Subaru Repair: re: 1998 Subaru Legacy L wagon, light dimmer switch, dashboard lights

Question
I turn the ignition key to "on" and the only thing that works is the radio, overhead interior lights and the parking lights when I push the switch that is on the top of the steering wheel. That's the only way the parking and side lights come on.  No dashboard lights, not a sound, no warning lights, nothing at all. At the beginning, I did get the dash working but when I moved the key to "start" I heard clicking sounds but nothing else. I thought maybe the starter was the problem but I began by checking all fuses and the "fusible link." All seemed ok. I took the negative cable off the battery post and used a testing light. I attached the clamp to the cable and the light came on suggesting a short circuit. I checked lots of wiring but didn't find anything. Meanwhile, the clicking eventually stopped so it no longer kicked in when in the "on" position.I've cleaned the battery posts, the grounds to the chassis seem ok. I charged the battery. It took one and a half hours to fully charge using 10 amps. One of the battery cells was lacking water so I filled with distilled water to cover the bottom. I did this before charging. The problem now is that since the power to the dash is gone, I'm not able to attempt to start the car with the fully charged battery. I could then tap the starter to see if it will start. Appreciate your help.

Thanks!!

Joe

Answer
Joe,


I dont understand much of what you have entered above but here you go.

If you have a "click" no start most likely the starter contacts are worn out.  But this should be verified with a volt ohm meter checking for the proper voltage at the starter from the ignition switch when you try and start it, next is checking the voltage drop of the battery cables.



Are you sure the interior light dimmer switch isnt set to low or off?

Justin