May 3, 200520 yr I cleaned my engine compartment with some degreaser and H20 this weekend, and had no engine or electrical problems, even right after cleaning. Today my alternator light and brake light come on whenever the engine rpm is below 2500. Above 2500, they both turn off. My question is, why the alternator and brake lamp? How are they connected? Is this an instrument panel issue or an alternator issue? I haven't tested the voltage output yet, as I am at work. I can get an alternator for 50 or 60 bucks, maybe I'll just replace it and see what happens. Matt D
May 4, 200520 yr I believe the brake light comes on because of the power requirements of the ABS system. I got a brake light on my Subie and Beemer when the alternators went Tango Uniform.
May 4, 200520 yr Author Thanks for the info. I did a little checking last night and found no output from the alternator at any RPM. I don't know why the light went out on the instrument panel when the RPM was over 2500, becaue the voltage did not increase. I'm glad I checked it, because I would have been stranded if the battery went dead today. Luckily I have a spare vehicle to get around in. Matt D
May 4, 200520 yr Thanks for the info. I did a little checking last night and found no output from the alternator at any RPM. I don't know why the light went out on the instrument panel when the RPM was over 2500, becaue the voltage did not increase. I'm glad I checked it, because I would have been stranded if the battery went dead today. Luckily I have a spare vehicle to get around in. Matt D Mine did the same thing. Check to see if your car is covered by a service bulletin to replace the alternator for free. My '96 wagon was.
May 4, 200520 yr Yep, those lights mean a bad alternator. Some kind of oddity in the wiring, but it's nice because it's a sure sign.
May 4, 200520 yr The brake warning light may be tied into the field circuit of the alternator. I know this was done on the earlier versions which had several of the warning lights tied into the circuit.
May 4, 200520 yr Author My alternator is on its way from 1stsubaruparts.com! I can't believe how much alternators cost these days!! I remember when they used to be around 40 bucks! Matt D
May 5, 200520 yr Author I think the cost was about 60 bucks plus the core charge, but every other place wanted around 120 for a rebuilt. New was about 225. Matt
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