Subaru Alternator Replacement - Don't Pay A Mechanic

[@cassiedahl2407]

After watching your amazing video, I changed out my alternator in my work parking ramp. This was the first time I’ve ever worked on my car. Thank you!

[@802Garage]

Wow that's wonderful to hear! Thank you so much for the comment. My only tips would be to make sure you double check all the bolts are tight and the belt tension is correct in a few hundred miles. Good luck with your future car endeavors!

[@gailruggles6562]

I might be this guy's mom; well, actually I am, but I just watched this video and I think I could actually swap an alternator. Though with rusty bolts and no fast forward, it would likely take me 8 hours instead of 8 minutes. Point is, after watching this I could do the job!

[@802Garage]

Hahaha, thanks Mom! I'm sure you could handle it.

[@YokaiTheGSD]

You helped me to put my 97 Impreza back on the road after I got stranded. From a developing mechanic, thank you.

[@802Garage]

Super glad to hear it! First gen Imprezas are my specialty, so let me know if you have other questions. Easiest to reach me on Instagram usually.

[@bruceturner4776]

It was a moderately easy fix for me with the help of your video. (They wanted $200.00 for removal and installation at my "friendly" neighborhood garage. Thanks!

[@802Garage]

Wow that's waaay over the top for labor! So glad the video could help.

[@tercerorosemary]

I changed the alternator today. Thank you so much for making this video so easy to follow step by step.

[@802Garage]

That's great to hear! Thanks for the comment!

[@kaseywhite7687]

I just watched this video for the 3rd time. I haven't changed my alternator yet but I will. This video/you provided all the information and steps needed to change my alternator. I agree with your mom though, the fast forward to install was the reason I watched it again. Thank you!

[@802Garage]

Haha well thank you so much! If you have any questions, please let me know.

[@NDemanuele1]

After watching the video a few times, I decided to give it a whirl. It took me too long but got the job done! The hardest part was putting it on. Yours seems to slide on. I had to use a rubber mallet and some elbow grease with mine. When I finally got it on, it was smooth sailing! Thanks for the video!!

[@802Garage]

Ah I should have mentioned the back bushing for the alternator ears! There is usually a steel collar pressed into the back ear of the alternator. Sometimes you need to adjust it in or out slightly to get a nice fit. That's probably what hung you up. Glad you got it done though! Awesome to hear. :)

[@NDemanuele1]

@@802Garage It didn't seem adjustable. I thought it was sealed on there? Also, although it seems self-explanatory, there is a specific way to get the unit in place. For me, I had to get the side of the adjustment screw in place first. Then the ears will line up. Had I known that I can adjust that bushing it would've taken me considerably less time. Maybe even the length of your video!...LOL. I struggled with that and even took a break. Eventually, using the rubber mallet knocked it into place. Thanks

[@802Garage]

@@NDemanuele1 Yeah it's a pressed in split collar or solid sleeve and it's usually pretty correct, but I've had a couple times where I had to put a bolt through with a socket on the other side and tighten a nut and washer onto the socket back so it pulls the sleeve through a bit one way or another. One of those things you shouldn't have to do, but sometimes you do.

[@andrewgoulton4624]

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge I'm one poor dude but im a poor dude that's still rolling thanks to you.

[@802Garage]

I'm a poor dude who just wanted to help other poor dudes keep rolling, so that's great to hear!

[@carteldechanel3531]

Wowee! Thank you very much man, for the infromative vid! My boyfriend and I just purchased a 93 Impreza for 700 bones, and am faced with replacing the alternator. Been scouring the Tube, and Net to find out either how to rebuild the alt, or just replace it all together. Agfain, this is the besty how to I have found so far.... Thanks again for the instructional, and please instruct me to some good threads, or a good forum with 93 Impreza fanbase. Enjoy the weather wherever your at homie! ScoobyRubaru!

