This is the beauty of UA-cam 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
@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
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
@@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!
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
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.
The Subaru starlink module is killing the battery interesting and OF course the module is on Infinite back order atleast it worked out for the customer being they don't use that subscription service.. they need to be programmed to the vehicle and they have to be flashed with no software in them once software is written to the module it can't be written over similar to you sending that last module to Keith hope that info helps Eric O 13:35 @South Main Auto Repair LLC
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.
This is one of the things about vehicles that a lot of people do not understand. But essentially if your vehicle has a Sat/Nav system then regardless of if you have paid for the subscription service offered or not. Your vehicle can and in most cases does phone home. As to what information it phones home with........ Probably lots of things distance traveled average speed top speed, location they are all things the vehicle can instantly send back. Remember if your vehicle has and your using Sat/Nav functions and it is showing your location on the map then your vehicle IS communicating to the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Keep safe and well everyone :)
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.
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.
Always great to see a parasitic job done correctly. I diag about 10 of these a year, the DCM is a known issue, I’m hoping the manufacturer extends the warranty of the computer and/or starts a recall. This is a component that should have an extended warranty due to its heavy integration into the vehicles audio system. Especially since the telematics requires a yearly subscription to operate. Most people terminate their service after the trial period and/or second hand owners don’t want it. Unplugging the fuse will stop the problem but will also inhibit the Bluetooth and hands free calling service, and some speakers from working. It’s frustrating to tell people that they need to replace a module so they can use the speakers and Bluetooth; even though they’re not paying annual fee to use the service the module provides. For people that cannot afford the module replacement, I’ll install a relay that turns power off to the DCM when the ignition is off. It’s still a $200 fix but it’s better than paying over $650 to install and program a module that you don’t subscribe to. If you do replace the module make sure to read the latest TSBs about immunized and registration. I fix one or two a year that are not registered correctly or registered for the incorrect ignition type (hybrid, push start, key start). Thankfully you can re-register the DCM if you do it wrong. The lawsuit has come and gone, for this problem, but I still encourage customers to call Subaru first compensation. Good Luck
Pin this.... If you could explain the relay installation a little better, that would help me get my Bluetooth/ speaker back online and I would hugely appreciate it!
@@TnT_13_ I guess it goes like this: find power supply wire to the module, cut it and connect the ends to the load side of a relay that's normally open. For the command side of the relay find a switched power supply. Key's off the relay opens and the module is powered down. The relay should support the amps the module needs.
@@TnT_13_ it’s a simple horn relay circuit, that any proficient automotive technician can install. Subscribe, I’ll make a how to video of the next vehicle I service. Because the amperage daw is low I can use jumper wires off the engine and cabin fuse block. Cabin fuse #19 is the ignition fuse (double check wiring for safety), I use that for the control side of the relay (pin 85 and 86) I then control the power to the DCM via relay pin 87 and 30 on through the engine bay fuse block. Again reference a horn circuit and apply the knowledge. If you are not confident in the task, I would suggest asking a qualified shop to install a basic 30A relay to the DCM power supply and trigger it off the ignition circuit.
Good luck I am hopping they recall my 21. The cockpit control unit as they call it won't take any new software updates. The car is out of warenty and it's my dime if I want it replaced. The part is also on infinite back order. System works but no new updates apply. At lest 4 subaru dealers did try and update it free of charge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!😎
i can see the problem right away Eric , it is a Diehard battery . Interesting that Subaru knows there is a problem but no recall and they cannot get parts because every car has the same fault .
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!!!
Same problem on my 2017 Outback Tourning. Fuse pulled by dealer. Bad news is front speakers and microphone also killed by fuse so no phone interface. Went thru 5 batteries before they found it on my car! Great videos and trouble shooting.
So apparently, the Data Communication unit is designed to work hand in hand with the StarLink system for over the air notifications through telematics and gps. One feature of this is shown in the commercial promotion of the accident detection system. When you’re in an accident, it will notify the car data like airbag deployment, off road notice, child operator notifications, and things of that nature. Haven’t seen it with my own eyes because most people don’t add the SOS feature. I have a 4S4BSACC 2015 with StarLink and no SOS. So it really is just like a stand alone add on unit like adding Bluetooth to a car with no Bluetooth.
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...
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Oh, ok the dealer said, in not so many words, the car is harvesting data so you can't swamp the module because then it would send data for the wrong person/car.....
