Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'97 Subaru Outback Wagon, Fluttering

Q: While driving on the freeway the check engine light and ABS light came on my ’97 Subaru Outback, then the RPM and Speedometer gauges started jumping erratically. I pulled off the freeway and turned off the car. When I tried to start it again the battery was dead. We replaced the battery and the car has run fine for a week. Now the Battery and brake light are fluttering while driving. Any ideas?

- Lori M.

A: There is a very good chance that your battery is fine. The cause of your problems may be the alternator. The battery light on your vehicle really does not have much of anything to do with the battery. What the battery light really indicates is the charging system. It is likely that the alternator on your vehicle is starting to fail. You’re seeing the early warning signs with a battery that went dead while driving and now a fluttering/flickering warning light. Drive your Subaru to a repair facility soon for testing. It is likely it will save you the cost of being towed in for testing and diagnosis.