[@802Garage]

Oh wow thanks for the comment! You'll absolutely love the 93 Impreza. Dead simple to work on, crazy reliable, can do anything a couple reasonably needs short of what would require a big truck or SUV. Feel free to ask me literally any questions. Have a big soft spot for these cars. I actually bought another 1993 Impreza, a purple one, in January of 2020 for $500! Perfect so far. As for what I do when I need a new alternator, I actually tend to buy used OEM alternators on eBay. They are high quality, cost way less than buying new or rebuilt, and a lot of the new or rebuilt alternators from parts stores burn out very fast or never work right. You can also upgrade if you will ever do anything like add a sound system or just to have more overhead. Any alternator from basically a 93-98 Impreza, 95-99 Legacy, or any SVX should work. Just have to make sure it's the right rectangular plug with 2 contacts. I'll give you a couple links. Just suggestions, go with a new or reman if it makes you more comfortable. The good thing about parts store alternators is they do come with a warranty and they are easy to swap! ebay.us/n7uVXt - Cheapest. I know what it's like to be broke though, and should work or you can get your money back. ebay.us/l3Py7Z - Looks pretty nice. Technically a 10 Amp upgrade. May be a reman, but way cheaper than at the store! ebay.us/OAO2cn - Well used, but appearances don't matter much. Exact same that came on your car. ebay.us/CAIHM5 - Also looks pretty nice. Technically a 10 Amp upgrade. Don't see any reman stickers. ebay.us/rh5k2u - This is a tested Bosch reman, which is a reputable brand and is normally $100 + $45 core charge new. ebay.us/on5kGf - This one looks OEM, looks low miles, came from the desert which is kinder than winter, probably my pick. Best forums for Subaru in general is NASIOC, for Impreza specifically RS25 is pretty good, but there are also tons of groups on Facebook which will be more active. Hope this helps!

[@MJSalls]

Hey amigo, just changed mine out, great vid. So much easier than even the video makes it out to be. Cheers.

[@802Garage]

Super glad to hear it! Thanks for commenting. :)

[@markgrzanka7070]

this was essential in getting me back on the road again......great job!

[@802Garage]

Excellent! Let me know if you have any issues. Thanks a lot for the comment.

[@depotdevoid]

Thank you for this! I had some trouble with the pivot bolt, but put some penetrating oil on it and waited half an hour, no problem. Simple instructions that worked perfectly for my 2007 Legacy.

[@802Garage]

Yeah they can def be a pain! Glad you got it and thanks for the comment. :)

[@MosheHaMayim4591]

Thank you Thank you Thank you. Without this video I would have made a huge mess of things which is common for me. I probably would not have tried to do this repair for myself and would have just went to a mechanic and paid a big price. Cost me $175.00 for the alternator and I did the removal and install myself thanks to your help. I really liked your metallic dish tip since i always drop small things into small tight hard to get to places deep in the engine area beneath all of the cords and tubes. I had a powerful magnet and just stuck all of my bolts and screws to it as I removed them. It did the trick and I now have it in my tool box.

[@802Garage]

That's awesome! Thank you so much for commenting. Sounds like you can handle things fine without making a mess as long as you are methodical. Let me know if you have any issues. :)

[@brad179]

This was super helpful. Just now learning basic mechanics and this seems like a great place to start.

[@802Garage]

Awesome! Yes, definitely something good to learn on. Despite what internet memes will tell you, I actually find Subaru to be one of the easiest brands to work on.

[@TheCreateOutdoors]

When I needed it most, Aaron was here to help.

[@802Garage]

Hahaha that's amazing! Wish I had done more in this series too. Had several filmed and the hard drive they were on died.

[@PeterPiroNYC]

Thanks to your video, I could switch out the alternator on my 2000 Outback AT (226K) with a $50 OEM alternator from the local Subaru parts specialist. Also discovered a cache of nuts underneath, deposited by some critter. Two suggestions for any newbies like myself: 1) Do pay attention to securing the rear bracket when loosening the main bolt. I loosened the bolt too far and caused the bracket to fall. 2) The replacement alternator (used) had corrosion on the bolt mounts which made it difficult to install/ position the alternator. Sanding off the corrosion and giving a squirt of WD-40 overcame the resistance. Many thanks!

