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

[@SouthMainAuto]

This is the beauty of KZbin 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]

Suburooo lying

[@freetolook3727]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Do you have a TSB number?

[@christiangraham4579]

Doesn’t always need to be *

[@barbaralane9825]

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

[@jamesfitzgerald2361]

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

[@NoName-zn1sb]

their vehicles

[@McBuggs.]

@@NoName-zn1sb There There Bro - Relax!

[@andydelarue9344]

And we are lucky it goes online , thanks eric

[@akshonclip]

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]

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

[@jamesfitzgerald2361]

ET PHONE HOME!

[@JeffWok]

@@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]

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

[@demonknight7965]

​@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

[@LouJustlou]

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

[@christophergallagher531]

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

[@cannabisanomaly]

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

[@christophergallagher531]

Subaru wrote it on the walls.

[@mtebaldi1]

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

[@seantoothill6786]

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

[@bills6946]

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.

[@leefra1]

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!

[@thes2kguy]

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]

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

[@McBuggs.]

@@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]

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

[@steadyeddie7453]

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]

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

[@rickharper1497]

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]

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

[@patrickl6866]

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.

[@DeloreanGuy2]

@@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]

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

[@onemechca]

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.

[@davidkettell5726]

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 .

[@terencehawkes3933]

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

[@titaniumman_22]

Good morning Eric and fellow viewers! 🇺🇸

[@shadetreemech290]

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]

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

[@MrShobar]

Tektronix

[@johnwilliamson467]

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

[@reeldeelz2940]

@@KeithJenkinsvideos what name brand?

[@kurtb3606]

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.

[@nzcyclone]

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 :)

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

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

[@NurseRobert]

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

[@MrShobar]

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

[@mikebarron4929]

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

[@w829l5]

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.

[@mikewilson631]

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.

[@jumanjii1]

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.

[@brucehartman2499]

Yeah... under $10 part from Amazon. No $200 relay install...

[@pbcanal1]

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.

[@WildAboutMusik]

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.

[@donaldgeorge6656]

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

[@kpdvw]

so much unwanted and un needed garbage build into cars these days.... good find, elegant fix Eric!

[@jeffb6517]

Now enrolling in SMA University. This is good stuff.

[@missulu]

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]

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.

[@markmartin01]

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.

[@WildAboutMusik]

yea, just found that out :( Subaru should be ashamed of themselves for not correcting the problem at their cost!

[@drleewhite]

And the front speakers…

[@jason-ge5nr]

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

[@jack_0U812]

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]

does your bluetooth still work?

[@lmcq9774]

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]

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.

[@brucehartman2499]

@@KeyserSoseRulz Think that would be the same fuses for a 2016 Outback?

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

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!!!

[@HenryAlligood-m7m]

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.....

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

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.

[@lecnac855]

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.❤

[@oakdalecarl9976]

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.

[@111macdruid111]

"Unobtainium" Fantastic! Laughed out loud 😂 and I'm definitely stealing that

[@milham6341]

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

[@livewire4495]

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!😎

[@elijahaubuchon9331]

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.

[@Dunno513]

We recently tracked and disabled a stolen vehicle via starlink. It’s a valuable tool!

[@keffective6650]

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!

[@gregsidel3557]

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.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

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

[@DennisRundle-j4o]

II saw another youtube video on 7.5 A fuse pulled it out the points were corroded could not put it back in put in a new 7.5 A fuse, the car ran great. I will replace the other 7.5 A fuse and see how much better my ride runs. The car came back to life after replacing the lower 7.5A fuse your quick work reinforces these fuses go bad after 18 yrs. It must of been the stop fuse from day one. Great diagnostics, thanks for showing this on your video.....

[@masterofnone7846]

You are da man!Love your channel!

[@jetjazz05]

This isnt a bug its a feature! Gotta have big brother there checking you out, especially if you're not paying for the extras 😉

[@G31mR]

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.

[@jprice90]

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!

[@hammer-fn7gm]

South Main Auto. "Miracles Preformed Daily"

[@PoliticallyIncorrectMechanic]

Soon as I saw the title, I yelled DCM FUSE!!! This is a known huge problem with these junks. Needs to be a class action on this. We've got this problem with our 19. I've also had several come through our shop. I've been a huge Subaru for some time but this is bs. I pulled the fuse on ours and everything was fine until we tried to use the bluetooth for phone calls. Connected fine to play music but couldn't hear phone calls or talk b/c apparently the mic goes through this thing. Hopefully Subaru gets this figured out b/c everyone I know with a DCM has this problem. Especially with Legacy's and Outbacks.

[@LeverPhile]

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

[@kevin.i6099]

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. .

[@billboyer8897]

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.

[@silvergrizzly316]

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

[@drewv1785]

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

[@Dwigt_Rortugal]

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.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

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

[@baja-automotive]

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

[@edjacobs8876]

Relay installation sounds like a viable fix

[@TnT_13_]

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!

