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Old 12-31-2020, 08:32 PM   #1
Samurai_jim
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Well hello, it's been a while since I've posted or been on the forum. By force, not choice. I'll just say that the U.S. Government doesn't care about current state laws regarding cannabis. You can still go to federal prison even if you are within state law. Never mind the 9th Amendment to the Constitution. Or Article 4, Section 2, Clause 1....


Anyway, my wife has a 2005 Forester XT. It was in the care of family members while we worked for .12 cents an hour for a few years. Upon our return, I find that the car has the ABS light, Airbag light, Cruise light, and Check Engine light on, also, the horn doesn't work.

The check engine light is an EVAP code, which I suspect has something to do with the fact that you have a real issue getting gas in the tank. The pump nozzle will click off after 1-2 seconds. It takes 10 minutes to get 20 bucks of premium in the tank. So, I will resolve that issue ASAP.
But I really don't know why the ABS, Cruise, and Airbag lights are on, or why the horn doesn't work. I've read some threads about the clock spring, but there was no work done to the car involving the steering wheel or airbag system.

I used to have a 2004 WRX Limited in Java Black Pearl, that I did a full STi swap into. I did all the work myself. Plus DW 750's, FP 68 HTA turbo, Cobb full catless exhaust, CAI, sway bars, etc. etc. Sold it on here to a fellow from Canada. (I'd like to know how the car is doing) So, I'm not stupid when it comes to these cars. But I have no idea where to start with these issues besides throwing parts at it and seeing what happens. Can anybody give me some assistance? Thanks!
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Old 12-31-2020, 10:51 PM   #2
spoolinsti05
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Sounds like a evap canister vent valve issue. Cheap enough to replace that.

Cruise is probably on because check engine. Abs you'd have to check with scanner to see if any sensors are bad.
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Old 12-31-2020, 11:05 PM   #3
Cougar4
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Try disconnecting the small wire connector going to the rear of the alternator to see if the warning lights go out. If that works then you will need to replace the alternator.
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Old 12-31-2020, 11:29 PM   #4
Samurai_jim
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Thanks for the replies. The evap canister issue is easy enough to fix. Hopefully it's that and not the valve on top of the gas tank.

What's this with the alternator?
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Old 01-01-2021, 11:15 AM   #5
Cougar4
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The warning lights are tied to the alternator exciter circuit so they can be tested when the ignition is turned on.
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Old 01-02-2021, 09:36 AM   #6
Samurai_jim
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cougar4 View Post
The warning lights are tied to the alternator exciter circuit so they can be tested when the ignition is turned on.
So unplug the connector that has two wires going into it that is on the alternator? If the lights go off, I need to replace the alt?
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Old 01-02-2021, 10:57 PM   #7
Cougar4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Samurai_jim View Post
So unplug the connector that has two wires going into it that is on the alternator? If the lights go off, I need to replace the alt?
Yes, that is correct.
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Old 01-02-2021, 11:10 PM   #8
spoolinsti05
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cougar4 View Post
The warning lights are tied to the alternator exciter circuit so they can be tested when the ignition is turned on.
But his battery light isn't on?
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Old 01-02-2021, 11:46 PM   #9
Samurai_jim
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No battery light....
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Old 01-03-2021, 11:39 AM   #10
Cougar4
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Yes, I also had wondered about the battery light and it not being on. This may mean that the alternator isn't causing the issue, but it is a very simple test to do and verify that it isn't causing the issue. I assume the battery warning light is working correctly and it turns on, along with the other warning lights, when the ignition is turned ON.
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Old 01-03-2021, 05:44 PM   #11
Samurai_jim
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The alternator tested good.
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Old 01-03-2021, 09:02 PM   #12
Cougar4
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There may be a common problem causing the warning lights to be on, a bad blocking diode perhaps. You may have to track down each circuit one at a time to find the trouble. You need a factory manual for the wiring. The trouble may be within the combination meter.

Last edited by Cougar4; 01-03-2021 at 09:10 PM.
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Old 02-11-2021, 10:46 AM   #13
Samurai_jim
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Ok. I'm back at this.... So, i was able to fix the fuel filling issue. It was the charcoal canister. But my ABS light and airbag light are still on. And the cruise still doesn't work, aaaaannnnnnd the horn doesn't toot either. Now, I have a battery light and the e-brake light on as well.

So, my question about this alternator check, do I unplug the little green plug with two wires on it while the car is running, or just with the ignition on?

I really wish there was a good Subaru mechanic close to me. I'd pay to get these issues fixed....
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Old 02-11-2021, 10:58 AM   #14
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Airbag light + no cruise + no horn sure sounds like clock spring. Even if you haven't touched the steering these do wear out. To be certain you'd need to have it scanned to read the airbag code.
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Old 02-11-2021, 03:34 PM   #15
Cougar4
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I totally agree with Mulder's advice about the clock spring. Since the alternator check light is now on also you should check the battery voltage at the battery while the engine is running around 1,500 RPM. You should see between 13.8 to 14.8 volts there if the alternator is working correctly. I kind of sounds like you are going to need to replace the alternator going from what you stated.
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