Это видео недоступно.
Сожалеем об этом.
2019 Subaru Outback Legacy DCM Parasitic Battery Drain Fix
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 14 янв 2024
- This video discusses the parasitic battery drain I experienced with my 2019 Subaru Outback that is equipped with Starlink. The video also shows a homemade jumper I made to bypass the DCM which was the source of the drain. Starlink equipped vehicles use the DCM to communicate with cellular towers. The DCM in 2019 Outbacks and Legacys used 3G technology on the AT&T network to monitor the vehicle's location and provide other services whether you subscribed to Starlink or not. When AT&T phased out 3G, the DCM and Starlink kept trying to connect to the towers but could not do so due to the service being shutdown. This caused the DCM to continually seek towers that were never going to respond. The continuous searching kept drawing power from the battery even though the car was turned off. The power demand would drain the battery in 48-72 hours. The jumper moves the DCM to an accessory circuit rather than having it on an all the time hot circuit which stopped the battery drain.
Here is a link to the tap a circuits I used: www.amazon.com/JABINCO-Circui...
Some people complain about problems. Some people fix problems. Wise and generous people fix problems and help others to do the same.
Very thoughtful and well made video. Thank you.
Wow - a most wonderful excellent video, many thanks. Did the fix today. Speakers and Bluetooth still work. Will report back and let you know if battery issue is resolved. Thanks!
Had this problem in my 2019 Outback a while ago. Took it to the dealer to look for a parasitic draw. They allegedly found nothing. Afterwards, I never had a dead battery again. However, as discussed in the video, we eventually realized that our bluetooth was not operating correctly. Took the car back to the dealer to diagnose the problem, and we were advised for the first time that during the last visit, they removed a fuse which in turn affected the bluetooth. To fix the problem, the dealer wanted $450 to install a workaround that Subaru came up with since the car was out of warranty. I politely requested that the dealer call Subaru because I was not going to pay to fix an inherent design problem that Subaru acknowledged by engineering a fix. Immediately, the service writer agreed that there would be no charge.
El Dude-I am going to call my local Subaru dealer and try to get him to replace the DCM for free. If not, I'll remind him that we bought the 2016 and 2019 (2.5 engine) Outbacks from him (new) and we are now on our 4th batteries for EACH vehicle.
The latest failure on the 2016 (3.6 engine) is with an Optima battery. Different battery and same results. I had removed the Fuse # 9 from both, not inclined to ever buy another Subaru, just run these units out to high mileage pasture and forget about the brand. It should be called the BS machine instead of Luv machine!
You have the Best Subaru Battery explanation video on RUclips!!!!
Did it work when you removed fuse #9?
This fix worked! My 2019 Subaru Outback sits for two weeks while I'm gone each month. I've burned through three batteries since my travel has been going on. For less than $12 on Amazon and about 10 minutes to do the job, it worked! My car just started right up for the first time in months! Thank you!!!
After being told by the dealership's service manager that I'm driving too many short trips, and after having my local mechanic replace the battery only to have the problem recur, I found your video . Eight dollars and fifteen minutes' work later, I had your fix installed. A month of driving now, and the battery is holding its charge perfectly. Thank you, thank you! (And by the way, I've experienced no glitches whatsoever with the sound system.)
Glad to hear it. It is sad to say, but I bet the service manager knows exactly what was causing your issue. It is so well known by now.
April 22, 2024: Subaru issued a Warranty Extension for the DCM which should fix this problem, AND reimburse the owner for New Batteries, Tows, and other costs associated with the DCM battery drain.
The Extension is 8 years and 150,000 miles
Unless you have a rebuilt title. Right now going back and forth with Subaru about this issue. They said because of my title they won’t fix it.
Update 2/10/2024 Called SOA, they sent me to my dealer for a NO CHARGE replacement of the DCM unit. They stated it is a VERY WELL KNOWN issue and did not even argue with me. FYI
What year and model? Did you have to pay the labor charge?
2019 Outback 2.5i Certified Pre-Owned with Subaru Gold Warranty 7yr/100K. They are not asking for even the deductible.
And your jumper works great in the meantime while they order the part and schedule the repair. I got my front speakers back😂
Dang! They charged me $600! I should call SOA.
Did you have to open a case with SOA first? I called to ask them about this and they just took my info about it and said I’d have to wait two days for anything. Just trying not to waste my time. Thanks!
