So I started my 00 RS today and it started really hard(battery low). Then I took off down the road and noticed that when I tried to accelerate it would no go past somewhere around 3000 RPM's. And the dash lights came on. So that's the alt. right? I know the dash lights thing, but I didn't recognize the limited revs. Thanks!!

Edited March 1, 200917 yr by bratman18

urgent bump, thanks!!

Last Legacy that I had with an alternator problem acted just like this.

 

Noticed the RPM issue - thought perhaps fuel filter or something.

 

Anyways. Let it "cool down" headed back home - didn't get far.

 

The battery was good and would rejuvinate a bit. But the car was running totally off the battery. Kept going shorter and shorter distance until I just called for a ride and went and got the trailer.

 

So yea - I'd say the odds were real good.

Edited March 1, 200917 yr by davebugs
typing ability

Thanks Dave!!!! You da man!! Of course now that means I have to go buy an alternator!

Thanks Dave!!!! You da man!! Of course now that means I have to go buy an alternator!

 

Wise man once said, "Cheaper to go buy alternator than entire car!"

You might check around and see if there's an auto electric rebuilder near you, see if local car guys or mechanics can recommend one. I've found that they usually have better quality and prices on starters and alternators than chain stores.

 

Good luck.

I found an almost used one for 65 bucks. I think that's a good deal. A friend of mine has it

I get starters and alternators rebuilt locally when I can. Like to keep the money local if possible, price is usually better (about 40 bucks), and quality is better. Sometimes I just have him "fix" it for 20 bucks.

 

But it's a retireing breed. Just like shoemakers. I'd imagine Tailors, etc. Skilled old timers not being replaced. It's a bit of a shame actually.

 

My guy will retire in March. I also have him rebuild antique ones (try that at the local chain store). There are some "electrical expert" places that will do the same work for double or triple the price (but the quality isn't as good - still better than a chain store remain).

 

Often I have good used ones rebuilt before installing them in a car. For 40 bucks why not. Half the time he redoes them while I wait. Can't beat that.

Yeah I would be all for doing that but have never heard of anyplace like that around here

Ask around at a real (local independent) parts store. Or a local real garage(not a chain - again locally owned).

 

These guys will know about the best guys to redo starters, alternators, radiator repair, fuel tank repair, etc.

 

Places the chain parts and repair places don't even want to know about.

 

Usually you'll find skilled, experienced old timers. Not a bunch of kids looking something up on the computer. Like I said a breed of folks that is thinning out.

 

When you find one treat them fair. Typically they have been in business for many years because they treat the local professional mechanics fair. Appreciate what you have found. You'll miss 'em when they are gone.

 

Dave

Thank you, I will call my parts guy tomorrow and see if he knows anything.

on my subies, i have had it be 4 different possibilities. I will rank them in order i have found most likely

 

1.bad battery, got them bad from the store a couple times

2. alternator, won't charge

3. cables on the battery weren't bolted on tight enough, or terminals werent quite right

4 left a door ajar running down battery from light being on

Yeah I checked all the rest and it's a known good battery(Optima) so it's got to be the alt

Did the new alternator fix it?

Did the new alternator fix it?

 

I haven't gotten it yet. My friend brought one to me tonight and it was the wrong plug,

So just to let everyone know, If you ever want to try an older style alternator in a 2000 it won't work! Both plugs have two wires so I figured that if I spliced the wires that it would work, but it doesn't! So I'm still on the search for an alternator, but I should have one soon!