Tag Archives: Alternator

Electrical Grounding System inspection

Electrical Grounding System inspection:

The importance of checking electrical ground connections during any electrical troubleshooting cannot be over stressed. For example, a poor electrical ground at the radiator support or fender (depending on the affected Subaru model) may cause any or all of the following problems:

• The door ajar indicator light dims when the brake pedal is applied.

• There is a loss of communication with the Automatic Transmission side of the New Select Monitor when the vehicle is put into gear.

• The engine starts running poorly after driving only a few feet.

• There is a loss of communication with the Anti-lock Brake side of the New Select Monitor when the brake pedal is applied.

Vehicles that have been involved in accidents should be inspected especially closely. In the example below, a Subaru Legacy had been involved in a front end collision.

During reassembly of the vehicle, the electrical ground wire behind the left front headlight that fastens to the radiator support had not been reinstalled (refer to photo). This electrical ground is attached to the left front fender on Subaru Impreza and Forester models. After reinstalling this ground wire, all of the affected systems returned to proper working order.

Electrical Grounding System inspection: The importance of checking ground connections during any electrical troubleshooting cannot be over stressed.
Electrical Grounding System inspection: The importance of checking ground connections during any electrical troubleshooting cannot be over stressed.

 

Alternator Replacement Subaru WRX/STi:

Alternator Replacement Subaru WRX/STi:

This is a step by step guide in replacing a alternator on a EJ series engine on a 02-07 Subaru WRX/STi.

Alternator Replacement Subaru WRX/STi: The Alternator cover needs to be removed.
Alternator Replacement Subaru WRX/STi: The Alternator cover needs to be removed.

1.) Open up the hood and disconnect the battery. Note: This is important. If you fail to disconnect the battery, you will be grounding out your tools and making all sort of popping noises and sparks. It can destroy your electrical system. So ensure that your battery is disconnected. It’s best to just remove the battery itself from the car.

2.) Take the plastic cover off that sits over the belts on the front of the EJ series engine. There are a couple of 10mm bolts. The bolts are pretty easy to get off. On your WRX and STi there is also some clips that will come off. The best way to get them off the cover is to use a needle nose pliers on the bottom side to undo the clips.