I purchased my first scoob about 3 months ago.. a jap import.. it has been driving fine.. but lately it's been intermittent?

When driving around town, it's fine.. in the cold.. on start up.. no problems.. when i've been down the motorway crusing (sitting on 4000rpm) after about 10minutes all the lights (interior and exterior) tend to fade and brighten up again.. like a flickering effect.. and in the dark i have to drive with the fogs on just to see the road. If i try to floor it from 4000rpm onwards then it's slow and stuttery (if thats a word?).

When i come back onto normal roads after leaving the motorway, if i try to pull away with a slight heavy right foot, car just stutters as if it's going into limp mode.. and if i back of and accelerate slowly, then its fine, but no fun (had to give in to a Nissan Pulsar GTi last night - not happy!). If i drive like this for a few miles and then try again.. whoosh.. of it goes and my darlings back. I've got ICS water spray fitted, and gave it a generous squirt whilst sitting at the lights.. don't know if it had an effect?

My '96 import has got a full UK '98 dash including digital clocks etc. My speedo doesn't work.. just bounces.. but the rev counter/fuel/temp is all ok.. hasn't bothered me yet. It's had an oil change last month, and i think the HKS air filter could do with a clean, but the previous owner said the spark plugs will need doing soon. I've checked pipes for splits and made sure my levels are all ok. I'm running on Optimax only.

Any idea's what i could check next? Could it do with a ECU computer fault clear? Do i have to go to a main dealer to get this done?

 

if the speedo doesnt work then that should throw a cel dont know if that would put the car in limp mode or not though.
I would do the folllowing
1:-Check Earth connections (for the flickery lights etc)
2:-Fix speedo (check drive unit that sits near the gearbox dipstick)
3:-Reset ecu and go for a drive.

If it is still the same then check the following
1:-Check for error codes on the ecu, if it brings anything up then rectify that
2:-Check Coil Packs (make sure they arent cracked or split)
3:-Change plugs
4:-Reset ECU and go for a test drive

 

First i would check to see if your altenater is charging because it sounds to me that it's on it's way out i.e. lights fading/flickering e.t.c. do this and then check the coil packs and plugs then go for a run.

 

I fitted a new battery aswell.. but with regards to the alternator.. is this something someone mechanically minded could do?

My mate told me to change the plugs the engine has to be tilted to get to them.. is this true?

Shall i just get the lot checked out by the garage including the ECU check/reset?

 

Anyone with a multi metre can check for alternator charging


tilt engine to change plugs,Utter crap!!! It takes 30 to 45 mins to change the plugs if you done it before.The first time you do it may take a little longer.But dont tilt the engine theres no need.

Probably is the alternator.How does the car run in the day with no lights etc. on?

 

Car runs perfect during the day.. no problems.. even on motorway runs.. it's at night-time when got the lights on etc that you noice the flickering...

I might get some plugs then.. and get the old man to change them.. and search for an alternator...

Money in.. money out...

 

It would'nt hurt to do the plugs, but dont do them unless you to.

With regards to checking the altenator go to somewhere like ATS or KWICK-FIT as they can check to see if it's charging ok, should only cost a couple of quid.

PM me to let me know how you got on.

 

Thanks for that.. i'll just get some OEM plugs and head to Kwick-Fit if i can get the car started... immobiliser is playing up.. have posted another thread on this in the electrical section..

 

knackered alternator is the problem.. no problem with the alarm.. just jump started it.. not enough power left in battery to crank it over... the search continues...

 

try http://www.gradea-subaru.co.uk/ for a replacment. There sure to have one

 

I've found a subaru breaker on Ebay selling one for £65 inc postage.. is that reasonable?

 

Go to Grade A, Far more reliable than Ebay. They are a top bunch of Blokes.

Dean

 

Agree with dean on this one, they will replace it they send you a dodgy one

 

Have contacted them.. see what they say.. cheers..