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@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.

[@baja-automotive]

@@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.

[@Wrang15]

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.

[@dull_Asian_dad]

So awesome to be able to narrow it down after the customers 2 years of woes and a few hundred $ in batteries.

[@QarloSky]

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.

[@bassb450]

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.

[@smitty1952]

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!

[@GeekBoyMN]

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!

[@andybonneau9209]

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.

[@mariaperrymorales8788]

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.

[@paulchinn5981]

Great job again Eric. Sounds like there should be a recall on them..lol

[@rmborlase]

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 :)

[@scooterspoto2047]

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.

[@RichardWylie68]

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.

[@deathrow9]

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

[@athletikonaol]

Another fine diagnosis. Mrs O will be proud.

[@peto22]

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.

[@mikehonda7934]

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.

[@mschmitz57]

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.

[@ShukenFlash]

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.

[@cigarsgunsanddiesel8032]

Exactly what i did in my Legacy... cheaper battery too!!!

[@ouch1011]

CCA and battery size aren’t the same thing. Common misconception among those who are uninformed.

[@Starchface]

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.

[@mschmitz57]

Correct. The higher the battery plate surface area the higher the CCA rating.

[@mikemaccracken3112]

Thanks for the video Eric!

[@Sandbag1300]

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

[@carlkirkland5108]

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

[@toms66gtstang]

Have a 19 legacy in the shop with this same issue right now. Subaru says it's covered under the TSB/extended warranty. They have a temporary fix, a DCM BYPASS, that they are doing until a new DCM is available. They are covering the repair under the extended warranty.

[@toms66gtstang]

Also, on our legacy, the front speakers won't work with the fuse pulled.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

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.

[@scottmcintosh2988]

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

[@Eddiemac8343]

Boy that vantage is in nice shape, thats still my first go to before I have to break out the big scopes 👍8 outa 10 it does the job

[@larrymestas]

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.

[@TheFUZEMAN]

Enjoyed the video as usual. I’ll refrain from my usual stOOpid comments.😊

[@BryanW0765]

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

[@johns8771]

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

[@weloveups831]

Great video again! Thanks Eric!

[@tracydiller9378]

Great video Mr. O. At least she can drive her car with no parts just pull the fuse. More junk on cars that is not needed.

[@trekOCLVone]

Another great example of Eric digging in and finding the scoop, all the SCOOP!

[@Droveit]

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

[@janpreisler3596]

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

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

You are this lady's hero! Well done!

[@henrybucki7813]

great fix enjoyed your videos love the way you talk

[@rodneyfairborn9358]

It seems that all the toys and conventions on cars today are 70 percent of the problems? I really miss the cars from the early 70s very simple by todays standards. Properly maintained they were good for 300,000 plus. Nice video again Eric given the Subaru issues I have seen from rust outs to head gaskets and electrics I think I will them a miss.

[@abw121]

Follow up to your video! After watching this video and showing it several times to my neighbor! She still could not believe her 2017 Legacy had the same fault! I checked the Battery and it showed it needed a charge. It was just over 12 volts and Alternator when running was putting out 14 volts. I placed battery on a slow charge at 2 amps for 4 hours in driveway. I also pulled the silly fuse. While I was doing this my neighbor pulled the receipts for the 2 batteries she had replaced at a Subaru dealership for OUT OF WARRANTY repairs? My neighbor will go off to work today and when she gets back tonight I will load test battery to see how much life is left in battery! I will do a search today for the TSB and see if the TSB was in effect when she paid for the two new Batteries, and see if it’s worth the return to Stealership for a refund! As of a few minutes ago the battery was at 13 volts after slow charge and sitting over night? I think Eric O, should be put in for a Nobel prize! Also, what she paid for Stealership batteries was INSANE in price! If the current battery is toast I think I may go to Costco and pick her up a Interstate battery a little larger with more cold cranking amps? Thank You SMA. And Happy November to all who get their hand dirty!

[@tomhyland861]

Son's car is the same exact car. Same issue, Battery #4. Was about to pull DCM fuse on Friday. But, read on forums that it will also inactivate the bluetooth phone's microphone. Have to wait till he returns this week to test it. Thanks for the confirming diagnosis. New battery lose's .2-.3 volts per day with the DCM connected. Trickle charge till he comes home.

[@tomhyland861]

UPDATE: Confirmed on 17 Legacy. Legacy's Bluetooth phone microphone will be disabled with DCM fuse removal. I'm doing it anyway. And will test battery going forward.

[@johnreese3762]

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!!

[@johnds6621]

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

[@JRBRestorations]

Excellent!!! You are the Master of Diagnosis!! You should have a PhD. Dr. Diag. I enjoy your videos and have learned so much from you! Thanks for the channel!

[@daviddamico4288]

Interesting fact ,Eric.it’s a very good thing to know..

[@MikeyMack303]

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