FrankB

Thanks again. I will have a look but I am a bit distracted and very pleased to find today that the self levelling and Steering Responsive Headlight (SRH) warning lights have disappeared. See my post on this - briefly, they came on after the battery failure, the dealer couldn't reset them and quoted £800 to replace a headlamp control module.

No one has posted anything about this but here is an update. I noticed today that the warning lights have gone and the SRH function works. Totally flabbergasted, I don’t know what has happened. I don’t know when the warning lights cleared, having become used to them. I uploaded the satnav maps a couple of days ago [see my separate post] but I did not notice if the warning lights were on or off; I would not have expected them to clear - I cannot see why the satnav update should clear the headlight fault. This has saved me a repair bill of nearly £800, which was the dealer’s estimate to replace a headlight control module buried deep behind the dashboard (£240 part plus labour). Luckily the part was not in stock or I could have had the job booked in, done and paid for by now. Are cars becoming too complicated, like a computer on wheels, and we all know about software glitches. The usual advice is to switch off and restart the system.

Good news, I got my maps back. The Subaru Customer Support replied quickly with a detailed step by step procedure to regain the maps. It looked a bit daunting but with patience it worked. The only hitch in the process is that the USB stick has to be plugged in after opening the map update window. It didn’t register when I first put it in. I will copy the steps below for anyone else to use. This is the email reply I received: Thank You for contacting Subaru (UK) Ltd. I will try and help you with your map issue, if you have lost your UK map, it sounds like you may have started a UK Map update 'in car' via a Wi-Fi connection, and then it lost connection/lost connectivity - the first thing it does is delete the current map, then apply the update, if the update fails, you have no map... The only way to fix this now is to carry out a FULL map reload via USB stick, using the maps website. I'm going to give you all the information, so apologies if you are much further ahead. For your information, the maps installed on your car can be updated to the latest map release using website: http://subaru-maps.com When using the subaru-maps website you create a user-account, add your vehicles VIN, type in your Request Code off the Head Unit to obtain your Authentication Code, then download and install the 'Map Downloader' app, open this and log in (also using the same credentials as the website) to view and physically download any updated maps available for your car. Once the USB stick has been created, insert it in the car, then type in the Activation Code you obtained from the website when prompted to authorise the install. I know this all sounds complicated, so I have attached some visual instructions as a PDF - I hope these help explain the process a little better. Lastly, the app and the QR code - unfortunately the app is only compatible for the EV vehicles, eg the SOLTERRA currently, it will not work with your Outback. I will attach the pdf mentioned above. Hope someone finds it useful. Activation Code on HARMAN maps-Dec-02-2024-03-43-40-7464-PM.pdf

Thanks very much for the sound advice which I will follow. Also bought a jump start battery pack – belt and braces. A bit disappointing to hear it is common issue. But I have some good news about the loss of my satnav maps which you can see in my other post.

"There is no obvious drain on the battery." - I am relying on what the garage told me. I don't know if an IOD test was done. Thanks for the replies. The dealer said the car was charging OK. An intermittent fault? I'll have to keep an eye on it. Thanks again.

The battery failed in October, I found flat at 5v one morning with the boot lid open. The night before had been Halloween so not sure when or how the boot lid became open or was left open. Either way the courtesy light should not have drained the battery after only 8 to 12 hours. Got a jump start and took it to the local deler. The battery was replaced free although it was just out of warranty. That was nice. But then it was the 4th battery on ths car. The 3rd was shortly after I bought the car, the 2nd I found out about when discussing the failures, it was shown on the maintenance records. The dealer cannot explain what is happening with the battery failures. The charging system is fine. There is no obvious drain on the battery. The dealer did say that they had other Subaru batteries fail. Is this a common issue with Subaru batteries?

After a very flat battery was replaced there are two warning lights on the dash – headlamp self-levelling and the Steering Responsive Headlight (SRH). The lights seem OK but the headlights don't turn with the steering. I am told the self leveler warning light is a MOT failure. The dealer In Darlington had the car for a day and could not reset the faults. It needs a new headlamp leveler control module which sits behind the dashboard and will cost an estimated £786 to replace. The car is a 2021 Outback. Any comments welcome.

The Satnav map for the UK disappeared. It seems the automatic update, which is via the house wifi, is interrupted presumably when I drive away. It happened before but I managed to do a download. This time there is a failed message “Map Update Unsuccessful (107)”. The “map update info” option shows a request code to download maps and more – 1oQqkve67DS7Umzfc3d4. Not sure how to use this. Downloaded the Subaru Starlink app but cannot add my vehicle. It asks for the QR code to be scanned from the multimedia screen in my car or to enter a 8-digit code displayed on the multimedia screen. I cannot find them. Tried the customer helpline 01285 647630, got through quickly only to be told it was too technical and I have to raise a ‘case’ on the Subaru website. I will update when I get a reply . Meanwhile I will start another post about the headlights.

In the end I had to have a swan neck towbar fitted.

Hi everyone Just joined the forum after deciding to keep with Subaru and changing my 2017 Outback for a 2021 one. I have a query about fitting a tow bar. I had a Witter detachable tow bar fitted to the 2017 car. It was the bolted flange type. The local towbar place says the car has changed and it has to be a swan neck type. That is awkward as my bike carrier bolts on to the flange. Has the Outback changed over these years? It looks the same from the outside. Later - a bit more online research tells me there has been a change where a new ‘Subaru Global Platform’ has been used recently according to a wikipedia page. Presumably it means the chassis is different. I seem to have answered my own question but would welcome any comments. I will update this once I have fitted a towbar. Frank