Hello All, new to the forum but not to subaru's. Usually pretty good about figuring things out but this one has me stumped.
Problem on my 91 Legacy Wagon:
Driving down the road when all my dash lights started turning on when I got below 2500 rpm (not just alt light, ALL lights). I stop and don't see anything burning so I try to make it home. 20 minutes later It's a acting like a dead alternator and losing power so I pull off to take a look. I Try to start it and it starts right up, no dash lights and is running fine? I suspect bad cell in battery and replace it and get home.
Next time I drive it its the same thing again. Lights come on on the dash and there seams to be a drain (lights get dim). I check voltage across the battery and it's 12, alternator isn't charging. I replace the alternator.
This is where it gets wierd.
After I install the new alternator and I finish by connecting the negative terminal to the battery, the power comes on in the car (radio, headlights, etc.). This would all be fine if the key was in, but it wasn't even in?
I suspect ignition switch now. So I unplug it. Still everything is on when the alternator is plugged in, I disconnect the alternator plug and all the power goes off, key works and starts the car fine (on battery only).
I'm stumped.
All help appreciated.