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Subaru Legacy/Outback Wagons Maintenance & Repair

8644 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2013 at 4:04 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Wagon

Messages Page 776 of 866

#7742 of 8644 Possible alternator issue on 2000 Outback Wagon by nmsubaru

Jun 22, 2008 (3:15 pm)

I completely drained the battery by leaving the keys in the ignition overnight. I was able to jump start the car, but it would not hold the charge--the car would eventually conk out after driving it around the neighborhood.
 
I took the battery to Autozone for a complete recharge and test. When I put the battery back in the car it started and ran just fine--I had it on about 30 minutes. However, the electrical system and brake warning light still remain on, even after turning the car off and restarting again.
 
Is this just a computer quirk or could there be a problem with the alternator or something else? I've had no problems before and the battery is only about 9 months old. I'm planning on getting it checkout out either at a local mechanic close to my office or at the subaru dealer. Any ideas about what might be going on and what I should do. Thanks for any help.

#7743 of 8644 Re: Possible alternator issue on 2000 Outback Wagon [nmsubaru] by paisan

Jun 22, 2008 (4:43 pm)

Replying to: nmsubaru (Jun 22, 2008 3:15 pm)
Probably the alternator.
 
-mike

#7744 of 8644 Re: Possible alternator issue on 2000 Outback Wagon [paisan] by nmsubaru

Jun 22, 2008 (6:03 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Jun 22, 2008 4:43 pm)
So if the alternator is failing, should I risk driving it the 15 minutes to the dealer or just have it towed?

#7745 of 8644 Re: Possible alternator issue on 2000 Outback Wagon [nmsubaru] by paisan

Jun 22, 2008 (6:08 pm)

Replying to: nmsubaru (Jun 22, 2008 6:03 pm)
If the battery is fully charged then 15 min shouldn't be a problem to get there.
 
-mike

#7746 of 8644 Re: Possible alternator issue on 2000 Outback Wagon [paisan] by nmsubaru

Jun 22, 2008 (6:16 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Jun 22, 2008 6:08 pm)
Okay Mike I'll let you know what happens. I guess after 8 years I can expect a few things to start breaking down. Still love the car however.
 
Greg

#7747 of 8644 Rattling Down Under by pathtomax

Jun 23, 2008 (12:19 pm)

Hello, I have this rattling noise under the car in my '01 Outback Ltd Wagon. It currently has 120,000 miles and has had the 120k full service and the special Subaru 50-point inspection in the last few months.
 
No ones seem to have found this rattling sound that I hear- especially when you are starting to slow down and the car starts to idle again. Funny enough, I was running the other night and I heard the infamous 'Subie" car sound coming up behind me. Then, as it passed, it made the same tiny rattling sound!! With very little mechanical backing, I would guess the heat shield and something in the muffler. Any other thoughts?
 
I am not about to take it back to the dealer for hundreds more dollars- just curious.

#7748 of 8644 Re: Rattling Down Under [pathtomax] by subiegt

Jun 23, 2008 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: pathtomax (Jun 23, 2008 12:19 pm)
I have had to subaru's a 97 legacy GT and my 04 outback. I can tell you this its more than likely the heat shield. On my 97 they actually removed it. I've noticed on my 04 it rattles when I'm in second and going really slow or when its idling with the A/C on.

#7749 of 8644 Re: Rattling Down Under [pathtomax] by pilot1226

Jun 23, 2008 (2:07 pm)

Replying to: pathtomax (Jun 23, 2008 12:19 pm)
I'm in the process now to purchase a 2009 legacy (once they reach the local dealer...), can you clue me in on:
 
"Funny enough, I was running the other night and I heard the infamous 'Subie" car sound coming up behind me."
 
What's the infamous "Subie" sound? Is there something that's mechanically prone to failure?

#7750 of 8644 Re: Possible alternator issue on 2000 Outback Wagon [paisan] by pilot1226

Jun 23, 2008 (2:10 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Jun 22, 2008 4:43 pm)
Shouldn't the Battery Light illuminate if there's a problem with the alternator? I've seen this on other cars that shows a problem with the battery (IE, losing a charge or not maintaining one...)... Or do they not have a battery fault light?

#7751 of 8644 Re: Rattling Down Under [pilot1226] by paisan

Jun 23, 2008 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Jun 23, 2008 2:07 pm)
It's not a specific subie rumble. Porsches, Subies, the original VW Beetle and the Ferrari Testarosa all had the sound, the sound of a Boxer Engine!
 
The rattleing is in fact a heat shield you will hear it in the 100-120k mile area and is fairly common on the subies.
 
-mike

Messages Page 776 of 866

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