Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting HELP! Not on a Contour. (SUBARU SVX)

Ok, I'll start off by explaining that this is about a 1992 Subaru SVX (V6 automatic). It isn't my car, it's my mom's. I have tried other websites, but no one can seem to find out what the problems is.

Here's the deal. You are driving along, going 25 mph, 55 mph, 15 mph, it doesn't really matter, there isn't a pattern, it's very random. As you are driving along, it just dies. Poof, dead. All the lights on the dash come on, no CEL. Once you stop, it starts right back up again. No problem. You could be driving for 5 minutes or 20, and it does this.

Someone on the Subaru website said it was an alternator problem (I was reading some of their posts). I don't know if I buy it. They said even if the alternator was tested and showed good, it was still bad. Then having it rebuilt fixed everything. That sounds strange to me. I have a hard time believing it.

I just thought I'd ask and see if anyone has heard of anything like this, on any car for that matter. If so, please tell me what the fix is/was. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I've had similiar problems with non-Contours in the past. Usually turned out to be the electronic ignition module. This module was separate from the main car computer, as is the case I believe, with your '95. Not familiar with Subarus.

Yes, alternator could be the problem as bad grounds can do that also.

I had a Chevy S-10 with same problem, and was alternator plus battery cables.

Alternator can be bad even though they had been remaned. My Contour had to go over 3 different NEW alternators to finnally get the right one.

If it cuts off real fast (like turning off the key) then it is most likely spark related (coil, ignition module, distributor pick-up or electrical connections. Check the wires going to the coil and distributor (wiggle them with the engine running and see if it stalls).

If it sputters then it is likely fuel related.

jeff

had a 1st GEN. Probe, everything worked ok til you hit the interior dome light. the car would completly die. turn the light off. bada bing, off you go. ground wires are a funny thing.

Try www.gartland.com/subaru/index.html

Perhaps they can help.