Has anyone had any problems with 2005 or around the same age with alternator not ccharging correctly?
Start car first few seconds 14volts then drops to 12.24v and doesnt charge if reved or idle, with load drops below 12v.
All fuses fine, main power lead to alternator from fuse box ok, battery only 1 year old so should be ok, terminals clean and tight, earth leads and points fine, car is used everyday.
Suspect alternator fault but from Subaru its £800 so need to be sure!

All help appreciated.

 

I believe they run a smart alternator that only charges when its needed or there is a draw of power from the battery, I leave my sidelights on when driving just so its charging, i have seen a few threads about it now, have you tested to see if the voltage changes when there is something on like the lights?

 

The climate control fan activates the alternator too

 

Yeah just leave the fan on low now for that reason. Comman issue, the alarm system does drain it slightly if left for days I find so I get the missus to fire it up every now and then if I'm away with work.