Justin Time

I'm coming directly from a Skoda Yeti too, and I don't think there's an equivalent system on the Outback that I can find. Likewise, the trip meter on the Yeti allowed me to stop (for up to 2 hours) the car and, for example, refuel and grab a coffee as part of a single trip without resetting itself in distance or time travelled (driving). Not the same on the OB. Sometimes Skoda really is 'simply clever' 😉

See other threads on this forum, e.g. the recent one battery issues 2020 0utback (and also threads on the USA forum subaruoutback.org) for, hopefully, a solution to help prevent this in future (spoiler alert: always drive with your sidelights on to force the alternator - which charges the car's battery - to operate and so always recharge the battery and keep it topped up). Apparently, modern subarus, like lots of other modern cars, have a battery charging algorithm that shuts the alternator off to flatter the mpg figures. The alternator only kicks in when the battery is very low and, I've read, this has a long term negative effect on the battery and its longevity. There might be other more sophisticated explanations, but that's my lay person, simple understanding, of what's going on. I'm sure I'll be corrected if need be 🙂

That's right. And the best way to 'deactivate' the alarm's internal sensor if, for example, you leave a dog locked in the car or your granny, and you don't want the alarm to go off, is to twist it so it points down and away from the bulk of the car's interior. I think you can probably deactivate the internal sensor by going through the car's infotainment menu, but I've not been able to work through that labyrinth yet to do it (so if anyone has some quicker hints than just twisting the senor down, please tell 🙂 ).

I know exactly what you mean 🙂 It's just my nerdiness (you've worked that out already, no doubt) that made me persist with the tailgate pin code!

How do you access that from the outside when the car is locked?

Re Warranty - it's worth enquiring if you can buy an extended warranty from Subaru UK (many manufacturers offer this at purchase, from new). The old 5 year warranty was made up of 3 yrs Subaru (Global) , bumper to bumper, plus a 2 year Subaru (UK) add-on covering engine and transmission (only). The new OB (depending on the version) comes with extra kit that the Gen5 only had available as accessories. The Gen6 also has an extra 13mm of ground clearance compared to the Gen5 - that's a big plus for some. Mind you, there are some good Gen5 discounts to be had currently if you check autotrader.

I'm not sure if this is old news to more established Subaru owners, but after the 'batteries issues' thread I found a way to access factory and dealership settings via the infotainment screen, gleaned from a US website. Works on the Gen5, Gen6 OB and maybe on Levorg and XV, Impreza too if they have the same infotainmnet system. To access Factory settings - press and hold the 'home' button (the house icon) on the main infotainmnet screen, while simultaneously pressing the tune/scroll button x2. Gives access to a wide range of settings, information and possible adjustments. To access Dealer settings - press and hold the home button, while simultaneously pressing the tune/scroll button x6. Works with the engine running or not, but with acc on. Both of the above show what I was searching for - the battery charging rate and state. Mine was 14.4 v while running, and 12.2 v while engine off (but side lights and radio on - no a/c on). Needless to say I didn't change anything. As they say 'a little knowledge....'

Les, that's also a good idea if you, for example, pitch a tent next to the car (within range of the car door) so avoiding anyone unwelcome trying to access the car. It's also worth checking if the 'live' fob is detected by your car when the car is on the drive at home, or anywhere in range of where the keys are normally stored.

Does the XV also have the pin access code on the boot like the OB? I set mine up as soon as I got the car as its useful should you find yourself locked out and/or with the keys locked inside. It designed for those who do outdoor activities, especially water sports, when carrying the non-waterproof key fob can be an issue. 'Secret' pin code set-up The link above shows a Gen6 OB but it also applies to the Gen5