[@802Garage]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the comment. That's exactly what I liked to do. Buy a used OEM alternator. Saves money and usually lasts quite a long time anyways. The one major thing I neglected to mention in this video is the adjustable sleeve in the back ear of the alternator. Probably what gave you issues. Usually I use a socket and a bolt and some washers to adjust it. Glad you got it though. Yes squirrels love to stash acorns in that area! Hahaha.

[@PeterPiroNYC]

@@802Garage I had no idea that the sleeve in the back ear can be adjusted. Good to know for the next time! One quick question about the alternator belt tension - can excessive tension cause stalling when idling? I'm wondering if the tension bolt needs a few turns to the left.

[@802Garage]

​@@PeterPiroNYC Here's a great video on sleeve adjustment for future reference. kzbin.infohwlIFj_jpU8?feature=share Excessive tension should not cause stalling. If the belt is too tight for you to move 1/4-1/2" on the right side where it is most vertical, without a ton of effort, it may be a bit too tight. If you're stalling at idle, it could be something to do with the idle air control valve or a general tune up issue. It could also be a voltage issue. Check you have at least 13V coming from the alternator at idle. Hopefully you didn't get a dud, but at least the local shop would probably help you out. Good luck!

[@jeffmiller1811]

As professional detailer, I recommend cleaning the engine with the old alternator or no alternator on so you don't worry about water causing problems with the alternator. Plus it makes all engine work easier and cleaner...

[@802Garage]

Good call! I don't detail engine bays much here. Dirt roads make it hard to keep anything clean, hah. :)

[@GUTCHESDAVE]

Thanks!! Easiest KZbin auto repair video I've seen yet. Just saved my mom $200....I wonder if she'll bake me an apple pie?🤔😂

[@802Garage]

Hahaha that's awesome! Really appreciate the comment. :)

[@19s5e18r14n]

Great job keeping that old subie on the road!👍

[@802Garage]

Thanks! My current has 275,000 miles. :D

[@JohnHanly]

Yeah, that fast motion would come in handy ;-) Good stuff! Well articulated with just enough detail.

[@802Garage]

😂 I wish I could work that fast. Everything takes me ages. Glad it was a good video for you!

[@darmendaris1]

Great video, did mine for this first time in an hour!!

[@802Garage]

Awesome! Thank you for the comment. ^_^

[@dmsemper5431]

Thanks lot for that tip of the little oil nut down there under the alternative

[@802Garage]

Yes! Very common oil leak and surprisingly easy to fix. Your oil pressure sending unit. :)

[@kevinp8600]

thanks for this awesome video will be doing this replacement on a 06 outback next week this should help!

[@802Garage]

Great! I don't think there are any major differences in the Outback procedure other than the belt covers being slightly different and the alternator being a bit larger. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@josiekorenek2795]

Literally THANK YOU SO MUCH. Mine is going bad and I’m waiting for a quote from Burnett’s right now which is expensive & I don’t have that so you definitely saved my life.

[@802Garage]

Eyyy you're so welcome that's why I like making videos is to save people money! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@bra55ic_gaming]

Very clear tutorial great content !!!

[@802Garage]

Hey thanks so much! I always want to make sure my instructions are clear and the angles are good. Lots more coming. :)

[@caski77]

Thank you for your clear and concise instructions!

[@802Garage]

No problem at all! Thanks for your comment.

[@caski77]

Just to follow up, about an hour after watching this I successfully replaced my alternator in a '91 Loyale in the O'Reilly's parking lot.

[@802Garage]

Fantastic! One of the reasons I love Subaru. Changing the alternator or accessory belts is so easy. I just had to change the alternator in a CR-V and thanks to a thoroughly stuck lower alternator bolt, it took me over 10 hours of work, no joke. Granted normally it should only have taken 2 hours, but still, a Subaru alternator takes me 15-30 minutes now! Anyways, that's great. Hope it lasts well for you and make sure to check the belt tension after some more driving. :)

[@SmithBri24]

Wonderful video, thank you so much for creating this tutorial!

