I have a 95 Legacy L...(no gauge)...wife had car and died....jumped it and it ran about 1 minute and died again....no lights (batt dead)---at time of jump starting,, it was then that she noticed the Batt llight on but also the "brake" light was on

 

Batt is not too old and 850 CCA

 

was towed home....I am assuming the alternator is bad...I think it may be overcharging

charged battery ...didn't seem to take a good charge

Started car and let it idle for an hour....both lights still on

 

I put volt meter across batt terminals before starting car and was 13.4 V

Started car and was 12.75V

Just about same voltage when touching terminal on alt and ground(not sure that tells anything)

After car was running an hour...Voltage was about 12.1

 

Anyone help ??..thanks in advance

Bill

when the alternator is putting out current, the voltage will be around 14.5V. it definately sounds like your alternator is bad.

Before assuming that it is the alternator,, make sure that the terminals to the battery are clean and tight. Ive noticed that stock terminals can split on the upper band. If you do pull your alternator bring it to the store and have it tested (don't for get to buy a new belt while your there). If the altty test ok then get that battery you dissmissed :argue:

This may be easier said than done, but before buying a new alternator, take the old one out and have it tested, or check wiring continuity between alternator and battery. I've had a broken wire between the alternator and battery before.....and discovered after I bought and installed a new alternator (non-refundable)!

 

Hope this helps.

Can't remember which second gen's (95-99) were affected but I got a new alternator under a Subaru Recall for my '98.

the recall was for 96-98 legacies

It's the alternator.

You can call the dealer with your VIN # to see if your car should of had the recall.

going to get it tested today

 

I would call the dealer about the possible recall...but it has no subaru markings on it...I assume it is a rebuilt

 

could get a rebuilt from a local shop for 130 + tax---but local junkyard has one from wreck for 60

 

thanks for the input so far

well...alt. tested and dead....

thanks all

You can get a new OEM alt for you car for 96$ at 1stSubaruParts

Takes one week max to get their stuff here in Montreal so I guess it would be even faster for New York.

I am a firm believer in OEM parts. But.........When you can get a quality remand alt with a lifetime warranty from Napa for another $30............I don't recomened buying an alternator with only a 12/12,000 warranty. Which is what you get with OEM parts, JMHO!

 

Just to clarify. You can get a liftime alt from most any parts store. I highly recomend Napa for a quality remand unit.

No I'm in no way affiliated with Napa. Have just had the best luck with their alternators.

Good point.

In my case I guess I'm taking the chance the new part will last as long as the old identical one which has lasted 8 years and is still working.

My NAPA dealer uoted a 3 yr warrantyfor 150.00....not lifetime..?

I pay 127.44 for P/N 13-9100. Napa lifetime alt. List is 208 something. From my experiance around here Napa sells parts to everyone at wholesale price not list. Give them this part # see what they say.