1997 Subaru Legacy Logo
Posted on Feb 01, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Electrical issues with a 1997 Subaru Outback

I was driving home from work when I noticed the lights were kind of dim, but didn't think much of it at the time. I got a few miles down the road when the radio shut off and I lost power steering and a few other systems. I pulled over and turned the car off. When I shut the car off, the parking lights stayed on and the interior lights(dashboard, radio light, etc.) were clicking on and off. There was a noticeable clicking noise that sounded like a clock ticking. The lights clicked on and off with the clicking of this noise. I jumped the battery and was able to get it home. I then replaced the alternator and then the battery as well as the battery terminals. It starts right up now, but the clicking is still there and there is no power steering. What could be wrong with it?

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  • imagineendle Feb 01, 2009

    Thanks. That took care of the clicking. The only problem remaining is that the brake and battery light is still on and there is no power steering. I checked the fluid and it is nearly full. Any suggestions?

  • imagineendle Feb 01, 2009

    Im not sure I know what height adjusted air suspension is. This is actually my girlfriends car and I'm trying to help her figure it out.

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Feb 01, 2009
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I believe I can help with the clicking. The parking lights should be flashing Also. Whenever power is lost to the system IE the battery removed, The factory anti theft comes on. It is a small 4" x4" box hooked by steering column under dash. It has a red button you push for a few secounds and that should stop the clicking and flashing.

  • Anonymous Feb 01, 2009

    You might want to have someone check the grounds for the electrical system from motor to body and body to frame. This will cause a similar broblem with the charging system to not allow it to function properly. On the brake issue I am still trying to figure the relationship to what started your problem but to no avail. Do you have the height adjusted air suspension? If so there is a procedure for bleeding the power steering system that has to be done which is lengthy to type. I will do it if this is the case and you do not have a repair manual.

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