[@802Garage]

You're very welcome! Thanks for commenting. :)

[@caralowe2431]

Well, this video definitely makes it look easy! Wish me luck! I'll report back..

[@802Garage]

I think you've got this. ;) Good luck!

[@CarsSimplified]

Very nicely done! One thing I would do differently is decide, at least before editing, if the video is going to be a general ("How to replace X") video or specific ("How to replace X on Y") video. This is almost perfect as a general video, except where you showed the vehicle-specific tool sizes. Some people may know it's for this car, but I feel like the target audience may be just getting into working on their own cars, and may think 10mm and 12mm might be the universal alternator sizes, and I know from my experience working at an auto parts store that people do buy just the sockets for the current job sometimes.

[@802Garage]

Very good points. My original intent was to make generalized tutorials. The issues with those is a flooded market. So instead I figured doing a general tutorial with a specific focus may be more successful. Then people aren't frustrated if the tutorial doesn't​ match their specific vehicle, but they can use it for general information. You are right though, it's just hard to know if I should target a flooded general market or go for more of a specific target audience and just make more videos over time.

[@CarsSimplified]

I have made attempts at both, with varying degrees of success with both. I feel like you could film bits for both; two videos for only a minute or so more filming. I have considered doing that myself, but haven't had the time to experiment.

[@DanTheManIOM]

needed to know about the retainer clip/welded nut on main pivot bolt, saw it, and had it in the box of fasteners...alternator connected, now off to connect the power sterring pump (new) to reservoir....

[@802Garage]

Glad you could use this as a reference! Subaru swapping a VW?

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@802Garage yes...I have my best man on it !! Hope to start it up soon....EJ25 DOHC from a 99 Legacy outback into a 85 VW Vanagon...

[@FujiboHeavy]

Thanks for the vid! Got my old alternator out, and awaiting the replacement this week!

[@802Garage]

No problem! I love to help. Let me know if you have any questions about this job or your car in general. :)

[@FujiboHeavy]

802 Garage appreciate it! Install was successful! And my battery light went away

[@802Garage]

Boo yah! That's the goal.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Very well done and well put together Aaron, great job!

[@802Garage]

Thanks as always. ^_^ I still need to catch up with your latest!

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Just put out a short simple one 20 mins ago on smoked signal lights! They look great

[@802Garage]

Yeah I got the notification. ;) Will probably watch some today as I have a car ride to Boston.

[@finallychurro-mn1mu]

I'm digging these videos bro 👍🏻 Nice work

[@802Garage]

Thanks mah dude! Hope to see more from you soon.

[@finallychurro-mn1mu]

802 Garage No problem about to do my HID Install video today

[@morgangmilligan]

Subscribed, liked, will recommend. Will be upgrading my 2015 Forester with a “fancy alt and battery” going to do some heavy camping time. Anything I should look out for?

[@sharingiscaring9320]

very thorough tutorial.

[@802Garage]

Thank you! Hope it was helpful.

[@waynegreen3125]

Great job and your right don’t pay a mechanic like here in Hawaii.

[@XrsDriver]

awesome DIY thank you for the video keep up the good work.

[@802Garage]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@moroni0746]

Thank you! You're the best!

[@802Garage]

Thank you for commenting! Let me know if you ever have any questions.

[@MioVendetta]

Nice vid, do you have one on how to fix a troublesome motherinlaw?

[@802Garage]

Hahaha find out her favorite chocolate and bring her one every time you see her.

[@themindfulsk8r]

Thank you very much bro!!!

[@802Garage]

No problem. Thanks for commenting!

[@malic1950]

..great..thank you... I guess I will do myself...!

[@802Garage]

This is def a great DIY job! Subaru makes it very easy. There are many transverse engine cars where it's a nightmare. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@hildalittleton3942]

Great job

[@802Garage]

Thank you! Hope it was helpful.

