91subaru-Bruce

I've had the blinker "return" mechanism get hung up before, but that is usually pretty easy to spot. Like said before, either the rack or possibly something in the upper column bushing (dirt, etc.). Losing your steering can be a bad thing... hope you get it fixed!

I'm starting to think it might be the blinker fluid or muffler bearings. Check those and let us know what you find

That is strange. Only thing I can think of is some kind of "vapor lock" from warming them up after being outside in the cold??? Weird. If it happens again, try releasing the gas cap to see if there is pressure built up.

Did they check the electric fan, relay, sending unit? Did they pressure test the cooling system? Is their any exhaust smell in the antifreeze? Coolent hoses in good condition (they will collapse sometimes if old). FYI, you should never remove the thermostat, that's a good way to damage an engine (especially in cold weather). The fact that the mechanic did this as a solution leads me to believe he doesn't fully understand the cooling system. my .02

It's a deal! Let me know if you find one.

I've been looking for a grey drivers side visor to fit my 91 legacy for ever! Seems the yards down here in vancouver never get anything. Let me know if you know where to find one (I'll even pay finders fee!).

That reminds me of when I bought my current subaru, the previous owner had pulled the interior lighting fuse because there was some "electrical problems" he told me. Took $500 off of the price... ended up being that switch! I just wonder how long he was driving it that way?

Yes, and thanks to everybody that pitched in.

You got it! It was that "new" alternator that was bad. Replaced it with another one tonight and it's running like a champ again! Thanks for keeping me from spending the next week testing relay's and diodes... Thanks again! Bruce

Even if it's extra work it'll be well worth the help and the piece of mind knowing that it's not the alternator! I tried to check my mother in laws sub but it has a different plug that doesn't allow me to tap into the yellow lead easily (with it plugged in). I'll check it if the new alt doesn't solve my problems... Looking at the wiring diagram, I was wanting to find out where the ignition relay is. If that was somehow bad it could be leaking power back through the circuit? Not sure where it is though...

For that price range (assuming american prices are similar) you could get a 97 or 98 legacy in pretty nice condition. You gain a little more leg room too! Or if you are partial to the early 90's styles I have a 91 with some minor electrical issues! I'm only 7 hours from vancouver B.C....

Ok, I pulled the alternator and will get another tomorrow. Then I can at least take that off the list. I'll let you know how that goes tomorrow evening. Hopefully I'll have my little subaru back on the road becaused it's supposed to snow on saturday! Thanks for the continued help. It suprises me how much people are willing to share knowledge on forums!

Ok, I tested the Alternator yellow wire and yes, the light goes on. Does this necesserally mean the alt is bad?, or could something else be at fault and cause that circuit to be completed (or is that yellow wire never supposed to have power through it even with the ignition switch in the "on" position?) I also pulled every fuse and relay in the two fuse box's and the power never goes out (with the alt plugged in and the ignition switch in the off position).

Ok I'll go check it. I did find the elusive diode and it still functions just fine so I can check that off the list. While I was under the dash I noticed the green led on the ecu blinking, three blinks, pause, three blinks, pause, .... Not sure if that indicates anything?

Well, out of curiosity I checked my mother in laws subaru to see what had power and what didn't and the yellow wire has power when the key is off as well. So now I'm thinking that maybe my new alt isn't bad (seemed unlikely anyway) Looking at the wiring diagram I still suspect the mpfi diode, but I can't seem to find it. If anyone knows where it is (or at least what it looks like) I'd love to know. The diagram that was posted show's it right near the fuse box under the dash but I can't find anything that even looks close... Still open for ideas on what to check next...