I have a similar lithium jump pack I keep in my 2016 Outback. Very handy. Best practice with most of these units is to connect to the battery first, then to the jump pack, just in case you manage to contact the ends together as they flop around. Also, most Subaru's come fitted with a ridiculously small OEM battery. But the tray is large enough to fit the next size up. I have a larger AGM from Interstate in mine for some added protection against drain when camping. And finally... the auto rear hatch on these cars absolutely sucks! You can disable them if you want to and I am very happy I did. Mine operates like a regular old manual hatch now and its much faster to get in and out. One reason to do this is, on the earlier gen 5 models, the lift arm can sometimes exert too much force, pushing the hatch out of alignment. The hatch eventually contacts the roof at the top join above the left hinge, bending the roof sheet metal down and stretching out the hinge and further wrecking the hatch alignment. Something to watch out for.

This is absolutely one of the most detailed and complete battery automotive problem tracing I’ve seen on KZfaq excellent job. Also the fact that you had 2 meters, people did not need to remember 1 meter reading when you switched to the other one. Reminds me of electronic engineering college.

Just got our used 2017 3.6R a few weeks ago and noticed this tailgate issue right away. Thanks for making this video it will save us allot of trouble on our first camping trip with our new Outback. I also installed a new larger battery right away. Think its a group 34 size. Hope that helps as well. Just heading to the store now and will look into a jumper pack as well. Many thanks!

Thank you! I am car camping roadtripping in my forester atm. Australian summer and i need that back door open. I worked out the battery will handle one afternoon and night, which is a bummer if i want to be somewhere more than overnight. I just tried your hack and my roadtrip has become even better. Thank you!

Glad I'm not the only Subaru owner with this issue😓Thanks for demonstrating the carabiner trick!!

This is my biggest pet peeve on my 2015 2.5i Limited.. good thing I have plenty of carabiners lying around so I will have to give this a shot next time I'm out camping. Thanks for the tip!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My 2017 Subaru Outback died yesterday and I just had my battery replaced a few months ago at the dealership. So the person that helped me jump my Subaru with her Subaru recommended having my alternator checked. But my car is a 2017 with 65,000 miles on it. I did get hit a couple months ago and it was in the repair shop for a couple months so I figured it was probably just because it’s been sitting for so long. I don’t know. It’s scary when your battery dies. Even if you are close to other people. I luckily have the roadside assistance packet in my car and it’s easy to get a jump. But it’s such an inconvenience having to ask strangers to jump my car. Thank you, again!!! :-)

Thanks so much for taking the time to share the solution to a very annoying problem!

I have a 2017 outback and the battery pack I bought has come in Super handy. Not the same brand but same deal. And thanks for taking the time to post the tailgate trick/tip for the lights!

it's disappointing that my battery had died a few times now in the 6 months I've owned it. I had to look up why my trunk wouldn't open after it being jump started. I love my Subaru but this is definitely not what I was expecting from such a highly rated car. BUT thank you for this video. I was so confused why my battery keeps dying for NO apparent reason. I better buy a jump starter

Thanks for this information. I have a 2017 Subaru Forester. I put a carabiner in the latch and since it is a basic the rear just spits the carabiner out when I press the open and there’s no issue. I purchased the same jump start as soon as I bought the car (used) and the salesman had to jump it for my test drive. (They replaced the battery.) I did run it down as I worked to make some window shades; so I had to jump it already and was very glad to not have to get help. Thanks.

Thanks a lot! Ijust figured out how to reset the latch after I manually put it in the locked position. You don’t need the carabiner, you can just stick your finger up there and push it up and it stays like it’s latched. And the lights go off. But I couldn’t figure out how to get it unstuck it so your tip on pushing the actual hatchback button helped thank you!

I have a 2017 Outback and have also been plagued by unexpected battery drain. Thanks for this video! I found it just now after encountering the dead battery problem again on a camping trip and realizing that one obvious drain that cannot be controlled is that caused by the rear view mirror approach lights. I don't know enough to have figured out a solution so your suggestion is MUCH APPRECIATED. Thanks, too, to those viewers who commented that upsizing to a Group 34 battery is possible and may help! And finally, thank you, @ChaseChristopher for the link to the video showing how to make the rear gate manual!!!! Much more helpful than my Subaru dealer ever has been!