My neighbor had the exact same problem. Did the same thing and pulled the fuse for her and the car is working fine. She was so greatfull for me fixing it, said I saved her thousands of dollars because she was ready to trade the car in. The dealership wanted to replace battery and alternator for big $$$. What a rip off, suspect they knew what the problem was all along. .
Thanks for not being a hack. I just watched a video of a guy in Pennsylvania bypassing a fuse/relay and patting himself on the back because the car started. I'm an electrical engineer and I tried to advise him that he is going to have unpredictable results if the lady activates her ABS since the circuit is now in parallel with another circuit. Not to mention the dealer will never touch the car again when they see the creativity bestowed upon it. I was thinking...Eric O would not be his buddy.....
having battery issue on 21 Crosstrek... pulled the DCM fuse - will have to give it a few days to see if it solves dying battery HOWEVER cellphone Bluetooth connection doesn't work when you pull it....not sure what else yet.
Very bizarre it went from 100mah to 30mah the ramp up and down looks like the Computers preparing to go to sleep 3:20 interesting smiles every second definitely can tell the security light draw Eric O wonder if the computers are turning back on doing system checks @South Main Auto Repair LLC
Eric, thanks to your previous Subie video, I searched the service bulletins when My Mother-in-Law complained about her Forrester blowing the horn randomly during driving. The dealership was unaware of the issue until I provided a copy of said bulletin. Since then, they have allowed her to use a new model to drive whilst the factory Subaru remote start module, also whittled from unobtainium, is shipped from a moon of Jupiter to Wisconsin. Your diagnostic skills are rubbing off on your viewers. Now if we can get a "day in the life of Mrs. O " video, things will really get going!
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.
If you don't want Big Brother tracking you, this is the fuse to pull. Basically the cellular comms portion of the package. GPS won't work (no maps). Other than that, most people don't renew the services that need this module after the trial ends anyway.
I don't know Subaru's implementation of telematics but it can do a lot of things. e.g. traffic information to the navigator, OTA updates, internet radio, web browser, etc. Then it can enable the use of certain functions with a phone application, e.g. starting cooling or heating or scheduling them, opening the doors, remote start, etc.
I had read just the other day that these cases of parasitic draw from the DCM, particular to Subaru at least, were due to the cellular radio spectrum shutdown for either 2g or 3g - the DCM uses a 2g or 3g radio, and if you live in a place that has deprecated that spectrum i.e. the cell provider(s) don't offer it anymore, then the DCM gets caught in a loop of trying to contact the service which uses a radio which can't get any response. YMMV, this is just what I read.
And according to the TSB the DCM is made by Denso and not Subaru inhouse. So they probably have very little software control if Denso won't offer support. But it's also strange that the engineers didn't build in a exit strategy into the firmware that allows them to ota disable those units. The shutdown of 2G and 3G was on the horizon even in 2013-15 when this DCM was designed. Or just do what's known as exponential backoff in the networking world. If service is not available for x minutes -> double the time to search every time you don't find service.
Removing the DCM fuse stops the drain but disables some features. A proposed fix involves using a relay to power the DCM only when the car is running, which requires a few components costing around $30. Without the fuse you'll likely lose functionality of the front speakers and microphone, not just the Starlink telematics system.
My 2019 outback had this issue and since I ride my motorcycle most days it kept dying. Found this fix using two fuse taps to run power from the rear washer pump since it's only hot when the key is on. Problem solved and keeps my front speakers working
Within the last year 3g was phased out. Some older telematics used that system. So they stay awake trying to update themselves but can't because the 3g network is gone. So just like updating your cell phone, now you have update the module in the car too. Ford had a TSB on their system for these older cars for the same issue. Waiting list for the new unit and about 1100 dollars for completed job at dealer.
Back in 1981, we bought a new Olds Omega with v6 and manual transmission. Every once in a while, the battery would go dead. Jumping it and driving a short distance would bring it back up to charge. This kept happening for a couple of years, but very occasionally. One night, coming home from work, from a half mile away, I noticed two red lights next to our house. It was the brake lights on the Omega. After starting it then shutting it down, the lights went off. I finally decided to look under the dash. There, above the brake pedal was a multi-colored rat's nest of wires. I could then see that a couple of those wires were preventing the pedal from returning all the way back, but only once in a while. Battery problem solved. Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and this was the last GM car I've owned. It wasn't just the sloppy wiring - the thing had multiple quality issues, including someone at the factory or the dealer (they blamed each other) not tightening the drain plug on the tranny. It started to pop out of gear very late at night in the middle of Western Kansas with a toddler in the back seat. It had just had its 10K service, but the dealer assured me that they "never would have" checked the lubricant level on a manual, so it must have been that way from the factory. I asked the service manager if that was standard procedure as listed in the owners' manual. He didn't say much more, but we got to drive a loaner for three or four weeks while they replaced the transmission.
