Subaru electrical problem

J

JDR2000

I've been having a problem with a '97 Outback Legacy for the last two
years (when I bought it). The battery seems to drain extremely fast,
and sometimes I have to use a charger to get the car started. This
especially seems to happen when it's raining.

If I have something charging in the car lighter, or the air
conditioning is on, and the car is not moving at a good clip, the
clock goes off, the airbag light goes on, and it appears the car is
losing electrical power. I then have to gun the engine if I'm at a
light (after turning all the electrical things off). If I'm driving on
the highway, there's usually not a problem.

I've had the local dealer look at it a couple of times -- they claim
that the battery and alternator are fine, the circuits are fine, etc.
Obviously, this is a problem that's eluding their normal diagnostics.

Any ideas on how I can find the source of this problem? It's the only
major problem I have with an otherwise fine car.

Thanks in advance,

Jon R.
 
From: (e-mail address removed) (JDR2000)
Date: 8/24/2004 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id: <(e-mail address removed)>

I've been having a problem with a '97 Outback Legacy for the last two
years (when I bought it). The battery seems to drain extremely fast,
and sometimes I have to use a charger to get the car started. This
especially seems to happen when it's raining.

If I have something charging in the car lighter, or the air
conditioning is on, and the car is not moving at a good clip, the
clock goes off, the airbag light goes on, and it appears the car is
losing electrical power. I then have to gun the engine if I'm at a
light (after turning all the electrical things off). If I'm driving on
the highway, there's usually not a problem.

I've had the local dealer look at it a couple of times -- they claim
that the battery and alternator are fine, the circuits are fine, etc.
Obviously, this is a problem that's eluding their normal diagnostics.

Any ideas on how I can find the source of this problem? It's the only
major problem I have with an otherwise fine car.

Thanks in advance,

Jon R.

Sounds like a failing rectifier in the alternator or a grounding issue. My 88
honda did that to me, as you said, in the rain, or damp weather only.
Apparently they were a bit stingy on the quality when they ran the ground
straps from the engine to the body. The moisture (and the road salt in winter)
increased the resistance of the strap(s), resulting in the dimming lights and
the loss of charging problem. A simple (and cheap, about 6 bucks at your local
auto store) solution to a really annoying problem. They also sell "grounding
kits", which is no more that a few sections of wire with fancy gold ends that
"tie" the engine ground to the cars chassis and negative terminal of the
battery. Just so a search for "grounding kit" and you will find the best places
to run the wire. Try either one before you pop a blood vessel trying to figure
this out!
 
JDR2000 said:
I've been having a problem with a '97 Outback Legacy for the last two
years (when I bought it). The battery seems to drain extremely fast,
and sometimes I have to use a charger to get the car started. This
especially seems to happen when it's raining.

If I have something charging in the car lighter, or the air
conditioning is on, and the car is not moving at a good clip, the
clock goes off, the airbag light goes on, and it appears the car is
losing electrical power. I then have to gun the engine if I'm at a
light (after turning all the electrical things off). If I'm driving on
the highway, there's usually not a problem.

I've had the local dealer look at it a couple of times -- they claim
that the battery and alternator are fine, the circuits are fine, etc.
Obviously, this is a problem that's eluding their normal diagnostics.

Any ideas on how I can find the source of this problem? It's the only
major problem I have with an otherwise fine car.

Without some tools and a multimeter, it will be hard.
I had a alternator diode short on my Datsun years ago.
The givaway, besides the intermintant dead battery,
was that the alternator developed a curious humming
or singing depending on the speed.

I'm hesitant to give you any troubleshooting advice
because things can get very nasty fiddling around with
the battery leads. See if you can find an automotive
electrician (there are such people, try the yellow
pages) to take a look.
 
Another ridiculously simple possible cause for the problem - terminal
connections. I had a Sentra at one time that nearly died in the middle of
nowhere. After getting it to my destination, I went to the shop a mile down
the road. It turned out I had loose and heavily corroded terminal
connections under the little rubber hoods. After cleaning them up with a
terminal brush, and giving the battery a full charge, the car was fine for
years.
 
G'Day.
A little tip about corroded battery terninals. Make a solution of baking soda in warm water
(about 3 teaspoons to a cup) take out the battery if possible and pour the solution over the
terminals. The corrosion will dissapear like magic! Give the terminals a clean with a wire
brush or sandpaper then finish with a light coating of petroleum jelly. This treatment lasts
for years if done properly. It's something I've done with all my cars and is quite effective.
Something I learnt in my Radio officer days!
Regards Cliff Wright ZL1BDA.
 
Cliff said:
A little tip about corroded battery terninals.

If you don't have baking soda or are in a hurry, a jugful
of boiling water is pretty effective as well.
 
having worked in the battery industry, I'd advise NEVER to use petroleum
jelly... it's flammable if heated sufficiently... there are sprays you can
buy from auto stores to prevent battery terminal corrosion...
 

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