Hey all, I have 2002 H6 VDC (auto) Outback with a bad voltage regulator (tested bad at O'Reilly's. Already confirmed battery good, grounds good, fuse in place). From my own research on Subaruoutback.org the remanufactured alternators do not have a good track record, I've been told you're better off finding a used one (John's in Blaine I'm holding out hope for). How difficult is it to replace an alternator on the H6? I've done spark plugs, stereos, slave cylinders, knock and 02 before but never had to replace anything belt driven. I'm more than willing to try it, but I can't really afford down-time since it's my only vehicle. The issue is currently intermittent but worsening, I'm sure I can make til Thursday or this weekend. Thoughts on difficulty level? Advice? Anyone in the metro willing to help for a 6pack of their favorite beer? Thanks in advance.
Should be very simple to do. The serpentine belt on the H6 just requires you to rotate the tensioner clockwise with a socket/wrench a bit, slip the belt off, and then unbolt the alternator (believe it is just two bolts). Throw the new one in, put the belt on and go. I'd be willing to help if you want to come out to Plymouth sometime. Otherwise I'll offer what advice I can over the internet!
It shouldn't be too hard, I did mine on my 04 WRX, not sure if it will be much different than your H6 Outback. If it's your first time it should take no more than an hour and take your time. BTW this can be done really anywhere since it's right in front of you when you open your hood. GL
Thanks guys. Watched a couple Youtube videos, going to give it a go myself tomorrow after work when the used alternator arrives ($55 shipped ain't half bad). I'll spray the bolts tomorrow with some penetrating oil to make life easier. Hoping that throwing a trickle charger on the battery in the meantime is enough to keep me from being stranded... Shancaldazar, Plymouth is pretty close to my office, if I'm over my head I may take you up on that offer if you are free Thursday.
It's easy peasy lemon squeezy. Just remember, remove the battery and drain any leftover juice out of the system before you start touching connections.
I'll be free later in the day. Have to run around and do some stuff for my job earlier in the day.... hopefully short!
Thanks for the heads up on the tensioner, all the videos I saw were 2.5's which uses a different mechanism, saved me some headaches. Took the new (used) one to Napa to test it before throwing it on, it tested good. Took me far longer (due to lack of appropriate tools) to do the job, but I did it, it's running well and wasn't throwing the charging indicator. Weird thing is that I took the old alternator to NAPA and it cycle tested twice as being okay... hope I didn't bark up the wrong tree, will report back if it shows up again. I also cleaned up the grounds and put dielectric grease on the connections before reinstalling, so I may have fixed a separate issue that was indicating the failure...
Over a full tank of gas and it hasn't come back yet. Interesting to note my VDC Off light was also flickering before, and is now working properly. Didn't think the low voltage would affect those sensors but apparently it does!
