telemark

Actually, I was wondering why the alt. seemed to work (headlights got brighter w/ gas) after the battery was replaced (as well as before).

Looks like I need to replace my alternator. It waited until after I replaced the battery to decide not to charge the battery, so, as in a previous thread, it dies on the road after the lights dim. Anything I need to watch out for?

So, the amperage from my car to the van is what did it... I wonder why the alternator waited until after the new battery was put in to crap out? I've been told that Soobie electrical systems can be sensitive to jumps that way. Did I fry some computer part I wonder?

I first replaced my battery last week after doing a jump on a friend's van. (Stupidly, I had done it with both cables on my battery and not the negative grounded on the chasis, as I knew was better, yet tried that way after it didn't seem to be charging the van). It seemed before and after the new battery was installed that the alternator worked- the lights would get brighter with higher rpm like they ought to normally. Then, after about 300 miles, while driving, the lights get way dim and it decides to just die. My gf gives me a jump, three times to get home (the correct way), the last time we figured out that we had to charge it 30 min to get home that last 10 miles. So, the battery is brand new Autolite from Kragen (it was free, under warranty). I am now wondering that this incorrect jump I performed last week has fried my alternator and/or voltage regulator (and why did it take so long to come about?). I am also wondering if there may be other possible causes or effects from this same issue- like if I replace the alternator will I expect to see more problems down the line with other electrical parts? Certainly this new battery is ok still, no? Could this be a fuse or fuse link instead of the alternator? Also- does the Legacy have a generator AND an alternator? If so, could the problem be in the generator? Thanks in advance for any help! _________________ 93 Legacy L 210K AWD/Automatic SW