Subaru Legacy - Battery Keeps Going Dead For The Last 2 Years

Рет қаралды 193,812

6 ай бұрын

In this video we have a look at a customers '17 Subaru Legacy that has had a long history of the battery always being dead. She's been dealing with it for 2 years now and wants it fixed.
-Enjoy!
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Пікірлер: 840

@SouthMainAuto 6 ай бұрын

This is the beauty of KZfaq folks. Viewer @Gearhead8604 alerted me of a TSB that I did not see from Subaru. I contacted my customer to let them know of the "repair" available from Subaru. They opted to just leave it as is for the time being. I appreciate all of the comments from others alerting me to the TSB also. You guys are ALL awesome and a really great community of techs, DIY'ers and plain old viewers. Either way I appreciate all of you! -Eric O. Copy of TSB - static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10238460-0001.pdf

@deziking 6 ай бұрын

Suburooo lying

@freetolook3727 6 ай бұрын

Btw, I have a parasitic draw on my 2016 Outback. I pulled the DCM fuse in the fuse panel and the draw went from .74 microamps down to .64 microamps. Not a big change like in the video. Something else is causing the draw and will have to investigate further when I have the time.

@hydorah 4 ай бұрын

The Software 'tool' from Subaru disables the DCM. Removing the fuse disables the DCM. Differences... 1) without dealer level diagnostics :-D 2) You used your brain to actually identify which circuit it was. Eric: 2, Scooby Doo: 0

@Gearhead2286 6 ай бұрын

Good morning Eric, I work at Subaru and the Telematics DCM will cause the battery to have a draw. There's a TSB on setting the DCM to factory mode and unplugging the SOS switch which solves the current draw. The vehicle has to currently be unsubscribed to starlink in order to complete this tsb. You can check in obd data to see the DCM subscription status. Best way to check this is to unplug the DCM fuse underneath he underhood fusebox. If the draw goes away immediately that's your problem! The DCM does not need to be replaced.

@spelunkerd 6 ай бұрын

What a great idea for a video, how to unplug the SOS switch of the DCM. It seems a more elegant approach, compared to installing an aftermarket relay that turns off power when key is removed.

@wolfparty4234 6 ай бұрын

Being the DCM is made with some out of space rare materials, could there be a problem like the one we have with the catalytic converters?

@SouthMainAuto 6 ай бұрын

Do you have a TSB number?

@christiangraham4579 6 ай бұрын

Doesn’t always need to be *

@barbaralane9825 6 ай бұрын

@@SouthMainAuto 11-174-17R I believe static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10131689-9999.pdf

@LouJustlou 6 ай бұрын

"Hello dark current my old friend. I've come to amp clamp you again." 😊 Thanks for the video!

@christophergallagher531 2 ай бұрын

Yup that's it, the sounds of silence when my wife turns the key

@cannabisanomaly Ай бұрын

"While I was resting, your current drawing; and now I'm screwed because you're not starting"

@christophergallagher531 Ай бұрын

Subaru wrote it on the walls.

@jamesfitzgerald2361 6 ай бұрын

People are so lucky to have an honest man working on there vehicles. God Bless you and your family Eric.

@NoName-zn1sb 6 ай бұрын

their vehicles

@McBuggs. 6 ай бұрын

@@NoName-zn1sb There There Bro - Relax!

@andydelarue9344 6 ай бұрын

And we are lucky it goes online , thanks eric

@akshonclip 6 ай бұрын

The problem is that 3G carrier data was shut down by the cellular providers. The module is continuously trying to phone home at increased power with no service. This isn’t just a Subaru problem. 2011+ Fords and Mazda also have this problem. A few early Honda telematics as well. Pull the TCM from the parcel shelf and be done with it.

@amunderdog 6 ай бұрын

I was reading, Subject (Who owns the information your car collects) It was eye opening.

@jamesfitzgerald2361 6 ай бұрын

ET PHONE HOME!

@JeffWok 6 ай бұрын

@@amunderdog From a computer guy perspective, you would all be appalled by most car manufacturer's data policies (who owns your data and who they sell/share that data with). And we all agreed to them.

@akshonclip 6 ай бұрын

@@jamesfitzgerald2361 The Speak and Spell has a parasitic draw. 😂

@demonknight7965 6 ай бұрын

@JeffWok lol im not a computer guy. But i know EVERYONE who gets your address or phine number from the government when you get a drivers license to your doctor is selling your name and address to someone who then sells it to some one else who then sells it tona 3rd person who eventually throws the list in the trash scammers go dumpster diving and then they start cold caĺing you and saying you won this or that. Ir try to sell you something or send you credit card offers lol

@thes2kguy 6 ай бұрын

Exact same thing happened on my aunt's 18 Forester. She was taking her Subaru to Costco every 3 months and getting the battery replaced under warranty. I finally convinced her to take it to the shop to get it looked at. She opted for the same 'repair" as this customer since the stealership gave her an estimate over $900 to repair it.

