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Subaru electrical problem

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.

Reply to
JDR2000
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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!

Reply to
NitroTrike

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.

Reply to
Jim Stewart

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.

Reply to
Kevin T

Reply to
Cliff Wright

If you don't have baking soda or are in a hurry, a jugful of boiling water is pretty effective as well.

Reply to
Clifford Heath

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...

soda in warm water

solution over the

clean with a wire

This treatment lasts

is quite effective.

Reply to
Andrew Morris

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