What will we do when you retire? I hope you will train someone to carry on your legacy of honesty and integrity. Your skills and willingness to share them must not be lost.❤
8:10 to 9:09 ... Great explanation of final diagnostic approach: (1) while observing amp draw spike from intermittent parasite, (2) use 2nd meter to find fuse with a voltage drop ... wow ... awesome video
Nice parts guy to tell you they were on back order and in high demand. A lot of ice hole parts guys always tell me every time-"never had one never sold one" like I really give a sheet what they think is or isn't wrong with the vehicle.
I think there is a class action lawsuit over this, the SOS switch is trying for a 3G connection which no longer exists. Subaru is one of the few automakers these days that cares about engineering good autos, unlike companies like Stellantis and Nissan/Renault which are bean counter companies that happens to make cars.
@@phillipbanes5484 Their level of care is directly proportional to cost for Subaru to fix the problem. Just like the Ford Pinto and exploding gas tanks.
Simply put you are fantastic! Own a '17 outback from new and my so called fix was to install a bigger battery. Not a perfect solution. After seeing your video I am happy to say after pulling the DCM (don't need) fuse no more parasitic. Thank you, Thank you.
I don’t own a Subaru. The car I own you probably haven’t worked on in 10 years😂, but I love your videos, very knowledgeable and honest mechanic here. Watching from South Jersey, take care man!
Always a bit frustrating when you can't get parts, particularly for these newer cars. And since their engineers do such a good job with everything you can't even do a junkyard swap. Oh well. Customer is happy, job done.
thanks for the video. I have a 2018 which is first year of Android Auto / Apple car play. I acquired it Feb 2022 when the 3g shutdown started. I've gone through two batteries since then; car was driven day before in each case. Pulled the fuse last night, but this disabled the voice commands. So looks like TSB will need to be applied. Thanks for the video :)
I have 2017 legacy. And the system had to be reprogrammed and updated. Everything including Starlink has no issues. Only replaced the battery once. And sometimes the car isn’t driven for a week or more. Starts right up. Very interesting . Eric
Subaru just issued a warranty extension letter acknowledging that it's the DCM trying to phone home over nonexistent 3G. (At least some of the time, anyway) I have never pushed the button to open the Stargate, so maybe I can pull the fuse? On my Forester, the DCM is crammed under the stock radio. I had to relocate it when I got rid of the garbage Starlink head unit that was always flaky. I tried removing the DCM, but they have the front speaker audio routed through it. It probably doesn't need to be powered, though. Pulling the fuse is better than keeping a 10mm battery disconnect wrench in the glove box. Oh, the real insult: Subaru says they'll fix it for "free" if you subscribe to Subie Starlink.
Ford Escape SE 2014 same thing my battery lasts about 2 years had to buy a battery tender so when I do it with not mess up my electronics. Thanks for your knowledge.
Great investigation work Eric. I'm gonna pull my Outback DCM fuse. I have this problem when my car sits for several weeks. There's a class action suit for high phantom power drain on these cars. The stock OEM battery is too small (350 CCA). I installed a larger group 34 battery in my outback. This is the largest battery that fits in the tray and is rated at 800 CCA.
Yep. One of the first changes I made when I had a Forrester was to replace the battery. 10 minutes sitting in the car with the radio on and the battery would be dead, even less in the winter. Put in the biggest battery that fit and never had a problem again.
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!!
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!
Parasitic draw is a huge issue on newer cars. But we love all the amenities that come with them. This is going on in one of our work trucks right now. I had a trailer brake controller installed and they did it wrong. They are out of business now a year later we are having issues with it. I pulled the plug from the back of the controller problem fixed. At least for now!
“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!!
It also controls your remote start from your Subaru app.. They are on backorder. This was the perfect storm of faulty Subaru batteries coupled with faulty DCM's. The backorder is not as bad as Subaru wheel hub units though.
Eric, you need to build a sound proof professional recording studio for recording videos so we dont have to listen to Josh using an air wrench on another car and we dont have to listen to the phone constantly ringing. I'M KIDDING ERIC. Love your videos and I can get past the noise. Keep em coming!