@robertmedina6875 6 ай бұрын

Now a days that's not bad to repair. However if you don't use it I wouldn't fix it either!

@McBuggs. 6 ай бұрын

@@robertmedina6875 If u don't use it, lose it! If there's something connected to the electronic system and I don't use it, I disconnect it from the power source.

@TurdJesus 6 ай бұрын

@@robertmedina6875only rich idiots with more money than brains subscribes to a car thing like that 😂

@steadyeddie7453 6 ай бұрын

I would still like to try a known good used module. When a dealer says I have to buy their new part, I want to know if that's true. Remember when dealers said an SRS module had to be replaced with a new dealer unit then had to be programmed to that specific car? We found out eventually that wasn't the case.

@DarkRider2k3 6 ай бұрын

@@steadyeddie7453 I agree, but I also doubt that they'd bullcrap Eric on this. But then again ya never know....

@onemechca 6 ай бұрын

Great diagnosis Eric. Way too much useless electronics in cars now a days causing problems IMO. I would of done the same as the customer..Keep the video's coming bud.

@mtebaldi1 5 ай бұрын

This is the only way Subaru owners would know any thing about this problem. Great work Eric. The voice of honesty.

@rickharper1497 6 ай бұрын

Eric, your willingness to do what it takes to find the problem and then fix it is ledgentary! I do most of my own repairs but I would definitely trust you with my vehicle.

@Cheepchipsable 6 ай бұрын

Geez, it's literally what he is paid for.

@patrickl6866 6 ай бұрын

Agree with your point of trusting Eric's integrity. Hard to find a mechanic that you believe and trust is going to find and fix the real problem and not throw parts at it or upsell you unnecessarily.

@Delorean_Guy 6 ай бұрын

@@Cheepchipsableyou are correct captain obvious. What's w the attitude tho? This guy is a great mechanic and HONEST, which is increasingly difficult to find these days. Nothing wrong with pointing out how legendary this guy is!

@garyr8435 6 ай бұрын

Just like they paid all the other mechanics and shops that had to send the vehicles to Eric. He has fix several vehicles that others didn't. @@Cheepchipsable

@titaniumman_22 6 ай бұрын

Good morning Eric and fellow viewers! 🇺🇸

@leefra1 3 ай бұрын

I had the exact problem on my 2017 Outback. I put in a bigger battery. No more dead battery. It would have been cheaper to pull the fuse. Thanks Eric, you are appreciated indeed!

@user-os8oy1ru2r 6 ай бұрын

My girlfriend's 2019 Outback had this exact problem. If you drove her car everyday you would never know it had a parasitic current draw, but leave it for a week and the battery was dead. I diagnosed the parasitic draw with a current probe, but since the car was still under warranty I had her take it to the dealer. They pulled the fuse until they could get a replacement data/Starlink/whatever module, which took a couple of months. After the fix, I monitored it carefully for a while -- no parasitic draw. It can sit for weeks now with no battery drain problem. So, it seems, that data module doesn't go to sleep like it should, and the replacement part does. I'm sure Subaru knows all about this problem; the fact that so many of these data modules are on back order, and that they have a service bulletin on it tells me so. They are probably just hoping people will drive their cars everyday and not notice it. They should replace all of the bad modules IMHO.

@terencehawkes3933 6 ай бұрын

Good diagnosis. Some modern features are more trouble than they are worth.

@w829l5 6 ай бұрын

Something like this happened to my father's 2002 Chevy Trailblazer. The battery would drain and die within a few hours and would need a jump start. This problem occurred for close to 15 years. My father actually set up a disconnect for the rear fuse box back in 2015. He passed in 2017 and never got to fix it. This year I finally fixed it for him and it is all thanks to you Eric. Your thorough explanations helped track down the issues. I watched like 3 your videos multiple times. The ol girl had multiple parasitic draw points. The radio, passanger door switch and the Aux ports all were draining her down. Put a new radio and door switch in and just temporarily didconnected the aux ports. I have not had to disconnect the truck at all for the past 4+ months.

@classicrestoration 6 ай бұрын

“Sherlock Ohms” triumphs again👏🏼

@NurseRobert 6 ай бұрын

I like your diagnostic skills. Not being a mechanic, I would have no clue where to start with this kind of problem

@MrShobar 6 ай бұрын

That's generally why you pay someone else for their knowledge.

