Bad alternator/starter

2007 SUBARU IMPREZA
122,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4WD • MANUAL
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RMKNIGHT
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  • 1 POST
i recently replaced a snapped serpentine belt. i took it for a drive down the road and the gauges began flashing from zero to 40 mph and the ABS light came on. i shut the car off then when i went to turn it back on it began making a loud clicking sound and would not crank over. I am not sure whether it is the starter (which i have never had a problem with) or the alternator.
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:19 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you hear a clicking sound when trying to start it, chances are the battery is too weak to turn the starter. Do me a favor. Here is a quick and easy way to load test a battery. Try it and let me know the results. Also, if you have a battery charger, put the battery on charge to see if that makes a difference.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Also, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

Once you get it running again, here is a link that shows how to test the alternator. Make sure it is working to keep the battery charged.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here is a link you may find helpful when checking the alternator:


https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know what you find. Also, since the old belt snapped, make sure it didn't fling and damage anything under the hood such as wiring.

Take care,
Joe
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:01 PM