Alternator Troubles? '03 Outback

10

Asked by John Oct 31, 2018 at 05:16 PM about the 2003 Subaru Outback Base Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

For starters, I have a 2003 Subaru Outback (base wagon). She may not be
fancy but she has been a sturdy reliable car so far.

So I have had some small electrical issues (described below) and a friend
recommended I get the alternator tested. I did (at an Advanced Auto) and
while idling it would fluctuate between about 13.65 and 13.9 (when idling for
roughly 5 minutes)

Should I replace that Alternator?  (Also what should it read so I know for the
future)

Minor electrical issues are:
-->Powered side mirrors no longer move (both driver and passenger side)
-->Heated seats work some of the time (some days it works, others it
doesn't. Most days it no longer works)
--> The small lights in the front seat no longer work. (I have already
exchanged light bulbs in those that I could easily reach)
--> Lastly (and most recently) the powered seat controls on the driver's seat
have stopped working

I should also note that I did check the fuses, and they look fine.

If the Alternator is fine, any ideas on where I should look next?

3 Answers

890

Its not the alternator. Are the seats and mirrors on the same circuit?Maybe its a relay. If a Subaru has a BCM(body control module) research symptoms when they fail

1 people found this helpful.
890

They maybe two different issues.Check all wires under and in the seat.Might be a short

1 people found this helpful.
10

Thanks for the help! I don't know if they are on the same circuit, but I will check all my wires as soon as I get home tonight and keep ya posted! THANKS!

1 people found this helpful.

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