My wife and I dont drive our cars a lot and went through a battery or two too fast and now just leave battery maintainers hooked up all the time. Yes have to open hood and connect/disconnect the chargers once a week or so but keeps those batteries right up to near 13 volts. The distilled water level is checked every few months and topped off when required. Probably most cars have enough normal drain so that battery life will be reduced if cars are not driven very often. Thanks so much for all the informative posts. Really helps give me a bit of confidence to DIY. Next project is to replace the cam magnet on m y 1992 Buick LaSabre which flew off and will build a very small metal captive case for the replacement magnet so cant fly off any more. The case will have tabs that will hold to the cam gear and the magnet. Extra Permatex high temp epoxy will provide extra securement.
That's probably the best solution for a crappy situation, albeit a bit cumbersome I'm sure. If you ever needed to purchase a new battery for it in the future, I can't recommend the Odyssey Performance (or Extreme) enough. It uses absorbent glass mat technology and has a bunch of tiny lead plates sandwiched in between the glass mat. Lasts a lot longer than conventional and has been holding up well against parasitic draw.
MIL's new Impreza had the same issue. Dealer threw batteries at it and nothing worked. She puts about 1000 miles a year on it, so sitting for a few days was an issue. MIL thought driving with all of the electrical draws off was good for it, so we told her to drive with the lights on and heater fan at position 1 and the issue resolved itself.
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This is the beauty of UA-cam 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
Suburooo lying
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
Do you have a TSB number?
Doesn’t always need to be *
@@SouthMainAuto 11-174-17R I believe
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10131689-9999.pdf
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.
I was reading, Subject (Who owns the information your car collects) It was eye opening.
ET PHONE HOME!
@@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.
@@jamesfitzgerald2361 The Speak and Spell has a parasitic draw. 😂
@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
"Hello dark current my old friend. I've come to amp clamp you again." 😊 Thanks for the video!
Yup that's it, the sounds of silence when my wife turns the key
"While I was resting, your current drawing; and now I'm screwed because you're not starting"
Subaru wrote it on the walls.
People are so lucky to have an honest man working on there vehicles. God Bless you and your family Eric.
their vehicles
@@NoName-zn1sb There There Bro - Relax!
And we are lucky it goes online , thanks eric
This is the only way Subaru owners would know any thing about this problem. Great work Eric. The voice of honesty.
2020...that's when "everything bad started" You couldn't be more right my friend
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.
Now a days that's not bad to repair. However if you don't use it I wouldn't fix it either!
@@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.
@@robertmedina6875only rich idiots with more money than brains subscribes to a car thing like that 😂
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.
@@steadyeddie7453 I agree, but I also doubt that they'd bullcrap Eric on this. But then again ya never know....
“Sherlock Ohms” triumphs again👏🏼
If there is a TSB for this known problem and the part is on nation wide backorder, I would say Suberau owes the customer for a couple of batteries.
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!
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.
Geez, it's literally what he is paid for.
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.
@@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!
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
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.
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
The Subaru starlink module is killing the battery interesting and OF course the module is on Infinite back order atleast it worked out for the customer being they don't use that subscription service.. they need to be programmed to the vehicle and they have to be flashed with no software in them once software is written to the module it can't be written over similar to you sending that last module to Keith hope that info helps Eric O 13:35 @South Main Auto Repair LLC
Good diagnosis. Some modern features are more trouble than they are worth.
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.
This is one of the things about vehicles that a lot of people do not understand. But essentially if your vehicle has a Sat/Nav system then regardless of if you have paid for the subscription service offered or not. Your vehicle can and in most cases does phone home. As to what information it phones home with........ Probably lots of things distance traveled average speed top speed, location they are all things the vehicle can instantly send back. Remember if your vehicle has and your using Sat/Nav functions and it is showing your location on the map then your vehicle IS communicating to the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Keep safe and well everyone :)
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.
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.
Good morning Eric and fellow viewers! 🇺🇸
Always great to see a parasitic job done correctly.
I diag about 10 of these a year, the DCM is a known issue, I’m hoping the manufacturer extends the warranty of the computer and/or starts a recall.
This is a component that should have an extended warranty due to its heavy integration into the vehicles audio system. Especially since the telematics requires a yearly subscription to operate. Most people terminate their service after the trial period and/or second hand owners don’t want it.
