BigMattyD Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Clark Posted May 4, 2005 Share Posted May 4, 2005 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMattyD Posted May 4, 2005 Author Share Posted May 4, 2005 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Clark Posted May 4, 2005 Share Posted May 4, 2005 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted May 4, 2005 Share Posted May 4, 2005 Yep, those lights mean a bad alternator. Some kind of oddity in the wiring, but it's nice because it's a sure sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted May 4, 2005 Share Posted May 4, 2005 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMattyD Posted May 4, 2005 Author Share Posted May 4, 2005 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted May 4, 2005 Share Posted May 4, 2005 What did they charge you for it, and is it a new or rebuilt one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMattyD Posted May 5, 2005 Author Share Posted May 5, 2005 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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