Here's the latest from the OB thread I mentioned before, which seems to summarise the issue/problem and also offer a solution. "This issue has been discussed MANY times. Some of the comments in this thread have it correct. This method of battery charging is not unique to Subaru, but is used by several auto manufacturers. The reason - in order to squeeze a tiny bit more fuel efficiency, the alternator is shut off while running. Presumably, it is supposed to put enough charge back to the battery by periodically cycling on during running. Unfortunately, the method is not that great and does lead to battery undercharging. The result is shortened battery life and occasional non-starting. While the OEM battery is not the greatest, it is adequate for this size vehicle. Even with a high quality, high capacity replacement, the charging algorithm will eventually lead to any battery running down. As some have mentioned, turning on the parking lights will tell the ECM to bypass this mode, and run the alternator full-time. Yes it does. One can simply leave these on all the time, or even do a little modification to one of the wires leading to the ECM. The better solution is to have the dealer reprogram the ECM with a new update that eliminates this unnecessary/unwanted characteristic. After two battery failures and replacements, I've had this done - for free (as it is their poor choice). Since then, my Outback battery running voltage has been a steady 14.2 - 14.4 Volts (yes, on a calibrated voltmeter). It is definitely worth getting this done." (from subaruoutback.org )

I appreciate why you feel the need to do that. No one likes to feel vulnerable and potentially stuck with a 'dead' car, especially if away from home. But it's annoying to have to go to those lengths. Is the car still under warranty? It can't be right that a modern car has such a chronically persistent issue - if that's what it is. Rather undermines Subaru's boasts of reliability if it can't be solved.

I should have added, I turned all of my internal lights off, and have left them off, weeks ago. There's also an interesting thread currently on this issue here currently (no pun intended 🙂 ) subaruoutback.org

I'd also read about this being a problem with Subarus too. I've just been car camping for a few nights and had the boot open for extended periods and the doors too. Fortunately no issues. Same on a previous trip away in June - boot open to provide shade. I have been following the advice of the dealership I bought the car from, who (when I mentioned the battery issue) told me to drive with the side-lights on, even on short trips. Apparently, this forces the alternator to recharge the battery. I've no idea if that's a load of codswallop (and I can't see why it wouldn't charge it anyway just like in all the other cars I've owned and never had to replace a battery for years in), but so far I've no issues with a flat battery (that'll jinx it!!). Let us know how you get on, as with winter approaching, and the nights drawing in ( 🙂 ) I want ALL the electrics to work as and when needed.

There's also this link http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/Legacy_Outback/ which comes from this site http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/ Although like all things you can download for 'free' on t'internet some caution is needed!

Following reading a thread about this on the US subaruoutback.org website, and the need to have Eyesight re-calibrated, I checked Autoglass' website to see what they had to say about it. Autoglass have an ADAS calibration video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXmZbeDLPWc&t=88s explaining how they go about it. I was interested to note that they recommend a full tank of fuel and removing items from the boot when they do the re-calibration. To keep the vehicle level presumably. Elsewhere on the sight there was reference to having the system re-calibrated every time a tyre is changed or the suspension altered (££££££££££££!!). Like that's going to happen! Got me thinking. I've put a OE alloy spare wheel and tyre in my boot, and it's also stocked with emergency kit (spare outdoor clothes, tools for simple car maintenance, etc.) as I spend a lot of time out in the 'wilds'. I also drive with a fair bit of equestrian tack - saddles, reins and equine food stuff - which also can be weighty. This extra weight must already impact upon the car's Eyesight system. So, I wonder how much 'leeway' Subaru would have programmed into their Eyesight system to account for this (it is an estate, afterall). If there's a fair bit of leeway, then presumably Eyesight re-calibration can't be too precise? Anyone have any experience of windscreen replacement on a vehicle with Eyesight?

I guessed Subaru UK would not sell the Wilderness version of the OB over here, which is also a turbo, or the Touring turbo version. We're such a small market for Subaru, with very low sales columns I assume they calculated it was too expensive. Shame, I'd have really fancied a Wilderness version. There's no turbo for the new 2022 BRZ either - it looks a load-a-fun. This bloke has a theory as to why it's not needed - look away with you dislike Maths! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcp76132_SY There's also the extra cost too. Not just of the turbo itself, but all the other mods the car requires due to the extra turbo power (gearbox, brakes, etc.), further limiting the market share due to the expenditure. I'm actually finding the power output of the OB fine for my needs. It's clearly way too heavy to be a sports model anyway. I rarely use the 'Sport' option, but I guess we all have different driving needs.

That's good to know. So, if Subaru will change the CVT oil for a vehicle that tows, I can't see why they wouldn't simply in good faith change the oil, on demand, for any owner who just diligently wants to ensure (and have the reassurance of) the longevity of their vehicle's transmission. Nothing lasts forever and the notion of 'sealed for life' raises issues of what 'life' actually means, and to whom. We do own the vehicles afterall 😄 !