What is SOA? I got the same problem.
Our 2020 Outback just started with the same type battery issues. A new battery and our hopes were high but thirty hours later the car was dead again. This happened twice in just a few days. Finally today we ran across a post elsewhere that mentioned the dcm unit and a quick search led us here to your video. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for this awesome video! All the same issues with my 2019 Outback; likewise, my niece's same car had these issues. Subaru needs to do a recall for this nightmare issue.
2019 Outback. Dealer identified the problem and gave me the the Subaru Customer Care number, They replaced the battery and the DCM module. I paid $150 labor fee to replace DCM. Problem resolved.
That is a good compromise. Too bad you still had to pay the labor fee on something that is a poor design to begin with. Hopefully others have this option.
If you have the receipt, they made this a free extended warranty replacement and should refund you for that if you call!
Excellent video. We are currently dealing with this issue and just got news from the Subaru dealer that it is a $900 fix.
Excellent explanation and resolution. Thanks!
thank you for this video.... just purchased those pigtails and installed last night.. i believe this should solve my issue
Watched the video, couldn't have been more clear, did the work and voila just avoided a $650 "replace the DCM module" repair bill.
Funny, they knew what it was right away. Had to cancel the DCM they were all hot to trot to get for me. THANKS!
Thanks for the great video, overview, and diagrams and pictures. I will give this a go immediately.
I followed your instructions to the letter and now everything is hunky-dory. Excellent video; it gave me the confidence to do it all! My wife is impressed!
Thank you so much for this. I am sharing it with as many as I can.
Great video, one of our family friends has 2019 Outback same car.
She took it to Subaru and they are aware of problems. Said DCM back ordered for over a year. They charged 185.00 to diagnose and told her they would remove the fuse. Also would affect Bluetooth and radio.
I’ve followed your advice and am going to try the jumper solution.
Thank you so much......this happened to both my 2016 and 2018 outbacks. I documented with multimeter and pulling fuse 9...will ry your fix.
Thank you for creating this video and posting to share with us. I just received a letter of the warranty being extended with the dcm but to 100,000 or eight years but my Forester is at 96,000 so this extension is really almost over and they decline my claim with the battery not lasting 5 years or so. You are right about this creating us a problem and will not fix till it's really a problem or needed to charge us. They should recall and fix the dcm,update or replace.
We got the same letter. The extension lasts a year even if you are over 100,000
Wow this is an insanely good video. Thanks
I left my hatch open for 5 days in my garage working on a car camping build. I consider that a good test. I did use the hack to trick the lock, and she started right up at the end. Keep in mind i have drained my battery in the past, three times, by keeping the hatch open too long so i have experienced it. I also installed a red top battery recently because it was due. The hack definitely works. Btw, you don’t even need a carabiner; you can use your finger or an Allen wrench and pull it out.
Thanks for this informative video. Hopefully this fixes our customers issue with her battery drain.
This works! Thank you so much! Timmons Subaru in Long Beach is charging 1200$ to fix this. They are scoundrels! That is so dirty! Now I just have to replace the defective radio.
As long as you pick out a good aftermarket radio, you won't miss the stock one, anyway. Mine was flaky as all get out. Crutchfield customer service will walk you through the whole process if you want to do it yourself.
You may be able to get reimbursed for that repair. Subaru is now offering a free DCM fix for this issue.
@@escapethecave6894I’m selling the car and don’t want to deal with Subaru service ever again. Not sure whats worse, the service department or the salesmen.
Awesome video
This was exactly what I was dealing with and yours was the first video that addressed the DCM. About a week ago, I got a letter from Subaru, which will give you the choice of disabling 3G hunting by disabling Star Link. According to the dealer, all the other functions that go through that circuit will still work, blue tooth, etc.
The second option is the subscribe to Star Link and they will upgrade the DCM for free (but you have to buy two year subscription upfront).
It’s good to hear they are finally addressing this at no charge. I haven’t received a letter or notice. Not sure if it is because my care is now 5 years old. I’ll drop in the dealership one day when I close by and ask. Thanks for sharing.
thanks for the insight. did you already have Starlink so that they send you the letter?
Close the Starlink, quick!
Dead battery at the airport. I feel your pain. Thank you so much for this idea. I'm going to try to implement this on my 16 Forester. Thankfully, I already replaced the buggy head unit with an aftermarket one, so I'm not concerned about Bluetooth. The front speakers do get routed through the DCM, though. (I tried removing it altogether when I installed the Pioneer touchscreen with Carplay.)