I recently got that same battery pack, knowing nothing about them in general, and going a little crazy reading Amazon reviews trying to figure out the best one in my price range. So it's REALLY good to know it'll actually work.

My 2018 Outback with 53K miles exhibited the drain first time yesterday while at a mountain bike park. The car was off for almost 3 hours. My friend drove to an Autozone and bought cables to get me home. Car started fine after I got home, I tested the battery with a multimeter and it was 12.6v. I disconnected the battery (now thinking it was a drain issue) for the night. Hooked it up in the morning, started fine. I will bring it into the dealership and see what their approach will be. Ordered the same battery pack in the video as I'm pretty sure I'll need it! Surly steel ! Thanks Chase for a well done video.

Gold!! Thanks for the tip with the boot mate. Will definitely use this trick

Just here to endorse/undersign the message (carabiner trick + jump pack.), 2016 Outback Limited. When using the jump pack make sure you get really good contact. The car is still a pain with batteries (I would never leave it at a remote trailhead w/ the battery cable attached for a week), but I wouldn't worry about it over a weekend.

Thanks - just found this after jumping my 2016 Subaru for about the 10th time... I'm trying this out now, I have a long load hanging out the tailgate most of the day.

Thanks for the tip and the build out inspriation! I just bought a 2018 Subaru Outback and my battery died twice within the first week while trying to build out a platform in the back. I noticed the dashboard LED stays on saying the rear gate is open.. what a bummer because most the time I'm at my car while car camping I assume my rear gate will be open. I noticed in settings on the main display you can adjust the approach light settings prior to watching this video, not sure if there was a disable feature or just adjust the time duration. Like David mentioned I also noticed the stock battery is RIDICULOUSLY tiny... Will look into replacing that soon I'm sure.

YESSS, thank you for this! I'll give it a shot. I have the outback '17 base model with same issue. There's a setting on the dash for '17 model (not sure about any other year) where you can actually shut off these lights. However, even when I did this, the problem persisted. I'm thinking there is another thing that is triggered within the system when trunk is open, not just those side lights. However, I bet this carabiner trick turns whatever else is on as well. I'll report back in a month or so when I give it a shot. :) many thanks!

Just bought a '19 OB. Before I head out for my first car camping trip, I'm going to pick up the same NOCO jump start device and a carabiner. Also, when I'm sleeping in the car, I'll put the fob in sleep mode - hold the lock button and press the unlock button twice. You'll see a flashing led when the fob goes to sleep. To wake it up, just press the unlock button.

I have a 2021 outback. At 1600 miles the battery died three times. I took in it and they said the dome light in the back was left on. But they replaced the 620 battery with a 640. So far so good. But better believe I'll be getting one of those portable jumpers just in case.

Great suggestions Chase, much thanks!

I have the exact same battery pack. It's been a life saver. There is also a power boost on that battery pack that I've needed to use a 1/2 dozen times because the battery was so depleted. My 2018 outback battery has been draining often over the 6 weeks or so. The dealer has replaced the battery multiple times. They then said they found the problem and replaced the control module that handles the interior lighting. This seemed to help a little bit but if I don't drive the car every day, it drains. Very frustrating. I will be dropping the car off again to the dealer as soon as they have a loaner car. There is a lawsuit in the works over this issue. I have not joined it yet since my dealership is working with me to figure out what's going on and not charging me anything even though it's recently out of warranty. Stay tuned

I appreciate the video. My wife's 2011 Outback does the same thing except doe not have those lights.

100% MY BROTHER! ! ! Everyone needs one of those JUMP PACKS! ! ! Good call. and nice HACK!

Thanks, I was having this issue. Now I know why. I have the same battery jumper you have and my trunk looks just like yours.....👍

Thanks for the tip! This is helpful. Also, boy’s got cake! 🎂

Thank you! Worst feature on the OB even in my 2021 XT model. Got a New battery because it drained all they way and couldn’t hold a charge again. Ill have to implement this carabiner hack.

Thank you. Just cleaned the throttle body on my gfs 2011 forester n it’s not dying anymore. I can’t believe it was that easy. I mean 190,000 miles never had the throttle body cleaned it makes sense. It was pretty nasty

That's awesome,thanks. Who makes your side rain visors?

