Need help to diagnose this problem on MY99...

The dash clock dims momentarily when the indicator light or the reverse light is switched on. It also causes the Apexi oil pressure guage to go through the start-up cycle (i.e. needle sweeps all the way up before settling on the right reading) AND triggers the [R-spec] turbo timer to counting down.

I thought that the battery isn't fully charged and additional load would be causing the problem, so connected a charger overnight... problem still exists.

Extra ground wires have been installed in the engine bay to give good connections... problem still exists.

I noticed a clicking noise in the center console (behind the radio where the turbo timer is) when this happens. Is there a relay behind there (?) because when I try to start the car and the clicking is audible the car will not start. Wait a minute then crank it again ... no clicking ... and it starts.

It seems like the the car behaves as though the ignition key has been switched to OFF momentarily when either the indicator or reverse light is on... althought the engine doesn't actually stop running.

NE1 had similar experience?

Cheers

Sounds like maybe your alternator has shit it self.

Check the voltage accross the battery terminals with the engine running and not running.

engine off: 12V
engine on: 14V

if your engine on is reading less than 13.5V then Id swap out the alternator and see how that goes.

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RS Liberty - Because WRX's are only good for parts...

Keep in mind that there are many points in your car where things earth
to the chassis. Things like turbo timers, alarms and stereo equipment
are grounded to the nearest bit of metal by installers. Quite often they
simply screw into the metal which is fine until it starts to corrode a bit
and the earth connection stops working so well, which in turn causes the
accessory to act up.

Check the earthing points on your timer, and up around your dash (depending
on what installers have done). I have had a few where simply unscrewing the
terminal on the chassis, then cleaning it and screwing it back in made the
accessory work correctly again.

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Cheers guys, i'll check the alternator and take out the radio to get to the ground points around the timer.

i would say that it is the relay for the turbo timer/or another relay that has been used to cut the ignition is faulty\worn out. the contacts are proberly worn though the silver and not making a good contact all the time anymore, but may work ok intermitantly. This also happens very commonly to cheap/worn out after market immobilisers.

Regards,

Tom

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Version 6 STI