I get intimidated by wiring in general but you really broke this down incredibly. I’m inspired to give this a go for our Outback. 2021 and it’s like all of a sudden the battery dies and can’t hold a charge. Replacing the battery will fix the now but this mod will fix future problem. Thank you!
Very helpful!
Great video!
You! Are! The Man!!!
Thanks for this, I will use this method to cure the parasitic draw. I -really- think SOA should offer this as a solution to this well-known and widespread issue. I do NOT consider this a 'hack' at all.
Depending on your year make and model, some owners have called Subaru America and they have covered the cost of an actual repair.
Still on extended warranty. Although I'm happy to just use this jumper method, I may have the DCM replaced anyway... resale value and all that.
You're awesome 🎉 thank u so much
2019 Outback here - I called Subaru Customer Care and they agreed to cover the DCM module replacement on Subaru's dime. There is also an extended battery warranty on these models due to some litigation. I did try the dealership first and they wanted $800 to replace the DCM.
did you replace the DCM for free? I need to pay the dealership.
@@sharonyu1504 The dealership did want to charge me for the replacement but Subaru Corporate agreed to cover the cost. Call Subaru, not the dealership.
Hello Choppr7, I have the same car and same problem you do with the DCM.Do you have a good number for Subaru customer care and contact name?I really appreciate it. Thanks
Thank you for taking time to make the video to explain the battery drain issue. I have a 2019 Legacy, and had replaced two new batteries over the last 12 months. The last battery replacement was just one month ago and after let my car sits for a week (it is my weekend car), I need to jump start it. I am fortune enough to find your video and see other people's comment. I took my car to Subaru dealer today and they acknowledge the issue, installed a DCM bypass box free of charge. I hope the problem will go away after this fix.
I’d like to know is how that goes. I have a Subaru ascent I JUST replaced a battery on. I was out of town for 3 weeks and by car didn’t start.
My wife drives the 15 outback which has battery discharge problem, this happens in just letting the car off 1/2 hour from driving until taking it back to find the battery is discharge and it won't crank. Jump it, charge the battery at home and discharge test under 100 Amp real load test comes back good. Re-install same battery and have no issues for months then same occurs again. Tested battery load with car Off comes down to 30mA after 3 or 4 minutes. first few seconds is up at 5 Amps, then 100mA and finally 30 mA. Charging voltage at idle 14,3V. I suspect something intermittent, either the alternator does not charge sometimes or load remains On while car is turned Off. Tested DCM Fuse 9 load and it corresponds to 30mA load. in theory a group 24 lead acid rated at 60Amp/hour should last 600 hours with 0.1 Amp load thus why I suspect not every time the car is switched off does it go to full sleep mode. I have ordered the fuse carriers and will do the mod just because but I suspect my car also has another issue. not mentioning every time the battery gets flat you have to deal with all kind of systems going berserk (hill descent, Snow etc) it's like a christmas tree in there.
Thank u
I have this problem with my 2018 Outback. The car is out of warranty, in fact, I purchased it used with a branded title. I called SOA and asked if they would fix it for me. They told me I had to get it diagnosed by the dealer, so I took it to my local dealer and they did in fact diagnose it as the DCM, however, they did not offer to fix it for free. It was either pull the fuse (but they said blue tooth might stop working) $650 to replace the DCM or $215 to reset the system to "factory mode" which they said would fix it, but I would not be able to use starlink. So I called SOA again and they had me send them the documentation from the dealer showing it was the DCM. They said they would assign a case manager who would get back to me. I am keeping my fingers crossed they will fix it for free. However, if they do not, I plan to do this hack. Thanks for the info.
I called and read them my vin for my (branded title) 2019 and they just flat-out said "Yeah, no..."
I've been using this fix for some months and it hasn't left me stranded, just some weird BSD/RCTA things.
2018 2.5 Touring Outback: I have the hatch open issue, but (touch wood) my car hasn’t drained when sitting for a long time. Any ideas why some do and some don’t?
With this by-pass, as-is, it would sometimes blow the 7.5A fuse. When 19 cuts off, it goes to ground. Sometimes, don't know why, the DCM module would feed back about 2 volts. I added a diode, stripe toward fuse 9, to prevent this backflow. This seemed to solve the problem.
