98 Subaru Legacy Outback While driving, lights repeatedly dimmed then brightened, along with same on instrument panel, followed eventually by loss of power...however, car started no problem this morning? Any thoughts?

I assume there's a problem with alternator. Check the grounding to engine, check continuity of a positive wire between alternator and battery. the energizing voltage should be checked as well. Might be the bad connection between battery and vehicle body grounding. Diesel cars are sensitive even in a little loss of connection and rust in the connection points.

Funny you should ask - we have the same problem on a '96 outback. Then i noticed those lights go out on our '90 legacy and come back on when i smacked the dashboard. it appears that there is a short somewhere behind the switches. Going to try and dig in today and will let you know what i find...

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26408&highlight=heater+control+lights
Thys is how to take it apart ,and you will need, Two P#72351AC061 light bulbs . And one P# 72351AC051. Easy fix .

This sounds like the control panel. 90% of the time something gets spilled on the control panel from the cup holders right above, The buttons get gummed up and no longer push the switches behind the button. remove the control panel and dissassemble it, soak the non electronic parts in hot water with light soap, problem solved, My 98 Outback had the same problem.

try opening door and holding unlock button ,it sounds like its in valet mode

HAVE THE ALTERNATOR CHECK

one of your abs sensor is bad or the abs motor,go to local shop to diagnose which sensor,shop usually charge $ 60 to diagnose abs system,good luck, let me know ..

The starter is separate from the soleniod; It could be a part called the bendix on the starter itself. If you can remove it, take it to a auto parts store- they will check it for free.

yes my first thought was alternator but to be sure you should take it to a major auto parts store and they have those diagnostic testers and they can scan your codes and see if thier is any problems that is the most accurate way of knowing. I believe this service is free as well. Hope this help thanks and good day

if you know what you are looking for, it is the speedometer cable. if you have a mechanical odometer, then it is just the cable that is connected in your instrument panel and connected to your transmission.

if you can replace that cable then that would solve your problem.

if you have an electronic odometer , then you have to find your sending unit which is also located in your transmission. but it would be more complicated to test if it is defective.

tnx 4 using fixya,

drcool