Ben213

Yep, swapped out the old alternator for a take-off from an 2000 Impreza and everytthing works perfectly. Headlights are way brighter now, haha. The problems I got with the dash were prettty drastic. First, tthe little thermometer (under the tach) didn't work, then everything (speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, etc.) didn't work at all. Even the dash lights (like the CEL, ABS lightt, hand brake light...) were VERY dim. As for the alternator, I didn't actually get it tested: I simply unplugged it and cranked and voila, it started right up. Might be something to try. Oh, and thanks about the IACV, it did confuse me a bit!

So I disconnected the alternator and it fired right up, no problem. Kind of weird.... IACV? So, there we go. Seems to be a faulty alternator. although, I'm not completely certain how an alternator causes a car to not start, but anyways. Gonna drop by a used JDM shop tomorrow and see if they got any alternators. I've heard that alternators from an '00 Impreza fit the '01 Forester. Can anyone confirm?

Alright. We'll I'll have a look tomorrow, hopefully I'll be able to narrow it down a little bit. Also, is the voltage regulator built in to the alternator or is external?

That's what I'm leaning towards also, but the way I look at it, shouldn't a car start, albeit for not a very long time, without an alternator?

Hey guys, Hope you all had a good Christmas. Now, on to my problem. The other day my car died, got a jump, and was stuttering all the way home. After a few tests, I realized it was the alternator on its way out. Bought one today and got it bolted up. Right after replacing alternators, the engine started up just fine. 2-3 minutes went by and I noticed some smoke from the alternator, so I killed the car immediately. Thinking I had put the belt too tight, I loosened it up a little bit and gave it another go. Nothing. I checked the alternator fuse under the hood and it seems to be good (checked visually). I should also add that I forgot to disconnect the battery during this whole ordeal. So, basically the engine cranks, starter is working perfectly, but it feels like it is out of gas. Like, exactly that - it wants to start but it simply can't. So, any ideas? I hope I didn't fry anything. Its pitch black and about -25 degrees Celsius now so I'll try again in the morning. Appreciate the help, Ben EDIT: Also, I just remembered: the smoke from the alternator came immediately after I tried to turn on all the lights, cabin lights, heat (on max), and defrosters simultaneously. I remember seeing the voltage drop from the proper 14V to the alternator-less 12.5V while this was going on. Do you think I could have killed the new alternator then?