@seantoothill6786 6 ай бұрын

2020...that's when "everything bad started" You couldn't be more right my friend

@mikebarron4929 6 ай бұрын

Im a scottish plumber, nothing to do with cars but still find your videos to be my favourite viewing pass time .Your channel is no1

@livewire4495 6 ай бұрын

I love the tools, too! I'm going to check that out. (Retired Electrician who maintains family vehicles). My dad had a 64 Buick Rivera that had an electric dash clock, He would unplug the fuse during the winter. It was his Sunday Church Car and Sat during the week. I watched him go thru a similar process when he was troubleshooting his problem using 2 DC Amp-meters. He Started with a 20 amp. Once he localized it, he switched to a 10 amp. Over the years that lesson has served me well. He was also an Electrician (My Hero) But unlike me, He could DANCE!😎

@shadetreemech290 6 ай бұрын

You gotta love that modern O-scope. I remember the old ones like the Tectonics and HP units. Big and bulky and expensive. BTW as an electronics technician I can tell you that your troubleshooting approach was correct and right to the point. Well done.

@KeithJenkinsvideos 6 ай бұрын

I got a cheapo multimeter for $25 that talks to phone on bluetooth, can graph volts or current also

@MrShobar 6 ай бұрын

Tektronix

@johnwilliamson467 6 ай бұрын

Tektronix and HP scopes have them and now use Rigol 4 channel 100mhz as a daily .

@reeldeelz2940 6 ай бұрын

@@KeithJenkinsvideos what name brand?

@kurtb3606 6 ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing, as a bench technician for years, his ability to mechanically troubleshoot is equal to electrical/electronic troubleshooting. Extremely impressive.

@pbcanal1 6 ай бұрын

I wish you had posted this about 2 months ago. My son's car had this issue and it cost me 54.00 for my local shop to read the service bulletin and pull the fuse. I guess there was a class action lawsuit to pay for all the dead batteries.

@milham6341 6 ай бұрын

You sir truly have the finest automotive channel on KZfaq. I've learned so much about diagnosis techniques from you. Thanks

@jumanjii1 6 ай бұрын

You can also jump the load side of the fuse onto another fuse operated by the ignition key so when the key is in the off position that load is also off and no more parasitic drain.

@billboyer8897 6 ай бұрын

Many moons ago, I was asked to look at an New Yorker owned by an older gentleman. The battery kept going dead, and the stealership had already replaced the battery and alternator to no avail. Following similar steps, it was determined the motorized radio antenna was the parasitic draw. The nylon cable that pushed the antenna up and down had broken, so when the car was shut off, the antenna motor kept running because the antenna never went down.

@drewv1785 6 ай бұрын

Your diagnostic and detective skills saved this lady a lot of aggravation, time and money. Good job!

@missulu 6 ай бұрын

Great video! This sounds a lot like Microsoft edge that just turns itself on to watch what you do without your permission. Always weary of things that are hidden from the buyer...

@steadyeddie7453 6 ай бұрын

Or Microsoft Windows 10 that you cannot stop from auto- updating. I even had a tech go into the registry and reconfig things, but to no avail. And when they update they turn things back on that I had turned off. Big brother Bill is watching you.

@jackpalczynski7884 6 ай бұрын

THANKS! We have a 17 Legacy and NEVER would pay for starlink. I'm going outside right now and pulling the DCM fuse. Thanks for that. Don't need to wear out our battery!

@WildAboutMusik 3 ай бұрын

does your bluetooth still work?

@lmcq9774 2 ай бұрын

When you pull that fuse, it will shut off the front speakers and you Bluetooth will not work, but at least your battery won’t drain. We ended up doing an add a fuse and run that circuit to a fuse that shuts off. Before that we have gone through 3 batteries since we bought it new in 2019.

@KeyserSoseRulz Ай бұрын

If you remove the fuser you may lose other functions that run off that circuit. Jump the fuse for dcm to an empty slot that only runs when the ignition is on. On outback 2019, it is a jump from fuse 9 to fuse 19. Add a 7.5 amp mini fuse to the jumpers. Other models are going to be different fuses.

@G31mR 6 ай бұрын

I love it! Eric does exactly what so many shade-tree mechanics have done to cars that come into his shop: just pull the fuse! Only this time there are no harmful ramifications! Good job.

@BigDaddy_MRI 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding video. Thanks for taking us along!!

@BarryTsGarage 6 ай бұрын

Love your videos, Eric - keep them coming!

