Question1998 Subaru Legacy L wagon 2.2L 5 speed. I had the battery and brake lights on the dash appear. I then changed the battery, and the alternator they are both brand new with in 1,200 miles. The (2) dash lights still come on just about every time I start the car maybe 30 seconds later, and turn off again once I get onto the highway. Sometimes they reappear at stop lights, but most of the time they do not. I did some tests, battery is 13.00v when the cars off. 14.08v with the car running. 13.84v with the engine held to 2,500 RPMs. The Voltage drop tests, came out to be 0.07v for the (+B Alt terminal) & (+ Batt terminal,) and then 0.09v for the loaded accessory on (alternator case) & (- Batt terminal) test. The connections to the alternator, and the battery are all clean and tight. Any ideas?
AnswerIf you used anything other than the Factory Subaru Alternator you are asking for trouble and paid too much as well.
The list price on an Alternator from Subaru for a 1998 is less than $80.00
If you are trying to find a bad alternator, do the following
Idle the car with all acc. on, heater, lights etc. with the hood closed for at least 1/2 an hour than test the alternator and see what the Amperage output is not just the voltage.
Justin