[@bulet2dome607]

I was told I need an alternator replacement which following your instructions should be easy to do myself. I do have a question, I noticed very little smoke and electrical type smell coming from the alternator area. Is this due to the bad alternator or is it something else all together?

[@802Garage]

If you smell burning rubber/plastic and the smell doesn't go away very quickly, I would check all your wiring in the area of the smell to make sure you don't have a failing wire connection or something shorting out. Otherwise a tiny bit of smoke and smell in an engine bay when a car first warms up is usually from an oil or power steering leak somewhere. On a Subaru often the valve cover gaskets and oil dripping down onto the exhaust. Hard to determine without more details. Replacing the alternator is definitely something you can do yourself. I like to buy used OEM alternators from eBay rather than remans or new Chinese made. Let me know if you need anything else.

[@orinc730]

super helpful!! mine is going and my local subaru dealer told me they dont make reman parts for my 2012 Impreza. Where do you like to go for these parts? Are salvaged parts a good idea?

[@802Garage]

When it comes to alternators and starters, I go to eBay and find the lowest mileage used OEM part I can find from a junkyard reseller. I'd much rather put a 40K mile OEM alternator in my car than a cheap new or reman, especially from local parts shops for insane markups. Often you can get a very low miles alternator or starter for $40-100 and have zero issues. They almost always have a 30-90 day money back if the part doesn't work. One good way to cross reference which parts will work for your car is to go to RockAuto and look at the parts that will fit, click on the part number and it will tell you all vehicles that use the same part. Then you can go to eBay and search for that part from those years and models to find the cheapest and lowest mile option for you. Even if you buy a very expensive used alternator for say $150 that only has 10 to 20,000 mi on it, that's still far cheaper than buying a new from the dealer and usually cheaper than buying aftermarket new or remanufactured which have an extremely high defect or failure rate. Yes, you can also go to a junkyard and pull your own. :)

[@bobbybanks7583]

NICE & THANKS VERY. VERY HELPFUL B.L.BANKS

[@802Garage]

You're welcome!

[@Chris-vx3qi]

Great video 👍

[@802Garage]

Thanks a lot!

[@cristianfernandez9642]

Nice job .

[@802Garage]

Thank you!

[@cafn8ed74]

Thanks for the video. I suspect my alternator is fried and I was considering charging the battery and driving to my mechanic's shop. Considering how simple this is I'm rethinking that idea. BTW, where would a person find a used alternator to buy?

[@802Garage]

Which year/model is your car? I'll show you which deal I would go for. Generally I use eBay and search for used items and find a lower mileage OEM alternator. Much better luck than remans or new Chinese made for me.

[@cafn8ed74]

@@802Garage it's a 2002 Impreza 2.5 RS

[@802Garage]

@@cafn8ed74 This is like the cheapest one I would go for. High miles, but looks clean. rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575456869&campid=5338435244&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F402159474726

[@802Garage]

@@cafn8ed74 100K miles and has a warratny. Honestly when the OEM alternators aren't abused they can go 200K+ miles. rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575456869&campid=5338435244&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F362875592102

[@802Garage]

@@cafn8ed74 85K miles a little more expensive. rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575456869&campid=5338435244&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F312877665536

[@Totoroallright]

Great video man... reminds me of chris fix style of tutorial

[@802Garage]

Thanks! I try to make it my own, but Chris Fix is obviously a good role model when it comes to how to videos. This one hasn't been my most successful, but I have more in this style coming eventually. Thanks for the comment!

[@greirat5365]

I like this series man

[@802Garage]

Hey thanks! Lots more coming soon.

[@Fadedglory14081]

Thanks for the video. Are all the aftermarket’s you can get from autozone trash? I find some that say rated for 110a. I took it to the dealership and they wanted $1400! They said the alternator is only pushing 75-80amps. Just didn’t know if an aftermarket would be worth it or am I better with what’s installed.