@Cronin149 6 ай бұрын

This is why I love watching your channel. Enough detail around what you did and a clean ending. Super interesting. Thanks

@mikewilson631 6 ай бұрын

I bought a three year old car and was disconcerted to see a recent fitting of new alternator and battery. Going through the vehicle, amongst a few other small things I discovered that the glovebox light was not working. It was a bit of a faff to get the unit out (no chance of replacing the bulb in situ) but I did and replaced the pea bulb which was obviously burned out. Before refitting it, I idly pressed the button to watch the bulb turn off. It didn't. Took me another 15 minutes to dismantle the switch, reassemble it properly and put it all back together. We've had the vehicle for four years now and no battery/charging issues. I think the switch must have been misassembled from new and the bulb was draining the battery if the vehicle was left for a while. The bulb probably blew shortly after the battery and alternator were replaced. It's not always the complex stuff that goes wrong.

@markmalikowski4971 6 ай бұрын

Excellent video Eric. A simple fix to an annoying problem. Keep up the great work!

@jason-ge5nr 6 ай бұрын

as a suburu expert I have always replaced the turbo encabulator. I'm surprised you didnt do that first.

@LostInThe0zone 6 ай бұрын

Love the clear diagnosis.

@saabreplay7553 6 ай бұрын

Love your work brother

@PDR-wb9dq 6 ай бұрын

Well done for finding that one Eric enjoyed your video as always, all the best from the UK Paul 👍

@kenmohler4081 6 ай бұрын

I really like this sort of diagnostic problem. I learn a lot and I also get some insight on how overly complicated today’s cars are. Thanks.

@munthirkhan1217 6 ай бұрын

Great diagnosis methodology as always

@silvergrizzly316 6 ай бұрын

Awesome stuff Mr. Eric, you sure do know your electronics with these cars!!! 👍👍

@jatco84 6 ай бұрын

Another great diagnosis Eric. found the problem and saved the client a ton of money and aggravation. Kudos again.

@joesalle2964 6 ай бұрын

tenacity is the key great work as usual

@glenharper3136 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video Eric.

@GeekBoyMN 6 ай бұрын

I know someone with a 2017 Legacy so I'm going to file this in the memory banks. Thanks Eric! You and Mrs O are awesome!

@weloveups831 6 ай бұрын

Great video again! Thanks Eric!

@konstantinusstoyanov9749 6 ай бұрын

This channel feeds skills , logics and intertaintment , nice, thanks

@fredflintstone8048 6 ай бұрын

Good to know. Thank you for sharing.

@jmaxim80 6 ай бұрын

It's a beautiful simple repair, I love it.

@Droveit 21 күн бұрын

Can't wait to get home and try this on my wife's '16 Legacy. Thanks!!

@mikemaccracken3112 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video Eric!

@gjk1504 6 ай бұрын

Excellent video Eric!

@henrybucki7813 6 ай бұрын

great fix enjoyed your videos love the way you talk

@Hey_Its_That_Guy 6 ай бұрын

You are this lady's hero! Well done!

@jamesdeugan744 6 ай бұрын

As always helpful info for the average person .

@BryanW0765 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding! I’ve been dealing with this in my 16 Outback. Thanks!

@scottrittenhouse3131 6 ай бұрын

Great job as always!!!!

@stangaston9033 6 ай бұрын

Right to the problem every time. You are amazing.

@rowlandpichey6602 6 ай бұрын

Mr. O you are a diagnostic bloodhound!! you always stay on the problem til a resolution!! Wish we had you up in my neck of the woods!! Great job!! Thank you!

@Sandbag1300 6 ай бұрын

Using an oscilloscope to identify a parasitic draw on a car is gangster level diagnostics!

@erniesapalasan8450 6 ай бұрын

Your a honest person and God Bless you for all you do. I am not a mechanic but deep within you are very knowledgeable in what you do, you have a complete equipment to fix all issues. One of these days i will do a long drive from NJ

@tiredoldmechanic1791 6 ай бұрын

My first thought when I heard that it started in 2020 was that the owner might have started working from home so they didn't drive it every day. It might always have had the draw but was driven enough to keep the battery charged.

@johngodley7477 6 ай бұрын

Great work on diagnostic

@athletikonaol 6 ай бұрын

Another fine diagnosis. Mrs O will be proud.

@PhillipBailey 6 ай бұрын

Excellent diagnosis!

@oldblueshhrchannel1847 6 ай бұрын

Great job Eric, disconnecting the module stops the parasitic draw and Subaru confirms it. Thanks.

@one44east77 6 ай бұрын

Great video. Thanks for the info.

@ianrichardson9200 6 ай бұрын

The best of the best you are Mr O!!!

