Hi guys..

Im good with nissans, but new to Subarus..

Ill just take 1 min to explain the history.

Case car: 1994 import wrx wagon.



Basically.. Bought an impreza that had a 'Sticky starter'.. rest seemed fine.. car was quick etc..


3 things of note..

Had to rock car to start it,
Noticed that the wipers work slowly
Dash lights dimmed when indicating...

Hmmm..


Changed starter.. and fitted fmic.

Starter issue still there.. so check the voltage output on the alternator.

Low 11's when running.. so thought.. must be alternator too..

Swapped that.. checked running voltages around mid 14's so away we go..




Starter issue seem immediatly much better.. would start 8/10 times..

Noticed that the wipers work slowly still.. and same issue with indicators..



Now its got progressivly worse.. to the point that the Rev counter drops for a second when i switch the indicators on.. and VERY RECENTLY.. its started missing.. in time with the indicators...

As in.. missing, like the spark stops very brielfy.. Even the rev counter dips in time with the indicators now..

So any ideas guys?..

Also fitted some gauges now.. and i know the running voltage is low, and the engine boosts only to 0.7bar.. and thats it.. in every gear?.. is this normal?..

when stereo and lights are off.. and im not indicating or using lights.. the car drives Great.. really quick!

HELP HELP HELP..

I was going to change the starter and the alternator again.. but there must be something else ?

 

I would start by checking earths: engine to body and battery, gearbox to body and battery, body to battery, ecu to battery, (which might benefit from an extra wire being run, thick gauge with ring connectors.
Check tightness of connectors and all connections for corrosion.

Next, watch what happens as you turn each item on, then off. Try to isolate the item causing the problem and go from there. It could be a poor earth at the wipers, for example.

Scoobs are renowned for poor earths, that's why a lot of people fit extra earthing kits.

 

Thanks for the info, would this be killing the alternators?

Sounds like a poor earth.. on the starter problem, because sometimes I rock the car in gear, and the starter starts it.. somtimes just shutting the door is enough of a vibration to let the starter suddenly fly round..

 

Poor earth won't HELP an alternator, it MIGHT make it over charge.

The starter problem sounds like a sticky solenoid. Remove it, strip, clean and replace MIGHT cure it, or get a refurbed one if you don't fancy taking one to bits? Although it's not rocket science, they are proabably put together by a 12 year old girl

But DO check the cleanliness and tightness of all earths you can see.

 

Alright guys.. this is getting worse...

Checked and cleaned a load of earths.. and its made no diff..

.. Car is DRINKING the fuel, as it misses LOADs when the indicators are on..

There is no real change in Engine running when main lights are turned on and off.. but in contrast..

.. flick the indicators on.. and the rpm drops.. and then recovers.. only to drop in time with the flashing of the indicators..

..missing its tats off now..

Is there an earth specific to the indicators?..

( car still struggles to start.. HAVE to rock
every time in gear to get starter to fire over.. )

 

Checked the flasher relay? It's high up under the dash, driver's side.

After that, I'd have it to a specialsit to look at the missing before it does the engine some damage