98 OBW 2.2 w/ 210K

 

Hello All. The Problem: When I hit the brakes the headlights either go out then come back on or they slowly dim out and back on. At the same time the interior lights go out. The ABS light sometimes comes on and or sometimes the AT Temp light will come on. Sometime they both flash. When I start driving it goes back to normal. About 700 miles ago I replaced the starter because sometimes when I would turn the key I would get nothing. After I replaced the starter that symptom never happened again. I also recently 300 miles ago replaced the IAC because it was stalling out at stop lights. this has not happened since.

 

I am thinking alternator. Its a two year old remanufacture from PepBoys. Any thoughts. It was very un-nerving coming down 295 south from NJ into PA.

Sounds like it could be the alternator have you gotten that battery checked out?

[...]I am thinking alternator. [...]

That's very possible, the symptoms fit.

 

EDIT: But do see http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=108914

Edited March 12, 201016 yr by OB99W

The car has been sitting for 30 minutes and now I am unable to reproduce the problem

 

13.8 Volts on the alternator

13.2 on the battery When running

12.5 on battery while the car is off

Edited March 12, 201016 yr by msmithmmx

That's very possible, the symptoms fit.

 

EDIT: But do see http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=108914

 

 

I am going to be honest with you. I just checked the ground conection to the battery. It was loose enough that I was able to wiggle it off the battery post. So was the positive. I was unable to reproduce 10 minutes ago before this change. I need to go take for a spin. It can't be this easy, its never is. THANKS

For future refence, you test an Alt with everything on and car above 1800 rpm. At idle can tell you if it is really bad, but may still pass.

 

 

nipper

I had some fun with this kinda thing for about 3 months off and on. First it was corrosion under the terminals. A week later, corrosion was back. Put new terminals on it, lasted about 3 weeks, more corrosion, same symptoms. Finally it left me stuck in the grocery store parking lot. I got it roll started and took it down to the parts store at night with no headlights (that was fun) because putting ANY load on the battery at that point would cause the engine to stall. (not enough power to run the ignition or ECU) Got to the parts store, started removing the battery, and the positive post pulled out of the case still attached to the terminal. New battery and two new terminals, been peachy for 2 months.

[...] I need to go take for a spin. It can't be this easy, its never is. THANKS

You're welcome. Sometimes it is that easy -- I hope it was this time.

a single filament bulb stuffed into the tail/brake lamp socket will cause all kinds of wierd issues when you brake.

 

Has anyone replaced a tailight in the car recently? perhaps putting a single filament bulb into the dual filament socket for the tail/brake lamp?

I have 100 miles on it since tightening the battery cables down, no issues. Thanks a ton for the help.

Hooray for easy!