That sounds as if Subaru UK are being very contradictory. TomGr7, of this parish, reported that Subaru UK / dealerships are refusing to do a CVT oil change, because the CVT is 'sealed for life' https://uk.subaruownersclub.com/forums/topic/27183-advice-needed-on-cvt/?tab=comments#comment-176531 But, if Andy's manual says a CVT oil change is needed for his Levorg for towing!!!! How best to sort this? Anyone from Subaru UK reading this? We'd appreciate some clarity, please.

Looks like you're well on the case. Good one, and handy to know too. Thanks.

Just checked P91 of the Owner's Manual supplement for Eyesight system and it reads ... "The ON/OFF status of the Lane Departure Warning is restored when you restart the engine." To me, that reads as if it's off, it stays off, and vice versa. Sorry, just seen your last post re the default of the 2015. That's a pain. Have you tried lookign for advice on the SubaruOutback.Org site?

Interesting, I've a 2020 OB and if I switch the Lane Departure Warning off, it stays off even on the next start-up and beyond, unless i deliberately switch it on. However, when switched off the dash light does blare away in the instrument cluster. I wonder if staying off on start-up is a more recent 'tweak' with the later Gen5 OBs. Does your Lane Departure warning on/off switch work the same way? That is, you have to press and hold the switch, which is positioned to the right and below the steering wheel, next to the A auto stop/start switch, and keep it pressed for a few seconds before it bleeps (both for on or off)? Also, as with my last two vehicles (Skodas), with the OB I've trained myself to unconsciously and automatically press the auto stop/start off every time I get into the car, as this does not stay off on start-up, sadly. That seems t obe the same for all makes of vehicle.

I can see where you're coming from with that thought. But Subaru do advertise the towing ability of their cars, and I've not read any small print caveats suggesting that towing within their specified weight limits requires any special/different treatments. I always think it's best to email Subaru UK directly with these queries (isn't that what they're there for?) or if you contact a local dealer to put your query in writing too. That way you always have a record of their answer/advice. And, if they fail to reply in a reasonable period of time then that becomes a valid customer service issue to take up. That always makes them sit-up and take you seriously (like all companies out there) as if its in black-and-white print you've got evidence 😉 . To be fair, I'm new to Subaru and so far they've always got back to me, eventually, and I believe they are really trying to be No. 1 with customer care in the UK - or so they say in their car industry briefings!

Yeap, that would be correct (10K miles/12 months ) for a newer (2018+) turbocharged Subaru model according to the pages in my Service and Warranties Booklet and also for 3.0 and 3.6 litre models (see page 13 and 14, if you also have the booklet). It's the 'normally aspirated' 1.6, 2.0 and 2.5 engines that are 12K miles (in the UK, at least).

My 2020 Outback's in-car nav system doesn't have live traffic info either. I think that's the limitation of the Subaru system compared to some stand alone sat nav systems (e.g Garmin) or maybe a nav app run through a smart phone. The Subaru in car sat nav generally seems very basic. For example, despite the car linking to my home broadband allowing me to load the most recent nav/maps updates, it still fails to detect the 50 mph speed zone that's been on the A66 between Brough and Warcop for at least 8 years!

Thanks for the update Andy. 12,000 miles keeps Subarus inline with most other car manufacturers in the UK, albeit that until recently most cars were 10K miles, like my older Skoda Yetis and Octavias (has the notion of variable service intervals been ditched nowadays? You don't see it being advertised much anymore). It does make me wonder though, if in the US/Canada the service intervals are much shorter, and in Europe too (at just over 9k miles), and I suppose that'll include the Republic of Ireland (?), why there is such variability, on the same vehicles. It can't all be down to climate differences, with such closely neighbouring countries having such service mileage differences. Something doesn't seem right. I'd read somewhere (I think it was on subaruoutback.org) that the oil viscosity regulations for servicing cars in the US require less viscose oils than the UK, and that explains the difference, but I can't fully believe that accounts for it. Still, I'm very happy its 12K here - helps to save some pennies 🙂 .