@carlkirkland5108 6 ай бұрын

I guessed it was the satellite communication system at the start of the video. Love your videos.

@m.stallcup3173 5 ай бұрын

I have learned a lot from your videos, thank you, awesome information

@rickwalling1148 6 ай бұрын

Another great video full of important info for Subaru owners and shop!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

@MrGardman 6 ай бұрын

Excellent video. Way to track the problem down.

@jamesbruno5896 6 ай бұрын

Great info thank you Sir!

@johnds6621 6 ай бұрын

great eye opening video. Keep up the good work Eric. Say hello to Mrs. O for me.

@joec7275 6 ай бұрын

Well, I would be happy to pay for that diagnosis and just leave the fuse out myself!! Nice work!!

@markconnor269 6 ай бұрын

Great video and information mate 👍

@jeffcarter8160 6 ай бұрын

Subaru is having issues with parts on different issues especially screens. Great job finding this! 😊

@masterofnone7846 5 ай бұрын

You are da man!Love your channel!

@elijahaubuchon9331 6 ай бұрын

Long time listener first time caller. These dcms are very common for draws but this one is a little unusual. Typically they draw around 150mA for the reason another commenter mentioned. One drawback to removing the fuse is the front speakers run through the dcm which are also used for bluetooth phone calls. The side effect is if they attempt to call someone with bluetooth they will not be able to hear anyone. There is a workaround subaru released via TSB. They added an option with the subaru scan tool to put the dcm in a factory mode so it is not registered to the vehicle and will stop attempting to connect to 3g services. The other part is disconnecting the connecting the connector for the buttons overhead as pressing the "i" button will attempt to register it to the vehicle and check communication. Love the content keep it going.

@siskiyouwoodsmann4279 6 ай бұрын

“Just remember, if I can do it, you can do it” That’s a very humble statement Eric, but I think it would be like a forth of July fireworks finally if the average Joe started messing with the electronics on these new vehicles 😂 I’m a retired mechanic and I try to keep up with this modern crap 💩 watching your vids, nice work!!

@davidh7339 6 ай бұрын

It would be more like a "nuclear explosion" if I tried to fix that.

@donaldmoy6021 6 ай бұрын

@@davidh7339 Only if you drive a DeLorean with the Flux capacitor option.

@elcastorgrande 6 ай бұрын

As they say in Scotland, "I'd trust him with my money, my malt, and my maidservant."

@johnnym.rodriguezr3562 6 ай бұрын

Great find as usual!

@MikeyMack303 6 ай бұрын

Good job. Nice easy fix. Just pull the fuse. Thanks for showing that to us.

@scottmcintosh2988 6 ай бұрын

Dr O solved another one genius !!! You are the very best !!!

@johnreese3762 6 ай бұрын

Another great video. I've heard about this issue with Subaru with no cause or fix. You did a great job troubleshooting the issue! We own a 2021 Crosstrek with no issues!!

@johns8771 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. I'll file it away for future reference as we have a '17 Forester.

@karleck1119 6 ай бұрын

Great video SMA.

@mpstenz3520 6 ай бұрын

Great info….. I have a 2019 Outback. Same problem for me……. WiFi was one of the issues….. will check further…….

@mikechiodetti4482 6 ай бұрын

I like that repair! Gotta bad module you don't use anyway? Remove fuse problem goes away! Good diagnosis and video Mr. O.

@bobmcdoggish9659 6 ай бұрын

Excellent diagnosis.

@izzydizzy1115 6 ай бұрын

Eric O aka "Mr. Wizard" Thanks Eric for another great and informative video!

@JackdeDuCoeur 6 ай бұрын

Nice work!

@wesleyhuckabay5968 6 ай бұрын

Good job Eric

@joejohnson7097 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video and information

@dougvalkema4762 6 ай бұрын

Great information to have, thanks.

@richardspees841 6 ай бұрын

This was good to watch as the daughter just purchased a 2019 Forester (only 11k miles). No issues with it yet, but I know what to check first if we have a current draw issue.

@hammer-fn7gm 6 ай бұрын

South Main Auto. "Miracles Preformed Daily"

@motomatt8339 6 ай бұрын

Intresting issue, awesome diag as always.

@scottyparker2534 6 ай бұрын

Another good job Eric thank you.

@rodneymiddleton9624 6 ай бұрын

I had a 2000 Yukon XL that had OnStar doing the same thing and it was on a fuse labeled cab lights I believe so the customer opted to just leave the fuse out of it too. I guess you don't see any 2000 model GM's up there anymore. Thanks Eric!!!

@user-rn1br5tq5j 6 ай бұрын

😂😂😂