What's wrong here?

[KJ zGal]

Okay, so I seem to be having a bad luck streak with cars. Aside from the fact that I have had to deal with driving the parents' cars since I crashed the Jeep on the 18th, our Subaru now has an issue with the driver's side front tire, and NOW our Ford Ranger has a battery issue of some kind. Basically, my parents are going to think I'm sabotaging their vehicles if anything else happens, and I am NOT driving my dad's brand new 09 VW Jetta TDI--I'm just not.

Anyway, so the battery light came on in the Ranger today, and the gauge is reading that the battery is low. It doesn't seem to recharge, and seeing as the battery was replaced in December, I doubt it's just that. I have a feeling it could be the alternator. The Ranger starts and everything, but the wipers are slow and the headlights are dim. What do you guys think?

As for the Subaru, MASSIVE pulsating of the brakes coming from that tire I mentioned above. Can feel it in the wheel. The rotors and brakes were replaced about 6 months ago. No ABS light has come on. Any suggestions?

In the meantime, I WILL be getting my Jeep back tomorrow. If I don't, someone's getting sued -.-

 

[JeepJeepster]

Get the battery and alternator checked out on that ford. Checked the terminals on the battery? Just b/c it starts for now doesnt mean the alternator isnt bad. The battery just isnt dead yet.

Not sure about the Subaru. You say it the wheel shakes when the brakes are applied, is that the only time? Sounds like warped rotors.. Whom ever replaced those rotors must of used El-cheapo rotors.

 

[nwood1976]

Okay, so I seem to be having a bad luck streak with cars. Aside from the fact that I have had to deal with driving the parents' cars since I crashed the Jeep on the 18th, our Subaru now has an issue with the driver's side front tire, and NOW our Ford Ranger has a battery issue of some kind. Basically, my parents are going to think I'm sabotaging their vehicles if anything else happens, and I am NOT driving my dad's brand new 09 VW Jetta TDI--I'm just not.

Anyway, so the battery light came on in the Ranger today, and the gauge is reading that the battery is low. It doesn't seem to recharge, and seeing as the battery was replaced in December, I doubt it's just that. I have a feeling it could be the alternator. The Ranger starts and everything, but the wipers are slow and the headlights are dim. What do you guys think?

As for the Subaru, MASSIVE pulsating of the brakes coming from that tire I mentioned above. Can feel it in the wheel. The rotors and brakes were replaced about 6 months ago. No ABS light has come on. Any suggestions?

In the meantime, I WILL be getting my Jeep back tomorrow. If I don't,
someone's getting sued -.-

I can't help with the Ranger, but on the subject of Subaru's I might be able to help you get some answers....Check out Nasioc.com, it is the website for Impreza owners & you find answers for all question relating to Subaru's. You can even find recommended Subaru mechanics in your area. I drive s 2002 WRX & I put alot of time & work into it....If you can find the right thread to post your questions in, you should find some very knowledgable Subaru owners there!! Good Luck!

 

[KJ zGal]

Thanks for the tips =] Our mechanic said it probably is the rotor on the Outback, and the Ranger just got towed away today since it wouldn't start this morning. Had it on the battery charger all night and nothing, although we think that's the charger's fault. Everyone we've talked to suspects the alternator.

On the bright side, getting the Jeep back today =D

 

[TigerClaws]

Rangers arent really ******* alternators so your best bet for the bucks would be to go at a scrapyard and get a used one for really cheap (depending on the ranger's year). On an old rusty car i know i wouldnt put a brand new 250$ alternator ... If u have a battery tester i suggest you check your battery when car isnt running: should be at least 11volts about. Then start the ranger and check it again while engine is running: should come up to 13-14volts, then you know the alternator is doing his job... Before investing any money and time, i strongly suggest you unplug the battery connectors and look how dirty it is and clean them well, it will help for sure...

 

[KJ zGal]

Ranger's alternator was bad like everyone thought, and we had it replaced yesterday. The Subaru, on the other hand, is not so healthy. Turns out the caliper went so the rotor got so hot that it cracked, and our mechanic wanted to replace the stuff on both that tire and the other front tire because the other caliper was about to go as well. Costs about $500 total, but hey, thing's got 148k miles on it--I think it deserves a bit of looking after! The Ranger was about $350 for the alternator (and the trailer wiring unit or whatever it's called) to be replaced. Thankfully the body shop that had the Jeep only charged me $300 of my $500 deductible, so my parents don't have to worry about helping me out like they were going to. March is apparently not the month for cars in this family!

 

[nwood1976]

Ranger's alternator was bad like everyone thought, and we had it replaced yesterday. The Subaru, on the other hand, is not so healthy. Turns out the caliper went so the rotor got so hot that it cracked, and our mechanic wanted to replace the stuff on both that tire and the other front tire because the other caliper was about to go as well. Costs about $500 total, but hey, thing's got 148k miles on it--I think it deserves a bit of looking after! The Ranger was about $350 for the alternator (and the trailer wiring unit or whatever it's called) to be replaced. Thankfully the body shop that had the Jeep only charged me $300 of my $500 deductible, so my parents don't have to worry about helping me out like they were going to. March is apparently not the month for cars in this family!

I may be able to help you out, what year is the outback? I have a 2002 WRX Wagon that is basically a sportier version of the Outback for that year. If the year on your car is 2002-2007 I'm pretty sure my stock front calipers would work fine. I took them off almost 2 years ago & put 4piston Wilwoods on my car. They are in great shape & are in a box in my garage. I also have my stock front rotors with life left on them, front pads with some meat left & the brake lines for the front calipers...Check with your mechanic & if they will work I'll give you a good deal if you cover shipping...Im in Arizona. Let me know. You can hit me @ [email protected] for a faster response as I'm not on here that often. Hope that helps, car problems suck!!

 

[Dave]

^^^^there is an offer you can't refuse.............and stop breaking stuff....geeeezzzzz...

Dave

 

[KJ zGal]

Well it's a '97, and my parents' mechanic is already working on it, so unfortunately it's a little late to buy the calipers :-X But I do thank you for the offer ^^