[@802Garage]

They aren't all "trash" just not my preference. I would rather buy a used OEM alternator. What car do you have? The Amperage rating depends on the year and engine. I don't understand how the dealer could possibly say it would be $1400 when a brand new alternator is likely in the $450 range and it's an hour of labor. So that makes no sense whatsoever.

[@Fadedglory14081]

2013 XV cross trek. I did google oem alternator and found a valeo rated at 200a for about $950. I just took it home and cleaned the posts really good, no light so far but it seems very intermittent

[@802Garage]

@@Fadedglory14081 Your original alternator seems to be 110A, though I see many people claiming it's 90A. Either way all the aftermarket options seem to be 110A. You could buy an OEM alternator for $528 so I have no idea where $1400 comes from it is very easy to change. You definitely do not need the Valeo 200A alternator unless you are planning to install insane lighting and a ridiculous sound system for example. The same Valeo is on RockAuto for only $733 by the way. However, you can get a stock replacement for only $192 from RockAuto or a remanufactured Bosch for $286. My go to would be used alternator on eBay. I'll provide a few links for what I would get personally. ebay.us/SNZmI2 - Low miles low price. ebay.us/Cvc2bu - Also low miles more money. ebay.us/Pq7o58 - Slightly more miles good price. You can search for others if you want, but I generally just recommend getting one that is the lowest miles possible in your budget that does not have any remanufactured labels on it and doesn't look like it was in a swamp. Your OEM part number is 23700AA720 or 23700AA721.

[@Fadedglory14081]

@@802Garage thank you! Just drove it on my commute to work and it came on once for about a second. I think I’ll order one for this weekend.

[@802Garage]

@@Fadedglory14081 Hope it works out. How many miles on your car out of curiosity?

[@moonaj89]

great video

[@802Garage]

Thanks! Hope it helped.

[@johnathansmith3819]

Thanks for your video; it seems a pretty straight forward replacement. My problem is not being sure it is the alternator, the one at fault. Symptom: dashboard lights for "battery" and " "brake" are now on at start, and do not go off. This happens intermittently. I have an instrument, indicating Voltage produced; this one has two LEDs one for 'alt' and the other for 'bat. While it displays the 13.1 volts produced (new battery, with running engine at 1000 rpm, btw) the 'alt. Ied is on, but not the 'bat'. Simple enough, no? While I am tempted to replace the alternator, almost $260.00 US (I'm in Canada, btw) make me question "what if I am wrong?" kinda... Any advice? btw, I squirted W40 inside, just in case, but no change. Thanks again.

[@802Garage]

I'm not sure where you got the advice to spray WD-40 inside, but I don't think that's a great idea. If you do have info that that works, let me know. overall, it sounds like your alternator is bad. You should be getting more than 13.1 volts charging when the car is on ideally. Plus the batt light always being on and the tester indicating alternator adds up as well. I would recommend buying a used alternator on eBay because they are almost always good and you can probably save around $200. you could actually buy an alternator from almost any Subaru from similar years like a legacy and it would give you a slight Amperage upgrade. Let me know what year and model your car is and I can help you some more.

[@johnathansmith3819]

I roamed the US and Canada while servicing injection molding systems and plasma machinery, for more than 20 years, and WD40 (based on fish oil) is a cleaner, innocuous to electrical components, and lubricates everything, leaving no residue after it is dissipated. This morning it was charging at 14.1 volts. btw, I found one of the brushes was stuck and making no contact or making it erratically. Thanks for reply.EDIT SAGA (Oct. 23-18) The o/p wires isolated stud, was burnt. It seems like dielectric failure. Replaced the alternator; it was Ok. Next day, while starting the car, I hear like someone is murdering a hog! The pulley became real hot and the belt started to smoke! The alternator evidently stopped! Several attempts later - with no internal binding at all, because rotor is free to turn completely - and it STILL squeals like a pig, after three seconds, by the clock!. Any suggestions? btw, I really appreciate your answers, thanks.

