First off, please forgive me, I am new to the forum - just got my first Subaru two days ago from a posting on Craigslist. Drove her once and fell head over heels in lurve on the spot.
So. She was fine - drove like a dream until I leave the grocery store and BAM won't start, click click click when I turn the ignition. Classic signs of dead battery.
However, the battery was new per last owner. Now either I am the physical embodiement of 'A sucker is born every minute' OR it's the alternator.
Why I think it's the alternator: whine after the car was jumped + faulty gas tank reading + dimming lights (thought that was my imagination until the click click click).
Keep in mind that I am committed to this beauty - if she is a she as the last owner claims- then I have found out something new about myself because so am I, but I digress. I love this car and I desperately want us to have happy funtimes together.
So. I defer to the collective wisdom of the Ultimate Subaru Messageboard; does this sound correct? Could this be an alternator issue?
If so, should I replace the core as well? I have done some work on cars, I have replaced the water pump/thermostat in an '84 Renault Encore (my first car and affectionately named 'The Bitch') I have an attached two-car garage with all sorts of tools.
I should add that I noticed a distinct dimming of the dashboard lights as well, but chalked that up to a possibly overactive imagination.
Oh and I am already plotting a belt/pulley job + valve cover gaskets job. I currently have a running '99 Jeep Cherokee so I could easily spend the time doing this.
My question is: does it sound like an alternator issue? Should I replace the core as well? Is there anything special I should look out for?
Attached is the photo of my newly found love.
