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Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'97 Subaru Outback Wagon, Fluttering
Q: While driving
on the freeway the check engine light and ABS light came on my ’97
Subaru Outback, then the RPM and Speedometer gauges started jumping erratically.
I pulled off the freeway and turned off the car. When I tried to start
it again the battery was dead. We replaced the battery and the car has
run fine for a week. Now the Battery and brake light are fluttering while
driving. Any ideas?
- Lori M.
A:
There is a very good chance that your battery is fine. The cause of your
problems may be the alternator. The battery light on your vehicle really
does not have much of anything to do with the battery. What the battery
light really indicates is the charging system. It is likely that the alternator
on your vehicle is starting to fail. You’re seeing the early warning
signs with a battery that went dead while driving and now a fluttering/flickering
warning light. Drive your Subaru to a repair facility soon for testing.
It is likely it will save you the cost of being towed in for testing and
diagnosis.
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