[@802Garage]

@@johnathansmith3819 Ah, that makes sense to me! I haven't found it to hurt pretty much anything either, but I wasn't sure if it could conduct enough to worry about. Glad you found your issue! Easy fix. If you ever do need to swap it in the future keep in mind it's a cheap upgrade to get a used one from a different model. :)

[@johnathansmith3819]

Too late for me; I went ahead and purchased one from NAPA, for $247 CND....and the saga continues. Please read my EDIT. I might return it.

[@802Garage]

@@johnathansmith3819 If you are actually sure the alternator pulley is not spinning and the belt os slipping over it, which would definitely cause the heat and noise, then yes return the alternator for a replacement and ask for a new belt because the alternator has a bad bearing that isn't functioning when loaded. I say ask for a new belt because the heating will dramatically shorten its lifespan and the new alternator caused it. The only other possibilities are that you are not tightening the belt enough or you are over tightening it way too much. When you push on the open section of the belt you should be able to move it about half an inch with 20 lbs. of force if memory serves. Basically if it is rock hard you have it over tightened but if it has some wiggle when you barely touch it, it's probably under tightened.

[@azlandman1]

I have a question for you. When I reconnected the battery after following all the instructions and very successfully thank you, lights are flashing, is like the four ways or flashing and the radio light is flashing and the glove box light is flashing very slowly. I can find nothing in the owner's manual and it seems to be some sort of an error code. It flashes 30 times and then stops for a few seconds and then flashes 30 times again. Any idea what that is?

[@802Garage]

It has to do with the security system or remote entry. This is the easy way to fix it. Disconnect the ground from the battery. Turn the ignition switch to the on position. Reconnect the ground to the battery. Flashing should not keep happening. If that doesn't work let me know and tell me your year and model.

[@azlandman1]

@@802Garage yes. That worked. Thanks. My wife calls it the high tech hokey pokey...

[@802Garage]

@@azlandman1 Awesome glad you got it. You put your ground back on your take your ground back off, you put your key in on and then you put your ground back on, do the high tech hokey pokey and your lights stop flashing on, that's what it's all about. Hahaha.

[@KILO993]

I guess I will try to replace my alternator now lol. Now the hardest part is figuring out rides to work while the part gets shipped in :/

[@802Garage]

Ah boo! You can do it though. Let me know if you have any questions. :D

[@KILO993]

@@802Garage Oh damn! Thanks man. A good buddy of mine (who is way better than I am with cars) is gonna help me out once the part gets here. I guess the voltage regulator on my 05 Legacy has been allowing the alternator to overcharge and totally kill my battery lol

[@richardireland6072]

My engine light and cruise control light are on after this. I also replaced my battery

[@802Garage]

That's bizarre. What year?

[@underthecurrent9708]

Can I swap an old Subaru Forester 2000 alternator for one from an 02 or 03 Subaru Forester? Thanks! my mechanic took my battery out to charge and wants me to drive my car back to the shop for him to replace it. Also I had my radiator fan replaced and cv axle/shaft, the car died and so I took it back and he replaced a hose, said it was fine to drive. I drove it for two days and the car engine was dead and not starting the next morning. I feel like I’m being ripped. I spent over 1500 so far

[@802Garage]

Yes, the later alternator should work. As long as the plug on your alternator is oval with 3 contacts in it. An 02 alternator should be identical, and 03 alternator will actually be an upgrade most likely from 75A to 90A which should not cause any issues. Alternators from most 00-06 Subarus should work in general. Very sorry you haven't had a great experience with the mechanic. Unsurprising a car that age could need a fan, axle, and alternator. I tend to buy used alternators on eBay with the lowest miles possible rather than going to parts stores. Good luck and let me know if you have other questions.

[@underthecurrent9708]

@@802Garage Thank you so much! I actually just had the cv axle, radiator fan and cap and battery and some hoses replaced. The alternator from my friends car didn't work out so I'm going to the parts store tomorrow, as I can't wait to order one right now. Do you have a recommendation for a good cheapish one? thanks!!!

