I think I just got taken - not once, but twice - by a local shop. I could use some specific advice from the knowledgable folks in this newsgroup.
A few months back, at about 80k miles on the OD, my alternator failed. I had had good results from this shop with a previous vehicle, so I had no qualms taking my wagon there.
With my permission, they replaced the alternator with a remanufactured part. Ever since then, I have been having intermittent problems with dashboard instrumentation. For example, the gas guage and the clock are now always on, even when the enging is completely shut down and the key is not in the accessories position in the ignition. From time to time, the rest of the instrumentation will not come on with the engine - like the speedometer and the engine temperature guage - and the red LED fake burglar alarm light will continue to flash, just as if the engine was off.
The other day, the "check engine" light came on and stayed on. I could see nothing wrong with the engine, but I cheerfully admit that I would not necessarily recognize a problem, even if it bit me on the butt.
I took it back to the shop, and they said the computer diagnostic tool indicated the fuel guage indicator was failing. I was told that it could just be a corroded contact, or they could replace the failing sensor outright.
I asked them to replace the sensor outright because I am planning to trade the car in this month, and I do not want to argue with a salesperson over the value of the car when the "check engine" light is on. The shop charged me for a replacement sensor.
Since then, the "check engine" light comes on and off intermittently, and the problems I have been having since the alternator was replaced continue.
I am starting to get the feeling that they tried to repair the original alternator, reinstalled it in the car, called it a remanufactured part and charged me accordingly.
My question to the group is, how can I prove or disprove that they sold me back my own alternator? Does the part have a number or a stamp that would indicate time of manufacture? Would a knowledgable Subaru technician be able to make a reasonable determination whether or not I've been ripped off?
I just don't want to be ripped off a third time when I take the car into the showroom, and I am given less in trade for it than it is worth, all because the check engine light decides to blink back on.
I sure would appreciate your comments or suggestions.
Thanks in advance, Andrew.