My 98 Legacy Outback died on me last night on the way home from Florida. About 60 miles before it died the ABS Warning light came on and the tachometer and the speedometer both started dropping out and jumping (although the car did not lose power or do anything strange mechanically). Pulled over. Couldn't find any thing mechanically wrong. Got back on the interstate. No problems until the same thing happened, ABS Light on, meters fell off, AT Oil Warning light and Check Engine light and I think one or two other warning lights came on. Car didn't jerk or anything, just lost power. Wouldn't start again. Any ideas? Just like to have ½ a clue when I talk to the mechanic.

 

If it matters, I had the standard head gasket blow-out last year at 62K miles. This car has only 68K now.

Was the Battery Charge Light on? With my 96 when the alternator died both the Battery Charge light and the ABS Light came on. If you drove the car long enough with no working alternator it would lose power and die.

 

Keith

it does sound like your alternator is going bad you can test this fairly easily i believe some car part stores can help you test it for free like autozone or you can do it yourself with a volt meter and make sure it is between the min and max that your owners manual says probally around 12-14. if the alternator check out maybe its a loose connection with the battery.

This was exactly the same sequence of events that proved to be a dying alternator. Check your belt for a quick/easy fix. But if you have an original alternator on your 98, then it might be up for a new one.

Alternator! Just heard from the dealer -- There's a recall program for it, so it's free (well, except for the money out on a tow truck and a car rental to get home).

thanks for the feedback from the boards.