AnnaOz

@Jay762 Thank you for explaining that. I will do that (or make my hubby do that)

That sounds like a good lead, thank you. What it means -in terms what to do?

Batteries were replaced by me and also by Subaru Service (they do it as standard when dealing with key problems, even if you tell them they don't need to, as they don't believe you used right batteries). So batteries are fine. They can lock the car all day long it is just the unlocking that is an issue. The brakes will also be delt with by my 'old' mechanic. He instantly recognised that they need replacing. I'm picking discs and pads tomorrow and hopefully by the end of this week that will be sorted as well.

@Greenmamba Mistery solved. Yesterday guy who years ago was taking care of our Accord came and solved it. With basic motoring knowledge and quick glimpse into the manual we established that the previous owner has used really 'great' garage. These eagles of motoring have managed to fit wrong drive belt and fit it where it shouldn't go. The belt was then lose and working as it shouldn't and therefore crumbling and causing all these troubles. My local garage hasn't realised the mistake and simply ordered the same belt and fited it the same way. Subaru service hasn't realised the mistake. Honestly? Anyway, when it comes to the keys after our first issue with the drive belt/alternator when the battery died the keys stopped working. Both of them at the same time. The Subaru Service advised I should get new kesy as they are both faulty. I find it difficoult to believe as it would be a great coincidence that it happened at the time the battery died. I assume that something de-programmed or I don't know what exactly but my gut feeling is the keys are not the problem. At the moment I use the keys to lock and unlock the car old way- turning it in a lock. If anyone forgets and presses the lock button, the car can either be unlocked by opening the tail gate (remote) and then using the key to unlock the door. Sometimes that doesn't work and we simply need to key in the code to stop the alarm blaring. Sorry for lenghty post but I hope it all makes sense. Cheers

Hi Jay, No, it hasn't been replaced but I'm sensing that it would be the first sensible thing to consider. My local garage advised that it is ok... But I am meeting a mechanic recommended by a friend today so he will properly test it and perhaps take care of it A

Manufacturer: SUBARU Model: LEGACY SPORTS TOURER SPECIAL EDITION - 2.0i ES Nav Lineartronic 5dr Year: 2011 Transmission: Automatic Engine Size: 2000 The issue is with alternator sometimes heating up but not always. Went through two belt changes as it snaps if I don't realise that it is overheating. Then it is fine for handful of rides. Another issue is with the key- it works only sometimes. I was told to get new ones which would set me back 500. Both of my keys having the same fault seems odd and I would like someone trying to reprogram it first (if that's possible). I have asked on another forum and get a details of a garage, but I know that some of you guys here know your cars inside out.

Thank you Justin Time. I was hoping that the repairs will be straightforward but it is a reocurring problem and my local garage seems to get stuck in the loop. It breaks down, they fix it, it breaks down, they fix it. I want someone to know WHY it is breaking and fix it permanently. I am based just outside Edinburgh

Hi, I am new to this forum so: Hi everybody. I have A Subaru Legacy Estate. I always wanted it, but now I realised that it can be costly to repair and to my frustration I haven't met anyone reliable and knowledgabe. If someone like me with out any technical knowledge senses that the guy that is 'repairing' your car doesn't really know what's wrong with it, it is really frustraiting. So I am looking for a Subaru enthusiast from or within reasonable distance from Midlothian (Scotland)/ Edinburgh. Can you please help? The issues are relating to the alternator, brakes and keys with the alternator being the most urgent one. Big thank you in advance Anna