I have a 2016 Outback Limited, too (same color and everything lol). I have a tent that attaches to the back and is designed to have the car tailgate open so you can access the inside of the car while still being in the tent. One of my biggest pet peeves is this same issue. Lights stay on for at least 15 to 20 minutes. They eventually shut off and thankfully, it's never drained my battery. But you bet I'll be using a carabiner next time I go camping with the tailgate tent.

2016 2.5i with power tailgate here. Same battery issues, even after ALL lights are off. Something draws a trickle of amps when the tailgate is open. After multiple jumps various places and nearly-no-starts in the cold while skiing, my fixes were 1. replaced all interior/puddle/plate/reverse bulbs with LEDs. MUCH brighter/whiter and only draw a tiny fraction of the power. 2. replaced puny OEM battery with Costco/Interstate 24-700 (700cca). The battery tray is larger than the OEM battery and a Group Size 24 fits perfectly, YMMV. I use a CTEK smart charger to keep it topped up. I always carry jumper cables but need to add a jump pack though, maybe this one you have?

I had a 2003 Yukon XL that I just would not spend any money on and drove it until I threw a rod. I used the same NOCO that was not recommended for my Yukon and would start it from a completely dead battery. Its 3 years old and my son carries it around for his little Nissan. The GB40 was even stronger than my Subaru. I tried to start my Yukon XL with my 2018 Subaru Forester and it didn't put out enough juice. I'm an IT Network Engineer. I recommend to buy one model up so you can safely assist someone with a truck and start it. I also recommend that every couple of months you drain the NOCO all the way and then put a fresh charge on it.

Love the Mustache!!! Look out Ron Jeremy there’s a new stache in town. Nice thinkin with the latch simulator. Works perfect for me too. Thanks 😂

In 2016 I bought a new impreza and outback. The 2016 Imprezas are the last model year to be assembled in Japan . It had a Panasonic battery and black exterior oil filter, also probably made in japan, not the blue made by lower guality brand. My outback OEM battery quit after 14 months. Both vehicles has a tray to accommodate a larger and higher capacity battery. I installed a higher capacity battery on the Outback and made a larger heat insulation. So far after 6 years no problem even when parked in garage for days. The factory here gives subaru a bad image by trying to save a few bucks on the most crucial part of any vehicle .

I’m gonna try this with my Forester. Darn thing dies every time I work on my build. Ty for sharing!

Read all the comments and some really usedul stuff. Hoping the problem does not exist with 2020 Mod. But in case will upgrade battery and use the old one with solar charging while camping maybe. Fuse idea was very helpful but Im very nervous around the elec stuff. The carabiner idea was great as I have just bought mossie netting tent that attaches to rear gate. Will keep watching the video as more comments are posted. Thanks everybody. Cheers Al from Sydney

Great vid and comments. Just a concern Im developing with Lion batteries, I'm hearing of so many Ebike fires lately, is there a risk of fire storing such high power batteries in the vehicle? Especially during summer?

Hi Chase, just a quick question as I'm considering an outback but this issue is kinda putting me off as it's so widespread. Did the carabiner trick 100% solve your battery drain issues?

I love your videos have you ever had your electronic parking brake get messed up ( stuck on ) after getting your back brakes done at Kendall Toyota dealership? Happened today :(

Not sure if anyone already commented on this...Subaru issued a bulletin on battery issues with outback and another model or two for something like the '15,'16 maybe '17 years. Pretty sure dealerships are replacing them for free. Check it out.

So just to offer a tip. I do the same with a carabiner but when I remove it I pull the hatch down almost all the way, press the nipple button and let the carabiner drop, hold my hand a few inches above the hatch and stop it from traveling further up. This causes it to reverse and go back down. It always then clicks back closed without further intervention.

Hi Chris, I like your channel and adventures. As a Subaru Outback expert maybe you can help me out with a problem with my Subaru Outback 2016 AWD 2.0d. Today we had our first snowfall and when reversing from the parking space outside on fully turned wheels I could hear and feel a clunking noise from the wheel(s) or maybe like the wheels were slipping. Is that something you have experienced in your Subaru? So far it seems it only happened on a slippery surface and on fully turned wheels. Let me know if you can. Thanks.

