car problems, multiple categories its a biggie

[98outbackpdx]

ok so today i went through an automated car wash with the 98 outback. while i was going through the car wash the rpm gage dropped to 0 and nothing on the speedo and the car was still running, and the ABS light turned on and was not working. when i left the car wash for the first time the speedo and the rpm gage would work.
after i saw that the car was going to give me greif i went to the subaru dealer to ask them some questions. i was going to leave and the car would not start. no clicking or anything. the subaru dealer had to jump it. i went back to the car wash and calmly talked to the owner of the car wash who denied any responsibility, and i left my car on so i would be able to leave, i left the car wash and was heading across town to my mechanics shop, and the car stalled, i coasted to the curb and then the CD player spit out the cd that was in the cd player. then the car would not start again.
also when i would apply the brakes all of the electrical system would shut off, that happened before it stalled but after the car wash. i called AAA after it stalled cuz i could not get it going again. the hazzards were able to be turned on when the tow truck showed up, and the tow truck driver was able to see the hazzards.
it is currently at the mechanics shop where he said he could not get to it till tomarrow.
anyone have the same issues?
an insurance agent told me that my insurance company might cover it but it is 50/50 shot and an adjuster would have to look at it.

[ouch1011]

Sounds like the alternator failed personally. But can't say for sure without seeing the car.

[98outbackpdx]

will let people know more later today when i hear from my mechanic, and kevin thanks, i had a feeling that it might be the alternator

[98outbackpdx]

well the car started right up this morning for my mechanic to move. he wont get a chance to really get to go over it till tomarrow.

[mike-tracy]

Reminds me of my 2nd car, I decided to wash the engine bay. Well long story short, and I got a tow home since the electronics went haywire till I let it dry overnight.

[98outbackpdx]

turns out that there was a dead cell in the battery. altenator is charging fine. one of my mechanics says that that makes sense for it to be a bd cell in the battery.

[98outbackpdx]

update: well when i had the battery installed the alternator checked out okay.
well now a few months later is was doing it again had the alternator checked it was only putting out 12.2 volts, and i went to California and back a few weeks ago, freaked out now.
so i went to the Subaru dealer $79 with core exchange and i have a $15 off coupon i got in the mail, so for $64 for a new Subaru alternator i can live with that.
O'Rileys auto parts wanted $130 with exchange, but had a lifetime warranty.
but for the price of O'Rileys alternator i can get the alternator from Subaru and have it installed for the about $130.

[Navi271]

Stupid alternator! I guess mine started making weird sounds months before it finally gave out in the dead of winter!

It's a pain trying to troubleshoot these things but glad you got it figured out, and for a good price too!

[98outbackpdx]

yeah mine was and still is not making any noises, all that i hear is the piston slap (when cold) and road noise. i am really getting tired of replacing things on this car.

[anothernord]

Don't pay to have someone replace your alternator! Do it yourself, save some $$$, and learn a little bit about your car! :grin:

[Sarra]

Sounds like you have a ground issue. Check your grounds before you throw parts at your car.

If that doesn't solve it, set it all on fire. :smt030

[98outbackpdx]

i replaced the alternator today, well i am waiting for quarter sized hail that is suposto come through the area i live in, so if it dings the hell out of my car bye bye subaru.

[Sarra]

I drove through some of that hail. It wasn't too bad.

[98outbackpdx]

we ended up getting a few sprinkles and a few lightning strikes going from cloud to cloud. when ever one of my family's cars gets damaged they never total it, case in point 87 accord my brother owns never ran good since he owned it, a lady sideswiped it doing $1,300 in damage, the ladys ins. company said we asked for too much ($3,500 market average at the time) and said they would fix it. we were even looking for a older subaru to replace it, but alas it has been sitting in my moms driveway for 2 years not running.