Dead Subaru :-(

[AutobahnSHO]

So I'm toodling around when the radio cuts out, in conjunction with the speedo/tacho, and ABS light coming on.
Cut back in, then out, then in/out/in/out but the car was still driving ok.

Get to where I'm going, do what I gotta do, and sure enough it doesn't restart. I pop the hood and ask someone for a jump, then I pull off the cover to the stereo fuse because I figure I'll minimize battery killage- it's FRIED. A BIG MASS OF MELTED PLASTIC AND METAL, looks like it maybe fried "closed" instead of "open" like it's supposed to.

As I get ready to put the jumper cables on some Soldier-mechanic sticks a multimeter on the battery, I have 12volts. Starts up ok. I drive a little and everything sounds great (minus the no-bass stereo) when it starts the stereo/tach/speedo on/off/on/off/on/off again.

I have no idea how old the battery and alternator are, so I left it at a nearby shop and got a ride home.

SIGH.

Any bets on what the problem is??

I'm kinda guessing the stereo drew too much juice from the battery and killed it. (Plus it's REALLY HOT here.)
And yay I'll get to trace the wiring make sure there are no shorts before I get to listen to my wonderful stereo again.... 

[Cookie Monster]

I'm going to guess a faulty alternator messing up your battery and your stereo.

[AutobahnSHO]

I'm going to guess a faulty alternator messing up your battery and your stereo.

Shouldn't I have had a dummy light?

[VTEC_Inside]

Shouldn't I have had a dummy light?

Probably not in an over-volt situation. Should check the voltage with it running...

[mzziaz]

Car couldn?t handle the tinted awesomeness?

[AutobahnSHO]

Car couldn?t handle the tinted awesomeness?

guess not.   

[Rupert]

Was there enough fluid in the subwoofer?

[AutobahnSHO]

Was there enough fluid in the subwoofer?

DOH!

I'll call the shop first thing tomorrow.

[the Teuton]

Sounds exactly like what happened when my alternator went out on White Lightning a while back.

[AutobahnSHO]

Sounds exactly like what happened when my alternator went out on White Lightning a while back.

That's what I'm leaning torwards. Since I plan on driving the car for a couple more years, might as well get a new battery too....

[r0tor]

order your voltage regulator to regulate damn it

[giant_mtb]

GETZ A SWEETZ CAPACITORZ OR A SECOND BATTERYZ FOR UR SUBz

!!!!

[AutobahnSHO]

GETZ A SWEETZ CAPACITORZ OR A SECOND BATTERYZ FOR UR SUBz

!!!!

I don't usually crank it loud, I spose an additional battery would help the next alternator last.
But I expect the tranny or engine to assplode long before the next alternator does.

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Shop says the alternator was undervoltage and the battery isn't holding a charge. $330 for parts & labor.
I should have tried to limp it to the DIY shop across post and just bought both. I'm sure labor is half of that.

Sigh. Our planned trip to mammoth caves will have to wait a while.  

[AutobahnSHO]

UPDATE:

Running great (except for the bass) at the tune of $328.  

And the alternator is nice and shiny, right up on top. The rest of the engine bay doesn't match. It's dark and dingy.