Unplugging the fuse will stop the problem but will also inhibit the Bluetooth and hands free calling service, and some speakers from working.
It’s frustrating to tell people that they need to replace a module so they can use the speakers and Bluetooth; even though they’re not paying annual fee to use the service the module provides.
For people that cannot afford the module replacement, I’ll install a relay that turns power off to the DCM when the ignition is off. It’s still a $200 fix but it’s better than paying over $650 to install and program a module that you don’t subscribe to.
If you do replace the module make sure to read the latest TSBs about immunized and registration. I fix one or two a year that are not registered correctly or registered for the incorrect ignition type (hybrid, push start, key start). Thankfully you can re-register the DCM if you do it wrong.
The lawsuit has come and gone, for this problem, but I still encourage customers to call Subaru first compensation.
Good Luck
Relay installation sounds like a viable fix
Pin this.... If you could explain the relay installation a little better, that would help me get my Bluetooth/ speaker back online and I would hugely appreciate it!
@@TnT_13_ I guess it goes like this: find power supply wire to the module, cut it and connect the ends to the load side of a relay that's normally open. For the command side of the relay find a switched power supply. Key's off the relay opens and the module is powered down. The relay should support the amps the module needs.
@@TnT_13_ it’s a simple horn relay circuit, that any proficient automotive technician can install.
Subscribe, I’ll make a how to video of the next vehicle I service.
Because the amperage daw is low I can use jumper wires off the engine and cabin fuse block.
Cabin fuse #19 is the ignition fuse (double check wiring for safety), I use that for the control side of the relay (pin 85 and 86)
I then control the power to the DCM via relay pin 87 and 30 on through the engine bay fuse block.
Again reference a horn circuit and apply the knowledge.
If you are not confident in the task, I would suggest asking a qualified shop to install a basic 30A relay to the DCM power supply and trigger it off the ignition circuit.
Good luck I am hopping they recall my 21. The cockpit control unit as they call it won't take any new software updates. The car is out of warenty and it's my dime if I want it replaced. The part is also on infinite back order. System works but no new updates apply. At lest 4 subaru dealers did try and update it free of charge.
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.
Yeah... under $10 part from Amazon. No $200 relay install...
I like your diagnostic skills. Not being a mechanic, I would have no clue where to start with this kind of problem
That's generally why you pay someone else for their knowledge.
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.
I got a cheapo multimeter for $25 that talks to phone on bluetooth, can graph volts or current also
Tektronix
Tektronix and HP scopes have them and now use Rigol 4 channel 100mhz as a daily .
@@KeithJenkinsvideos what name brand?
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.
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.
Using an oscilloscope to identify a parasitic draw on a car is gangster level diagnostics!
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.
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!😎
i can see the problem right away Eric , it is a Diehard battery . Interesting that Subaru knows there is a problem but no recall and they cannot get parts because every car has the same fault .
The only real down side to disabling the Starlink is that will also disable the microphone for use on handsfree calling paired to your phone.
yea, just found that out :( Subaru should be ashamed of themselves for not correcting the problem at their cost!
And the front speakers…
South Main Auto. "Miracles Preformed Daily"
as a suburu expert I have always replaced the turbo encabulator. I'm surprised you didnt do that first.
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!!!
We recently tracked and disabled a stolen vehicle via starlink. It’s a valuable tool!
Same problem on my 2017 Outback Tourning. Fuse pulled by dealer. Bad news is front speakers and microphone also killed by fuse so no phone interface. Went thru 5 batteries before they found it on my car! Great videos and trouble shooting.
Your diagnostic and detective skills saved this lady a lot of aggravation, time and money. Good job!
So apparently, the Data Communication unit is designed to work hand in hand with the StarLink system for over the air notifications through telematics and gps. One feature of this is shown in the commercial promotion of the accident detection system. When you’re in an accident, it will notify the car data like airbag deployment, off road notice, child operator notifications, and things of that nature. Haven’t seen it with my own eyes because most people don’t add the SOS feature. I have a 4S4BSACC 2015 with StarLink and no SOS. So it really is just like a stand alone add on unit like adding Bluetooth to a car with no Bluetooth.
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...
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.
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!
does your bluetooth still work?
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.
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.
@@KeyserSoseRulz Think that would be the same fuses for a 2016 Outback?
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.
Oh, ok the dealer said, in not so many words, the car is harvesting data so you can't swamp the module because then it would send data for the wrong person/car.....
