Bad alternator/starter

Tiny
RMKNIGHT
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SUBARU IMPREZA
  • 2.5L
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 122,000 MILES
I recently replaced a snapped serpentine belt. I took it for a drive down the road and the gauges began flashing from zero to 40 mph and the ABS light came on. I shut the car off then when I went to turn it back on it began making a loud clicking sound and would not crank over. I am not sure whether it is the starter (which I have never had a problem with) or the alternator.
Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 5:19 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you hear a clicking sound when trying to start it, chances are the battery is too weak to turn the starter. Do me a favor. Here is a quick and easy way to load test a battery. Try it and let me know the results. Also, if you have a battery charger, put the battery on charge to see if that makes a difference.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Also, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

Once you get it running again, here is a link that shows how to test the alternator. Make sure it is working to keep the battery charged.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here is a link you may find helpful when checking the alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know what you find. Also, since the old belt snapped, make sure it didn't fling and damage anything under the hood such as wiring.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 7:01 PM

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