Thank you so much for this trick - I wonder if that is the answer to my issue with using my car camping tent setup that requires the tailgate to stay up, draining my battery as I have a Subaru Outback 2019 with automatic tailgate. I'll test it out and cross my fingers that will prevent me from being standed out in the boonies with a dead battery!

gf just got one of these and had this issue, thanks for the hack and sharing it

yeah I used one of these out at frenchman coulee where the damn outback battery left me with no juice. i may have left the radio on so thank goodness I was prepared. i will utilize this trick, thx.

Nice fix, but FYI Subarus’ parasitic drain problem goes WAY beyond just this feature. It is a problem related to “hidden” circuits that are supposed to go into sleep mode when the key is turned off but don’t. This apparently has been recognized in the resolution of a class-action lawsuit covering most models from 2015-2020. I own a 2016 Outback, purchased new, and have gone through four or five batteries…BTW if you look up most reliable SUVs on the Internet, Subaru NEVER shows up. They cut too many corners IMO.

Not sure if this was mentioned already, but another tip is to not put the battery pack way back in the trunk. If the battery dies for other reasons, your hatch may not open.

I had the battery problem with my 2019 Outback Limited and my Subaru dealer changed the battery for a new one. I also own a 2021 Subaru Legacy Premium and I'm now having dead battery issues with that. I'm retired and don't drive that much. I do alternate between the cars, but after sitting for 9 days the battery was so dead that I couldn't even open the doors. It's going back to my dealer to have this issue addressed this week. I don't like the idea of having to buy a battery pack to be able to start a car that only has 6,000 miles on it, but it beats the alternative so I've ordered one.

I gave my daughter my 2015 Outback, we bought it new and it has been maintained impeccably, she is a college student in a rural area and doesn't need it often, only to get groceries, and that is once a week. We live in Maine, so it is a cold winter state, she called (2.7.22) that battery was dead, previous battery was put in 5.30.2020, so I was angry to think a battery was only 21 month old and already dead. Went up with new battery on 2.9.22, put new in. She is now home for break and it went dead twice already, with a new battery only 18 days old. I did the alternator trial and it isn't that. We have gone through all obvious electrical and nothing, I ordered and received a New 2022 Outback in late December, now with only 1,000 miles on it and have since given her that car, due to my fear of her having dead batteries in dead cell phone areas. Subaru ignores this, but all websites I got onto say that it is called CAN, which is a parasitic battery drain issue, due to the size of the battery that can't handle the ampage of all the electrical systems that run in the car. Yes, she doesn't drive it often, but to have to remember to go out, start it once a day for 15 minutes to keep the battery at capacity, is ridiculous. I never had the problem, even though I went without driving it for 2-3 days at a time. Upsetting they won't acknowledge this and this mom is not going to put her daughter back in an unreliable car. Not sure how many times that jump pack lasts as I would hate to buy one every year or so, if anyone can tell me how many years a pack like this lasts please let me know. It is on my "purchase list", as I am today 2.28.22 heading to the Subaru dealership where we bought this car (new), and frankly, I am not sure why I am even going as I already know what this issue is, so just basically going to ask if they have a "real fix" for it. Then going to an automotive store to get jumper cables, this jump-pack, and now getting a AAA membership for her. Sorry for the rant, just very anxious now with this issue.

Thank you! This saved me today

There is a software update for this available from the dealer. The carabineer also works great for tying the trunk down when carrying longer boards. Have you thought about converting to a manual tailgate? I have a how to guide wrote up.

Seems like not leaving your trunk open would be the easiest solution. I’ve taken our Subaru camping dozens of times, we unload the car and then we close the trunk and doors. Many have killed their battery on various cars from dome & exterior lights not being properly shut off and doors not being closed properly, that’s what happens. With computers and sensor these days most cars will kill dome lights and exterior lights after a prolonged period of time. That said if those mirror lights stay on it’s a stupid design. The portable battery pack in my opinion is the best part of this video! They work amazing but buy a good one and it will jumpstart your car multiple times without being recharged. I’ve helped dozens of people. Its quite gratifying & takes 2 minutes.

you can switch to a bigger group 24 battery instead of the small battery they put in at factory i think its 25 in most Subaru's the bigger battery will fit in tray you will have to cut the battery insulator sleeve to fit the bigger battery just cut it on side away from engine and tape it back together. or both ends