You sir truly have the finest automotive channel on UA-cam. I've learned so much about diagnosis techniques from you. Thanks
My neighbor had the exact same problem. Did the same thing and pulled the fuse for her and the car is working fine. She was so greatfull for me fixing it, said I saved her thousands of dollars because she was ready to trade the car in. The dealership wanted to replace battery and alternator for big $$$. What a rip off, suspect they knew what the problem was all along.
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Thanks for not being a hack. I just watched a video of a guy in Pennsylvania bypassing a fuse/relay and patting himself on the back because the car started. I'm an electrical engineer and I tried to advise him that he is going to have unpredictable results if the lady activates her ABS since the circuit is now in parallel with another circuit. Not to mention the dealer will never touch the car again when they see the creativity bestowed upon it. I was thinking...Eric O would not be his buddy.....
having battery issue on 21 Crosstrek... pulled the DCM fuse - will have to give it a few days to see if it solves dying battery HOWEVER cellphone Bluetooth connection doesn't work when you pull it....not sure what else yet.
Very bizarre it went from 100mah to 30mah the ramp up and down looks like the Computers preparing to go to sleep 3:20 interesting smiles every second definitely can tell the security light draw Eric O wonder if the computers are turning back on doing system checks @South Main Auto Repair LLC
Well, that is just too bad for everybody that owns the Subaru. Thank you, Eric, you're one smart man. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Eric, thanks to your previous Subie video, I searched the service bulletins when My Mother-in-Law complained about her Forrester blowing the horn randomly during driving. The dealership was unaware of the issue until I provided a copy of said bulletin. Since then, they have allowed her to use a new model to drive whilst the factory Subaru remote start module, also whittled from unobtainium, is shipped from a moon of Jupiter to Wisconsin. Your diagnostic skills are rubbing off on your viewers.
Now if we can get a "day in the life of Mrs. O " video, things will really get going!
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.
If you don't want Big Brother tracking you, this is the fuse to pull. Basically the cellular comms portion of the package. GPS won't work (no maps). Other than that, most people don't renew the services that need this module after the trial ends anyway.
That’s about as nice a surprise for the customer as it gets, just pull the fuse for a feature you’ll never use
I don't know Subaru's implementation of telematics but it can do a lot of things. e.g. traffic information to the navigator, OTA updates, internet radio, web browser, etc. Then it can enable the use of certain functions with a phone application, e.g. starting cooling or heating or scheduling them, opening the doors, remote start, etc.
I had read just the other day that these cases of parasitic draw from the DCM, particular to Subaru at least, were due to the cellular radio spectrum shutdown for either 2g or 3g - the DCM uses a 2g or 3g radio, and if you live in a place that has deprecated that spectrum i.e. the cell provider(s) don't offer it anymore, then the DCM gets caught in a loop of trying to contact the service which uses a radio which can't get any response. YMMV, this is just what I read.
And according to the TSB the DCM is made by Denso and not Subaru inhouse. So they probably have very little software control if Denso won't offer support. But it's also strange that the engineers didn't build in a exit strategy into the firmware that allows them to ota disable those units. The shutdown of 2G and 3G was on the horizon even in 2013-15 when this DCM was designed. Or just do what's known as exponential backoff in the networking world. If service is not available for x minutes -> double the time to search every time you don't find service.
Removing the DCM fuse stops the drain but disables some features. A proposed fix involves using a relay to power the DCM only when the car is running, which requires a few components costing around $30. Without the fuse you'll likely lose functionality of the front speakers and microphone, not just the Starlink telematics system.
My 2019 outback had this issue and since I ride my motorcycle most days it kept dying. Found this fix using two fuse taps to run power from the rear washer pump since it's only hot when the key is on. Problem solved and keeps my front speakers working
Within the last year 3g was phased out. Some older telematics used that system. So they stay awake trying to update themselves but can't because the 3g network is gone. So just like updating your cell phone, now you have update the module in the car too. Ford had a TSB on their system for these older cars for the same issue. Waiting list for the new unit and about 1100 dollars for completed job at dealer.
Awesome stuff Mr. Eric, you sure do know your electronics with these cars!!! 👍👍
I like that repair! Gotta bad module you don't use anyway? Remove fuse problem goes away!
Good diagnosis and video Mr. O.