[@802Garage]

@@underthecurrent9708 Unfortunately at the parts store, they aren't going to be cheap. My best advice would be to call all the parts stores in your area like Advance, AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA. Ask them all for pricing. Generally I would prefer a rebuilt alternator over a brand new, because the brand new are typically made in China unless you pay big bucks. Many parts from China are fine, but alternators are not my favorite. Bosch is a reputable brand if any of them stock it. A few phone calls to find the cheapest option could save you $20-100 easy though. Good luck!

[@williamsolis1420]

So every time I step on the gas on my 13 legacy there is a squeaky noise. Could that be the alternator ??

[@802Garage]

Potentially. Most likely just a slipping belt. I'd check the tension.

[@michaelphillips8453]

good job, you get a cookie

[@802Garage]

Thanks! It has helped some people so I'm happy.

[@pirihern9329]

Great video . If possible better off rebuilding the original alternator instead of replacing especially if it's a denso

[@802Garage]

Agreed. I actually prefer to buy used low mileage OEM alternators on eBay instead of rebuilt or aftermarket. I can also rebuild them myself, but it is a bit fiddly.

[@revmatchtv]

Doesn't look too bad on this car at all. Some cars can be pretty nasty though. Like the hidden alternator on my SR20! lol

[@802Garage]

Extremely easy on a Subaru! One reason I love them. Belt changes are so easy. I've had a huge PITA with a Nissan engine before too, though it was a GA16 in a Sentra.

[@mrmadmoody]

I love those gloves

[@802Garage]

I can't stand loose gloves and not being able to feel what I'm doing, so the sort of lighter and tighter gloves are nice! Not the best for keeping warm though.

[@STR00Z]

why doesnt anyone show how tight the belt is supposed to be

[@802Garage]

I try to address that at 1:27 it's a fairly hard thing to show on video. Once you have it tensioned, pushing on the belt at the center point between two pulleys should still cause it to move a bit. If you put a good 10-20 pounds of force on it with your finger tips and it doesn't move at all, way too tight. Same force and it moves more than 1/4-1/2" way too loose. Basically you don't want the belt to be stretched at all, but you don't want it loose enough that it can flop. I prefer to start a little looser than tighter and if I hear any squeaking when revving, tighten up a bit.

[@rumblebproductions]

shit 10mm!? Lol ill have to find it. Thanks for the vid!

[@802Garage]

Hahaha best of luck!

[@yourboyj1996]

Definitely different from a 2010 Subaru well I tried looks like I’m just getting it towed to the shop

[@802Garage]

Which model? It should be an almost identical procedure. This is how the alternator is mounted on any EJ engine.

[@802Garage]

If you have a 6 cylinder engine, the procedure is different, but not difficult. I can link you a video to that procedure if so!

[@aharr3437]

I got quoted at $650 for this once. I knew it wasn't worth it.

[@802Garage]

Holy heck that's insane even if a brand new OEM alternator is included.

[@aharr3437]

​@@802GarageI think they just didn't wanna do it😂

[@802Garage]

@@aharr3437 Hahaha such an easy job though.

[@Fez4ever]

Good video but too many ads make it unwatchable.

[@802Garage]

Thank you for that feedback! I will look into it. Any estimate on how many ads you saw and of what types?

[@Fez4ever]

@@802Garage Thank you for understanding and not taking offense. I hate to seem like a stinker....Im just in a desparate situation with my car and a lack of money. About 5 popups 3 repeated and large enough to cover the area you were working on. Also at least one of those separate ads in the middle. Thank you again and peace to you and yours.

[@802Garage]

@@Fez4ever Not at all. To be honest with you, I wish I could run the channel ad free. Maybe someday if I work hard enough I can build up a Patreon to support that. I had recently changed the ad strategy because I realized almost no ads were playing on this video, and then I get next to no money. I definitely don't want to go overboard though. KZbin is supposed to ensure nobody sees too many intrusive ads, but it's hard for me to know how effective that is. I've altered it a bit so hopefully it will be better for others. Let me know if you think I can help with advice for your car. Appreciate the comments.

[@Fez4ever]

@@802Garage Thank you very kindly. I'll be in touch.