I have the 2018 Outback with manual/non electric cargo door. I tried the carabiner and it got stuck and took me forever to get it out. Did something wrong I guess. Any thoughts? Nice video

It a good trick with a carbiner) will try it

If ur booster juice is still not starting ur vehicle due to a very dead battery there might be an overdose feature that lets u get max juice to the battery. Turn on booster, hold down red button for three secs, booster shud start blinking, make ABSOLUTE sure you connect red to the + terminal and the black to the other one, start car. It might need more than one go before it starts especially if lights and alarms etc is going. Once started turn off booster and disconnect terminals.

Exactly why I got a Forester without that stupid shit. Its so annoying. Good video

Hello! I was wondering where you got your window guards from?

Good to know - thank you!

You have to unplug the CD changer from the head unit. It draws .25 amps.

great thing to have a battery pack/jumper. it seems since Subaru [i have a few too] made this design flawed feature - They should include/provide the jump pack as they made the problem. I also HATE the electric parking brake - an outback has NO emergency brake, only the electric parking brake that has many flaws and will NEVER operate in an emergency! no 12V power = no brake :( this is sad, but true

Subaru needs to come up with a proper fix for this. You going to do this every time you open the hatch? Painful. Batteries are not ment to drain below 50%. I recently installed a dc to dc charger with a second battery to power my fridge. I'll be putting a solar panel on it as well. Once the second battery is charged it with start to charge the main battery. A week boondocking is my goal

Where did you get your window guards?

One more way you can drain your Subaru battery that I found out on my 2020 Forester : The 2 dome lights, center and back have a local 3 position switch, they have : DOOR, ON and OFF. The "ON" position unfortunately is connected to the unprotected side of the battery discharge protection of the electrical system. If you happen to forget one (or both) dome light in the ON position, you will obviously drain the battery and it may take quite some time before you find the problem and drain the battery more than once. Be aware !

Bought 2 battery boosters,an Audew? and Viking from F Liquidators. After being in car for 1 year (charging tri monthly) car stored in garage in temperate climate,Pa. neither would work. I read they shouldn't be stored over 107 degrees. Cars get up to 140 degrees. Then again, how do you open trunk with dead battery? Better to join AAA and hope driver knows how to release E_brake.

A little searching says that these models have an issue with the computer module continuing to try to phone home over 3 g cell towers (that no longer exist.) Didn’t learn this until 3rd battery in 5 yrs. Subaru’s solution = bigger battery.

Needful advice. I couldn't turn off the lights last night, so I simply left the car (2018 Legacy) running for 9 hours. Not a good solution. But I'm confused about the trunk lid fix. If I simply leave the trunk lid up, would that save the battery?

Thanks

I have a 2016 Legacy premium 2.5 and the battery has been replaced twice and it just died again.. Wonder if a software update will fix this issue? I've never noticed the side traffic mirror LED staying on. Original batter died after a couple years then a replacement from AAA lasted a shade over 3 years and today it is dead :(

What about just removing the bulbs on the lights. Is that possible. I have a 2017 outback. Also had the battery die I had lights on auto.

The battery drain is not caused solely to the trunk being up. There’s a flaw in the design in which Subaru has a law suit against them for the recurring battery drain issues beginning with the 2015 models altho prior models like mine have the same issue.

The 2016 and 2017 that I know, have battery tray which easily holds a Group 24 battery. More capacity than Group 25, usually same cost. 24 same height and width as 25, just a bit longer. Do not try a 24F, terminals wrong place.

I was getting ready for a trip and had my brand new mini jumper in the spare tire compartment. I left the hatch open all night not knowing it would drain the battery. Result: dead battery and no access to the spare tire compartment to get the jumper because the hatch needs power to open.

Hi. Need some help. I have a 2018 WRX Limited with an OEM Subaru battery. Electrical system and battery have been fine up till now; no electrical issues at all. I just wanted to clean the corrosion around the terminals. I disconnected both terminals, cleaned them up, and then reconnected it all back at it was. Now I'm having a problem with the Starlink Infotainment system only; every other electrical is good. The radio system will not reboot/restart. The progress bar reaches the end and then starts over again. What gives? Is this typical if you were to change a battery? Is there a way to reset the Starlink radio? There are not options to select, nor does it ask for a radio code. The backup camera works just fine. I tried disconnecting the terminals again, but no luck. Any suggestions?