Back in 1981, we bought a new Olds Omega with v6 and manual transmission. Every once in a while, the battery would go dead. Jumping it and driving a short distance would bring it back up to charge. This kept happening for a couple of years, but very occasionally. One night, coming home from work, from a half mile away, I noticed two red lights next to our house. It was the brake lights on the Omega. After starting it then shutting it down, the lights went off. I finally decided to look under the dash. There, above the brake pedal was a multi-colored rat's nest of wires. I could then see that a couple of those wires were preventing the pedal from returning all the way back, but only once in a while. Battery problem solved. Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and this was the last GM car I've owned. It wasn't just the sloppy wiring - the thing had multiple quality issues, including someone at the factory or the dealer (they blamed each other) not tightening the drain plug on the tranny. It started to pop out of gear very late at night in the middle of Western Kansas with a toddler in the back seat. It had just had its 10K service, but the dealer assured me that they "never would have" checked the lubricant level on a manual, so it must have been that way from the factory. I asked the service manager if that was standard procedure as listed in the owners' manual. He didn't say much more, but we got to drive a loaner for three or four weeks while they replaced the transmission.
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!
What will we do when you retire?
I hope you will train someone to carry on your legacy of honesty and integrity. Your skills and willingness to share them must not be lost.❤
8:10 to 9:09 ... Great explanation of final diagnostic approach: (1) while observing amp draw spike from intermittent parasite, (2) use 2nd meter to find fuse with a voltage drop ... wow ... awesome video
Nice parts guy to tell you they were on back order and in high demand. A lot of ice hole parts guys always tell me every time-"never had one never sold one" like I really give a sheet what they think is or isn't wrong with the vehicle.
I think there is a class action lawsuit over this, the SOS switch is trying for a 3G connection which no longer exists. Subaru is one of the few automakers these days that cares about engineering good autos, unlike companies like Stellantis and Nissan/Renault which are bean counter companies that happens to make cars.
@@phillipbanes5484 Their level of care is directly proportional to cost for Subaru to fix the problem. Just like the Ford Pinto and exploding gas tanks.
its that a current lawsuit???? I found one but you had to have applied by last year sometime...?
Simply put you are fantastic! Own a '17 outback from new and my so called fix was to install a bigger battery. Not a perfect solution. After seeing your video I am happy to say after pulling the DCM (don't need) fuse no more parasitic. Thank you, Thank you.
I don’t own a Subaru. The car I own you probably haven’t worked on in 10 years😂, but I love your videos, very knowledgeable and honest mechanic here. Watching from South Jersey, take care man!
Always a bit frustrating when you can't get parts, particularly for these newer cars. And since their engineers do such a good job with everything you can't even do a junkyard swap.
Oh well. Customer is happy, job done.
Another fine diagnosis. Mrs O will be proud.
thanks for the video.
I have a 2018 which is first year of Android Auto / Apple car play. I acquired it Feb 2022 when the 3g shutdown started. I've gone through two batteries since then; car was driven day before in each case. Pulled the fuse last night, but this disabled the voice commands. So looks like TSB will need to be applied.
Thanks for the video :)
What 2018 do you have? I have a 2018 Subaru legacy 3.6 engine and it has Sirius satellite radio in it. Apple took over in 19 or 2020.
I have 2017 legacy. And the system had to be reprogrammed and updated. Everything including Starlink has no issues. Only replaced the battery once. And sometimes the car isn’t driven for a week or more. Starts right up. Very interesting . Eric
Two of my good friends have this exact same problem, both Cross treks. It is actually a known Subaru problem for the last couple of years.
Subaru just issued a warranty extension letter acknowledging that it's the DCM trying to phone home over nonexistent 3G. (At least some of the time, anyway) I have never pushed the button to open the Stargate, so maybe I can pull the fuse? On my Forester, the DCM is crammed under the stock radio. I had to relocate it when I got rid of the garbage Starlink head unit that was always flaky. I tried removing the DCM, but they have the front speaker audio routed through it. It probably doesn't need to be powered, though. Pulling the fuse is better than keeping a 10mm battery disconnect wrench in the glove box. Oh, the real insult: Subaru says they'll fix it for "free" if you subscribe to Subie Starlink.
Now enrolling in SMA University. This is good stuff.
Outstanding! I’ve been dealing with this in my 16 Outback. Thanks!
This isnt a bug its a feature! Gotta have big brother there checking you out, especially if you're not paying for the extras 😉
So awesome to be able to narrow it down after the customers 2 years of woes and a few hundred $ in batteries.
