My scooby My98 turbo AWD has been acting a bit strange lately. After leaving it to stand only for 3 days or so, the battery was going flat. So, I recenty put a brand new battery in. But then also, the car wouldn't start the next day of a long run in it. However, I jumpstarted it yesterday, and in the middle of driving it, I experienced random loss of power in it. Then suddenly, the ABS light came on, and car nearly came to halt. I kept it moving and got home. I turned the engine off, and turned it back on again- wouldn't ignite. It was dead. Battery was checked again with multimeter (or whatever it's called). it was displaying not enough power.

I don't know what it is.

Do you think it could be to with the alternator, or some electric fault? I am sorry, but I know nothing about car mechanisms. So please, if I can have some idiotproof answers, that will be great.

Thanks in anticipation.

 

check your belts first, sounds like alternator.

 

Sounds like a knackered battery and/or alternator. Get the battery load tested, takes 5 seconds and will instantly tell you if it's shot.

 

Ok! Thank you I shall get the belts checked too.

How much I am looking to spend, if it does turn out to be the alternator?

 

she said she had a new battery fitted?

 

She.

I am a lady.
Yes, I have a had a new Bosch battery on 23/08/08.
Battery is not displaying enough charge now (according to the reading on multimeter). So, there is a possibility that the battery itself is faulty. But, the whole reason to buy a new battery, and replace not so old "old" battery was that the car was having the same problem before too. I thought it was the old battery gone duff. So, I got a new one. This one is even worse! This is why I am thinking if something else could be up with alternator etc.

I forgot to add that when you turn the key to start it, it makes "khuchukk" type of sound. Then it goes "turrr........turrr" for some reason. LOL I am sorry I don't know how else I can explain, but this is the way it is. BTW, that "turr, turr" seems to be coming from the back of the car.
Very strange indeed; for an ignorant in "mechanical knowledge" like myself

I may have to get it looked at, but what do the experts think of this fault here?

Thanks is anticipation for all your help, as I said before.

BTW, what's this place like for alternators, if I have to buy one?

Subaru Impreza Turbo Parts, Tuning, Spares & Accessories - Rotating Electrics - Alternators & Starters -

 

Sorry Lady.

 

LOL no prob, Steviecrump

 

You can test the alternator by getting it started and testing teh voltage across the battery, if its below 13v then its you alt. If its ok, which to be honest i doubt then its something on that shouldnt be, and that could be any number of relays that can do that.
Get it jump started and test the voltage, thats the first step, that will tell you where to look. Best of luck.

Mike

 

Thank you, Mike.

 

Ok, I jump-started it today, and took the reading. It was above 13. I stopped it and fired it again, it won't have it! So, I had no option but to call the RAC guy. My breakdown cover allows me to get RAC out to my drive. Alternator passed his test alright. But battery was still not responding. He was certain that it could'nt have been the brand new Bosch battery. So, he looked at the amp, which was "live", drawing a substantial amount of power from the battery. But that was nothing new, it always did; without causing any hassle. The problem was really the leaking spoiler (boombox is in the boot), rain water was dripping on the "live" connection; making the power consumption worse! He has taken the fuse off the amp now. car is running again- hopefully, with no hiccups in near future. I need to seal the spoirer's nuts-n-bolt holes, and change the rusty amp wires before I put the fuse back in.

Thank you very much for your help, guys
I am glad that it wasn't the alternator.

 

Well thats a very random fault!!! I wouldnt have guessed it!!!!
Well atleast its sorted now, might be worth putting a switch in the live feed to amp, that way you can avoid it ever happening again!

Glad its sorted though

Mike

 

LOL I know! Will do, Mike.
Thank you very much