Such a great vehicle, sadly the battery issues are a real problem.

My 2019 Outback 3.6R has same issue. Just jump started today. Always corrosion at positive battery terminal.

Reasons for a dead battery can vary, but Subaru sent out extended warranty notices in Feb 29, 2024, addressing the issue of faulty Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM) for 2016-2018 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester, 2017-2018 WRX, stating vehicles "may experience a dead battery as a result the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network which is no longer available and have not received a previous DCM update." See complete notification online.

. Does the problem exist with the 2020 model ? Appreciate if you could advise. Going to set it up like you very soon. Would hate to be stranded in the Australian Outback.. Cheers Al.

Having this issue with 2019 touring, found out Subaru issued a new battery that will cost $300 bucks , after I already bought a new one a month ago 😡

Hey Chris,if these bulbs are all led's,which draw 2-3 watts how in 10-15,does this kill ours also,

I’ve had same prob many many times… had to replace battery and tried to go bigger but was told I couldn’t at all… Any hack for leaving the doors open? Mine had died from 5 mins of the doors open. I’ve been stranded!!! On a ferry and had to be towed Off! To the dismay of literally thousands of passengers being screwed by the ferry delay…. Please tell me you know a hack to be able to keep the doors open too. My other big drain is the back hatch dome lights switch is in the same direction as putting things in and out and is often easily turned on without me knowing and during the day can’t be seen…soooo annoying! I bought a battery pack and mine charges phones and has a light which comes in handy during camping and has saved my butt so many times now. I have battery envy when camping!! My Subby 16 which I bought for camping is more like trying to go camping with a city slicker that has constant temper tantrums and complete blackouts! I call it my dumb City Goback! Cause it’s like camping with a teenager that is constantly whining to go back to the city!

does this happen with 2022s? going camping and I have a tent that comes off when the trunk is open so I wanna make sure I’m good !!!

I have a 2019 Forester sport and it drives me nuts trying to kill its own battery! I used that same jump starter but it almost didn't trump over!

I am aware of the Subaru battery issues but I am dubious that it is these tiny, low lumen output LEDs in the mirrors that would be the primary cause.

Dual battery fixed all of my drain issues.

Any suggestion why my 2012 imprezza has some sort of parasitic drain? I cannot figure it out for the life of me haha

Subaru has just settled a battery drain lawsuit... just recieved a notice on my 2019 outback. Recall fix is a software update that changes computer charging commands to the alternator.

You should always carry a lithium jump starter like a Noco Genius to all your vehicles.

My 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited gives me the same problem draining my battery when I spend the time needed to vacuum and detail my cars interior, frustrating. I have a Boost Me jump start that I use when I have a dead battery. Why isn’t it Subaru haven’t been able to diagnose this problem.

Rear Dome light can be hard to detect, easy to turn on without any notice😂

Hey Chase, I like the carabiner idea, but when I looked into this issue a couple years ago, I found that if I pull the correct fuse (2nd row from left, 3rd from bottom), you kill the approach lights, and the only thing you lose is the ability to use the key fob. Yes, that’s a bit of a drag if you want to use the fob to open or close the rear hatch, but if you’re using the back seat doors, you can just leave them unlocked. Thought I’d share in case anyone prefers the fuse route, as I do. Still love the design!

My Outback is a 2012 and the same thing happens to me and I don't have that light.

Does anyone know if the 2005 Subaru Outback has the same issue with the hatch being open for long periods of time.

My 2017 outback has lights on the underside of the front doors- like dome lights under the doors. If you leave the front doors open these will drain the battery- they aren't LED. On a sunny day you can't see they are on- and you can turn the interior dome light off and think all is good. As far as I know- there is no way to turn these off.

Is this an issue only with the power tail gates?

I upgraded the battery to a group 25 instead of group 26.

I have a 2012 and am on my third new battery in four years. Since I don’t drive it every day, and favor the truck in winter (salt), despite being garaged, the battery drains. :(

I always wanted a Subaru. I finally bought one. I wish that I didn’t.