Got a letter from Subaru saying they would replace DCM when they get more in stock . Also said they were extending warranty on DMC to 8 years or 140000 miles ,with free replacement .
@@oldcorp1 a lot of viewers have been treated right by Subaru. When I made the video they hadn’t extended the warranty yet and I am sure Subaru was getting a lot of calls from folks being charged $700 for this. I am still using the bypass. I am too lazy to deal with a dealership.
Hi I want to do this on my 2019 Wrx. Is this fuse locations the same as yours? #9 and #19. I bought the jumper wires but need to know which number fuses I need to do it on my specific vehicle.
It actually affects 2015-2019 models, at LEAST.
Interesting. Thanks. I have a 22 forester with a battery issue. Subaru just replaced it under warranty but it looks like that’s not the solution. Maybe with Starlink being discontinued this pinging has stopped?
I don't know. I am inclined to say no. The DCM would have to reprogrammed to stop the search cycle.
How about make a loop into the cab and put on a toggle of and on,loop would have the fuse holder before the switch ?
But this is manual way to do it
Just concerned to keep it on its original circuit !
My 2019 Subaru Outbak is having the same issue. I already bought a new battery back in 2022 not knowing this was a known issue. Lately, this new battery is dying if I do not use the car for about 24 hours. I want to try your hack before I take it to the dealer. However, i am not tech inclined. Can you make the cable and sell it to me? Please let me know...this will save me some time trying to order and figure out how to...very much appreciate any assistance in getting the cable. LMK and I can send you email or contact. Thanks.
Pull the DCM fuse then put your ammeter across the fuse contacts to determine car-off DCM power consumption. Is a tiny fuse so this isn’t the easiest thing in the world.
Will this work with 2019 Forester?
Hey man, great video! It seems I also need to buy two mini fuse? Bc you said OEM is a micro size?
Yes. If you use the tap a fuse that I did, it will require two 7.5 mini fuses.
@@justagaragehack347 just found my 16 forester's layout isn't the same as your Outback. The starlink is controlled by a 25A audio fuse.Will keep looking...
For what it's worth, Subaru sent out extended warranty notices in Feb 29, 2024, addressing the issue of faulty Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM) for
• 2016-2018 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester
• 2017-2018 WRX
The notice states in part, vehicles "may experience a dead battery as a result the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network which is no longer available and have not received a previous DCM update." See complete notification online.
I ordered the taps. Could you please explain how you fit the mini connectors of the taps into the fuse receptors that are for micro fuses? Is that okay to do? Seems kind of a poor fit when I tried.
The blades on the mini taps will fit snugly into the fuse slots that hold the micros. I did not have any fitment issues.
I have a 2020 Ascent with the same DCM problem. DCM is 10a #5 fuse. Which could I jump it to that would work the same way? #15 is a 7.5a Aux, but I'm pretty sure it's already used. How do I find an empty slot that would work?
Check this video out. It should show you the empty fuse slots on your Ascent. Any of the empty slots will work. The key is to only use the same amp fuse that is in the DCM circuit. ruclips.net/video/abLFkHi5yGM/видео.htmlsi=I0uoZWSYaEuHMfCH
@justagaragehack Really great video! Out of curiosity, why are you using the mini fuse taps as compared to OEM low-profile mini fuse taps?
You can use whatever tap a fuse size you like.
the video shows (2) 7.5v fuses on the Add a Fuse but the link goes to amazon showing 15v fuses. should I use the 7.5v of the included 15 v fuses? Thanks for this.
Use two 7.5. The picture in the link is for illustration purposes only. Do not use 15v.
Well no wonder why my MySubaru app isn’t working. I don’t have the battery drain issue so I’m assuming the previous owner of my Legacy pulled the fuse.
Could you have just moved the wires to fuse location 19? From the bottom? Thanks
I am not sure. Seems like it would be a lot of trouble for little gain. If you were able to remove the fuse box and had enough wire to change things around you could. Take a look at some other comments. Subaru has extended the warranty on some models having this DCM issue. They will pay for the repairs.
Disappointing Subaru did not own to this and initiated a Nationwide recall for DCMs. It damages their brand. I am already not very happy with the eyesight (had an accident at relatively low speed and eyesight did not even blink) now this nonsense about defective DCM draining batteries and leaving people stranded. That is a safety hazard. Maybe time to rethink Subaru for my next vehicle?