on the battery while the car is off. Take note of the reading, after an hour check it again. If the voltage droped, then something is draining the battery. If all is o.k, check the battery voltage before and after starting to see if the alt is working. Around 12V engine off and 14V engine on. Have the alternator checked while it is in the car. This is from my personal experience with a similar problem. Good luck!
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#5
02-13-2006, 05:10 PM
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Quote:
Harvey. 
__________________
One Arm Bloke. Tell it like it is! 95 Lsi. Bordeaux Pearl, Aust. RHD.149,000Kls Subaru BBS wheels. 97 Liberty GX Auto sedan. 320,000Kls. 04 Liberty 30R Auto Premium. 92.000kls.
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#6
02-14-2006, 02:43 PM
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UPDATE
Monday I went out to start it in the morning and it started up like a champ! Anyway, I took it to Goodyear and had a complete charging diagnostic test done on it. Everything passed with flying colors. No problems the rest of the day. Tuesday This morning my son took it to school and once again it started up without problems. When he came home from school he asked me if it should be so hard to turn the wheels when the car is in park and the engine is running. He also mentioned a stiff, jerky kind of steering when turning, with an occasional squealing I went out, started it up and it acted just as he said. I checked the fluid level in the PS reservoir and it was full. I then suspected a failing O-ring. Finally I checked the PS belt and it was VERY loose and probably slipping under load. I tighened it up quite a bit and the steering returned to normal. The interesting thing is that this same belt drives the alternator pulley. I guess that is why the battery was not being properly charged. As of now the car is functioning normally. The only thing left to check is the drivers sunvisor. The light is out and I don't know if it is a bad bulb or a broken wire. I will keep you posted... .
__________________
. 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; 02-14-2006 at 02:50 PM.
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#7
02-14-2006, 02:47 PM
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How's the belt itself? If it's been slipping for so long it's likely damaged.
__________________
David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available!
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#8
02-14-2006, 03:20 PM
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Huh! My belt makes a whistling sound when it's loose.
__________________
Robert Is Bush in jail yet? (Looks frantically at watch, then back up) How about now? Now? Come onnnnnn...... Someone freeze me until January, this wait is killing me. Update: 09 January, and still not in jail! Wassup?? 1992 Teal LS-L - 160k (Now new and improved with perfect paint!)
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#9
02-24-2006, 11:45 PM
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Problem resolved...
Well it's been 10 days since I tightened the power steering/alternator belt and no problems since.The car does not drain overnight, starts right up, the plug in voltmeter shows 14.4V at cold idle and turning accessories on shows the alternator is charging very well. Even the CEL which occasionally came on while driving, but went away after turning engine off and restarting, has not come back either.
Its hard to believe that a loose alternator belt could cause the new battery to drain overnight the way it did. But the proof is here. .
__________________
. 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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#10
02-25-2006, 12:01 AM
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Glad to hear your problem solved.
It's very unbelievable a loose belt will drain the battery overnight? Doesn't make any sense to me yet... For the last repair on my yellow one, Tom(cumberland) replaced my O-ring and PS main pressure line. After that, I have been noticing sometimes my Power Steering feels Jerky or Light/Heavy.....but my PS fluid is always clean and full. I don't have any battery problem for so long. The belt looks in good tension to me. I still have the same feel on the PS and I hope I will find out the cause one day
__________________
-SSSVX 92 LS-L TEAL since Aug '01 92 LS-L YELLOW since Mar '05
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#11
02-25-2006, 01:26 AM
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I changed the O-ring once on mine and it got worse. I checked the O-ring again and I had got is put on so it still leaked air when it was on. I replaced it again and it has worked great ever sence. I would suggest replacing it again if it is still jerky.
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19
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#12
02-25-2006, 01:42 AM
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Quote:
But then I should have felt the power steering acting funny as well during this period. I have no answer. I did not do anything else to the car but tighten the belt. Unless the new pearlie finally realized who its new owner was and decided to shape up and stop horsing around.  .
__________________
. 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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#13
02-25-2006, 09:56 AM
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You just needed to show it who is boss.
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19
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