dmopincarne

Problem solved! The battery tie down strap had come loose and was intermittently sliding aagainst the positive post and grounding it out.

Thanks for the responses so far. I'm ruling out problems with the ABS and AT since I doubt they would cut out simultaneously and take the spedo with them. Given that the engine otherwise runs fine and this is an instant on, instant off event, I'm reasonably certain that either a faulty connection or component is at the heart of it. The problem is that, given the intermittent nature of the problem, knowing where to look. The more I think about it, it really is like the key was momentarily turned one step back (Ignition turned off) I know that when they are first energized, ABS systems typically do a self test. Assuming that the circuit is being temporarily interrupted, could the grabbing be accounted for by the ABS system re-initiating? Also, is it likely that the voltage could drop enough to cause the ignition to cut out but remain high enough to keep the accessories going? I haven't put any test equipment on it, but if the battery is charged and the regulator/field cuts out, would this account for the symptoms? Wouldn't the battery still power the ignition circuit or would this cause a loss of continuity? Finally, wouldn't a faulty alternator/regulator/battery cause a charge/CEL to illuminate? Thanks again Dave

Hi, I'm new to the board and have a problem I hope some of the experienced Subaru people here can help me track down. Last night, while on the highway, my 2001 Legacy wagon suddenly 'grabbed' like someone had slammed on the brake. I had caught a glimpse of the ABS light just prior to the 'grab' and because I had just added air to a tire that was low, I initially thought it might be a problem with the traction control or ABS. Alert now (and with a death grip on the wheel) it happened again a few minutes later and I now noticed that the AT Temp light was also coming on just prior. As I got of the highway and nursed it home, the problem continued, even at surface street speed although the grabbing effect was not as pronounced. So here's some specific observations: The first indication that something is about to happen are the ABS and AT Temp light come on The speedometer needle also takes a nose dive There is NO Check Engine light coming on When these symptoms disappear, the car instantly begins to run normally The engine does not otherwise run rough and is asymptomatic The car does not loose all power; the instruments remain lit and the warning lights remain on. It's as if the key were being turned from run to accessory position. Because of the behavior of the instruments, I'm assuming that either the ignition or sub-circuit have a fault in them somewhere. Since the car doesn't 'go dark' I'm assuming that continuity with the battery is in tact but I don't know about voltage. Also, the grabbing that I'm experiencing on the highway could be the compression of the engine as the ignition cuts out. I'm assuming that at highway speed there will be enough speed for the torque converter to remain engaged and either it or the flex plate are restarting the engine once the circuit restores itself. I've talked to a local Subaru specialist and he indicated the problem is most likely in the battery, the alternator, or the voltage regulator. The alternator is about two years old. I don't know Subarus very well but I'm assuming the regulator is internal to the alternator. I've checked the stickies and search results have listed a few threads with similar symptoms, but most of the suggested solutions deal with faulty engine sensors while my problem seems to be connected to a faulty circuit. If anyone knows of problem areas in Subarus such as wiring harnesses, fusible links, relays, circuit breakers, etc. that might relate to these symptoms I'd appreciate hearing from you. Much thanks for any leads