Arty

I just wanted to give an update- I'm pretty sure I've got it figured out. Basically, I think the lead wire (Thanks for the terminology!) was frayed and the two wires inside of it were contacting one another. I simply insulated it with some electrical tape and slapped another alternator on there and things seems better. I've run it through the hardest tests I could... turning on the AC full blast, rear defrost, emergency blinkers, bright lights, reverse lights, stereo, cruise control, cigarette lighter, interior lights, and rolled up all the windows at once, all at the same time. It didn't even seem to flinch. The old alternator also didn't seem like it would create as much conductive resistance when I would spin it by the pulley. If that makes any sense. So I'll post another update again in a few days, but thanks again so much to everyone for the help.

Do you mean the wire that has a nut and rubber cap on it? Or the other connection with an adapter and multiple wires going into it?

I'll find a way to limp it to Advance Auto tomorrow... if I can't drive it there, I'll just take out the alternator and have them test it there. Luckily, I have the ol' Camry wagon to cart me around in the meantime. I've checked all the fuses and ground wires... they all seem to be fine. I also have to ask- Isn't that a Lincoln LS in your profile picture?

I attempted to go to Autozone, but the idiot working there thought it was more important to voice his political and social opinions than actually help me. I'll probably be buying a multimeter tomorrow and testing the system myself. I'm starting to lean towards a fusible link at this time... but I'll post my results tomorrow or the next day. Any opinions along the way are still appreciated...

Also, what's the chance that I may have gotten a bad alternator as my replacement?

Any suggestions on which to check first?

Oh, and it's a 1995 Legacy Outback wagon, 5 speed. It's never really had an electrical issue before. Not since i've had it at least.

The other day, of course one day before I started school full time, my car starting acting up with electrical issues. I noticed that the battery and brake lights were on, and after a minute or two, the gauges started going insane. By insane, I mean they started randomly sweeping, then they died... only the spedo and tach, by the way. It started driving noticeably different, then the car died. I knew the battery was dead. Long story short, I put a new alternator and battery in the car, and it eventually did the exact same thing. The battery and brake lights were still on, but when I revved the engine, the battery light actually flickered, sometimes to the point of almost turning off. THEN, the lights went completely off. It seemed to run fine for a bit, then it died again, doing all the same things as it did when I had an old battery and alternator. The belts are brand new and on properly... ANY IDEAS>!?!!?!?!?!?! :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

Thanks! I'll look him up here in a bit. Maybe he'll also know of the best place to get an EJ20 as well?

Yeah, the 6 speed became my new desire on my 1,600 mile trip recently. I have a feeling that 6th gear would have really upped my mileage. Not to mention, they're just fun.

How well do you think they'd take to a Legacy owner at the Impreza forums?

Also, what chances would I have of being able to put a 6 speed in my car if I get the engine swapped out?

I'm in the early stages of looking into swapping my EJ22 out for an EJ20T. I have a 1995 Legacy Outback, and I'm wondering which particular engine would be the best to put in, or the easiest. Will my stock 5 speed transmission work ok with the new engine? How long does an engine swap usually take? And the last one, I'm kind of ashamed to ask... If the engine came from an automatic car, will it couple up ok with my manual?

Any way you could give more info on this addition? I've been wanting to do something similar to this. Also, do you remember where you got the gauge covers?

So I was driving around earlier, and found out HEY, I have hill hold! SWEET! I thought I'd felt it doing its thing there a couple of times. It's nice to have, that's for sure. I'm just severely confused because it never worked for the 10 months I've owned it. Until now. And it works perfectly. Any ideas?

I really just wanted the luxury, to be very honest. I get tired of driving with my windows down all the time. It was SO great to just keep them up and freeze my family half to death in my car. It's not too terribly hot here right now. In fact, it's pretty cool, at least compared to home.

Yes sir! It's been a long time since I've had working a/c. It will make me much more comfortable and happy on my trip to Canada.

When you say you experienced the same problem, do you mean with not being able to see the amount of oil on your dipstick?

thanks!!! I have this weird issue where if I pour in a certain amount, what seems to me would be MORE than enough, it never shows up on the dipstick. Then, if I add a little more, it all of a sudden is TOO full. So I just want to put in the precise amount and be done with it. I know the oil is in there and working. Just doesn't want to show.

I know this is very dumb. But I need to know... EXACTLY how much oil does my EJ22 engine need to be filled with?

Hey guys, thanks for the help! Everything is now working beautifully. I knew for a fact that the compressor would have to be the issue, just because of the way it had been disconnected. I only asked because I thought, maybe by the grace of god, it might be something else. The clutch on my compressor was completely locked, so I just took it from there. I found out later that my car was also missing an entire pulley, the arm that holds the pulley, and that my car had a bolt broken off in the block that held said arm and pulley. After lots of struggle and strife, I finally got everything up and working.

1- 1995 EJ22... does it have an automatic belt tensioner, or do I need to make precise adjustments after replacement of the drive belt? 2- Short of putting a new belt on, is there ANY way I can test to see if my a/c compressor is still functional? I ask because when I got the car, the belt had been taken off, and the guy never gave me a reason why. 3- Will my car be r134a refrigerant compliant? I just don't feel like messing with replacing the compressor if I absolutely don't have to. Thanks!!!

It pumps the fluid to the windshield with no problem, and I can hear it pumping (or trying) to the back window, but nothing comes out. All the fuses are fine, too. I think I just have a clog somewhere.

I know this isn't an answer, but I can't help it. I used to have an old Volvo 740 GLE wagon, and those cars are notorious for their electrical gremlins. Sometimes, when I'd go to hit the horn, the rear windshield wiper would start going. It was like a dog wagging its tail. And it only did it at the most inopportune times, too. Anyway, if you figure this out, I'd love to know, because my 95 Outback's nozzle just flat out doesn't work. Everything is connected, but I can't figure out the problem.

Man, I really need to get back your hg test kit!! It's still hanging out in my car. I've been busy still with things, so just let me know when a good time would be.