Strider

I got a Ring Smart charger from Halfords which seems pretty good. It works fine. I didn't read the instructions carefully enough, it says the negative battery clip should be attached to a bolt or bracket on the engine block (earth). I attached it to the negative terminal of the battery. Does this matter? Obviously it has already been jump started by the RAC and the leads were connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. If I should attach the negative battery clip from the charger to earth in future are there any particular places I should connect it to on the engine block on a 2013 Forester?

So the battery is OK. The RAC guy jump started it. Everything seems fine,so I am hoping I do not need to get the ECU reprogrammed. The RAC guy advised me to turn off the stop start technology as it drains the engine quicker. I will probably do this. I am on the edge of London,but am usually heading out of London so it's not like I am stuck in traffic that much anyway. If anyone has any experience of using solar or trickle chargers I would be grateful if you would let me know if they are a good idea and which ones to buy. Or maybe I will just drive more often! David

I have had a 2013 Subaru Forester XE petrol, which I bought second hand from a Subaru dealer, for a few months. It is an automatic (CVT) with stop start technology. I didn't drive it for around a month and it appears that the battery in the car has gone flat as it will not start and the remote key will not work. The car is in my drive at home. I am assuming it is not the battery in my car keys, as I have two and it seems unlikely that both batteries have gone flat at the same time! Luckily I joined the RAC through my insurance and have cover at home if I breakdown. My main question is, if the battery needs replacing, do I have to get the ECU reprogrammed at a Subaru garage? As I read with AGM batteries this may be necessary. AGM batteries are quite expensive, I would prefer to avoid having to pay to have the ECU reprogrammed as well! I also read that you should not jump start AGM batteries. I know little about cars. I past my driving test a few months ago (I am 56). I just want the Subaru for driving out to the countryside and shopping. So far I really like it, apart from the battery problem. I may get either a solar charger or an intelligent trickle charger, as I have read that the battery is likely to go flat if left for any length of time. Is it safe to use a trickle charger from the mains to my car outside? I am waiting for the RAC to arrive, maybe I will be lucky and the battery won't need replacing! David

Hi, I have just bought a 2013 Subaru Forester from a Subaru dealer It is a petrol model (non-turbo). It has an alarm and immobilizer. I would also like to buy a steering wheel lock for added security. Can anyone recommend a strong one that will fit and not damage the steering wheel? I am getting the car tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it! Best wishes David