Same thing on my son's 2020 Camry. I found a TSB from Toyota to reload software. The dealer was unaware of this.. It fixed the problem
Ford Escape SE 2014 same thing my battery lasts about 2 years had to buy a battery tender so when I do it with not mess up my electronics. Thanks for your knowledge.
You are this lady's hero! Well done!
Thanks for the info. I'll file it away for future reference as we have a '17 Forester.
Great job Eric, disconnecting the module stops the parasitic draw and Subaru confirms it. Thanks.
Great investigation work Eric. I'm gonna pull my Outback DCM fuse. I have this problem when my car sits for several weeks. There's a class action suit for high phantom power drain on these cars. The stock OEM battery is too small (350 CCA). I installed a larger group 34 battery in my outback. This is the largest battery that fits in the tray and is rated at 800 CCA.
Yep. One of the first changes I made when I had a Forrester was to replace the battery. 10 minutes sitting in the car with the radio on and the battery would be dead, even less in the winter. Put in the biggest battery that fit and never had a problem again.
Exactly what i did in my Legacy... cheaper battery too!!!
CCA and battery size aren’t the same thing. Common misconception among those who are uninformed.
They are not the same, yet an automotive battery with much higher capacity is likely to also have a higher CCA rating than one with lower capacity.
Correct. The higher the battery plate surface area the higher the CCA rating.
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!!
Great info….. I have a 2019 Outback. Same problem for me……. WiFi was one of the issues….. will check further…….
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!
Another great example of Eric digging in and finding the scoop, all the SCOOP!
Same thing happened on my 2019 Rav4....fixed with a software update!
Parasitic draw is a huge issue on newer cars. But we love all the amenities that come with them. This is going on in one of our work trucks right now. I had a trailer brake controller installed and they did it wrong. They are out of business now a year later we are having issues with it. I pulled the plug from the back of the controller problem fixed. At least for now!
Thanks for the video Eric!
“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!!
It would be more like a "nuclear explosion" if I tried to fix that.
@@davidh7339 Only if you drive a DeLorean with the Flux capacitor option.
As they say in Scotland, "I'd trust him with my money, my malt, and my maidservant."
It also controls your remote start from your Subaru app.. They are on backorder. This was the perfect storm of faulty Subaru batteries coupled with faulty DCM's. The backorder is not as bad as Subaru wheel hub units though.
This is why I love watching your channel. Enough detail around what you did and a clean ending. Super interesting. Thanks
Can't wait to get home and try this on my wife's '16 Legacy. Thanks!!
I had the same exact problem come through the shop on a subaru, complete with the little note on the fuse box lid. Although, mine was drawing 160mA.
You are da man!Love your channel!
Eric, you need to build a sound proof professional recording studio for recording videos so we dont have to listen to Josh using an air wrench on another car and we dont have to listen to the phone constantly ringing. I'M KIDDING ERIC. Love your videos and I can get past the noise. Keep em coming!
My wife and I dont drive our cars a lot and went through a battery or two too fast and now just leave battery maintainers hooked up all the time. Yes have to open hood and connect/disconnect the chargers once a week or so but keeps those batteries right up to near 13 volts. The distilled water level is checked every few months and topped off when required. Probably most cars have enough normal drain so that battery life will be reduced if cars are not driven very often. Thanks so much for all the informative posts. Really helps give me a bit of confidence to DIY. Next project is to replace the cam magnet on m y 1992 Buick LaSabre which flew off and will build a very small metal captive case for the replacement magnet so cant fly off any more. The case will have tabs that will hold to the cam gear and the magnet. Extra Permatex high temp epoxy will provide extra securement.
That's probably the best solution for a crappy situation, albeit a bit cumbersome I'm sure. If you ever needed to purchase a new battery for it in the future, I can't recommend the Odyssey Performance (or Extreme) enough. It uses absorbent glass mat technology and has a bunch of tiny lead plates sandwiched in between the glass mat. Lasts a lot longer than conventional and has been holding up well against parasitic draw.
Ivan over at PHD has seen the telematics issue before. He'll probably have some more info about it.
MIL's new Impreza had the same issue. Dealer threw batteries at it and nothing worked. She puts about 1000 miles a year on it, so sitting for a few days was an issue. MIL thought driving with all of the electrical draws off was good for it, so we told her to drive with the lights on and heater fan at position 1 and the issue resolved itself.
Dr O solved another one genius !!! You are the very best !!!