TROGDOR! Posted May 30, 2005 Share Posted May 30, 2005 This has been an ongoing problem ever since I got my RX... has been annoying the crap out of me. Every now and then the voltage reading will suddenly drop to about 10-11 volts. When it drops, the "Charge" and "Stop Lamp" warning lights come on. This low reading will last anywhere from a few seconds to indefinitely. Today I drove the car 40 miles with it reading like that. Here's the funny thing though- the lights still shine brightly, and it's reading between 13 and 14 volts at the battery. I have a few spare alternators around here, so I'm going to swap one tomorrow and see what happens. This really bugs the heck out of me though- why would it be reading so low if the car is obviously running healthy voltage? Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subeman90 Posted May 30, 2005 Share Posted May 30, 2005 I had an EA-81 do that to me once...it was the fact that the alt. had moisture in it (snow) and it was messing it up. Once it dried out it was fine though. Got a wet alt.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phizinza Posted May 30, 2005 Share Posted May 30, 2005 maybe just a bad connection on the alt? or in the dash some wheres? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted May 30, 2005 Share Posted May 30, 2005 Since the voltage is ok at the battery that means there is a problem with the wiring to accessories. Using your voltmeter check the lead that goes to the fuse panel. Also check the fusible links for a bad connection. One other thing it may be is the ignition relay may be intermittant. I should also mention it could be the ignition switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TROGDOR! Posted May 31, 2005 Author Share Posted May 31, 2005 Even though it was still reading good voltage at the battery with a multitester, I went ahead and threw on one of my spare alts anyway. Problem solved! I've never seen anything happen that way- but, it *was* a parts store special alternator, and I've seen those fail in any way conceivable. Total junk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steveman09 Posted May 31, 2005 Share Posted May 31, 2005 To avoid future electrical problems, I suggest a ground wire kit, these older subaru's have terrible ground systems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subGSR Posted May 31, 2005 Share Posted May 31, 2005 My brat is still doing the same as your RX did . I put a brand new alt on and it still does it. Took it to a auto elec shop and they had no answers. If we go spot light shooting at night sometimes the ute konks out. New battery as well. I assume there has to be a break in the wiring loom. To avoid future electrical problems, I suggest a ground wire kit, these older subaru's have terrible ground systems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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