Had my Ascent in for the 6000 mile service. The dealer performed a battery test that measured only 214 CCA, OEM Reference is 530 CCA. Anyone else seeing results like this one?
Battery Concern
TomF
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Thanks for the link. I’m probably going to replace with an Odyssey agm.
Battery suddenly went dead today. There were no prior signs of a weak battery. Brake was applied and locked on would not release, a relay click was heard, battery light was on and a warning was sounding in bursts of 3 beeps. Called dealer for advice. They speculated that the battery was low and to have towed in or bring it in if I can get it started. Fortunately I was at home and could put charger on for a while. Voltage was 5.9v before charging. After 1/2 hour on charge I got it started and drove it to dealer. Check engine and several other warning lights and messages were illuminated. They checked electrical system - all OK except the battery. Replaced with Subaru replacement battery (higher CCA) under warranty at 6,629 miles / 6 months old.
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436 Posts
Can you tell us what Subaru model battery they replaced it with?
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/875597246107705/
Please consider joining this FB group...Subaru Ascent Dead Battery Club.
Trying to get Subaru's attention.
Please consider joining this FB group...Subaru Ascent Dead Battery Club.
Trying to get Subaru's attention.
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316 Posts
The OEM battery is indeed garbage. Not the place to cheap-out SOA.
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Mine quit Easter weekend. My choices via roadside assistance were a tow to the dealer or a jump start. Since I was at home, neither option made any sense since I could jump start it from my wife's car.
I wound up replacing it with a same-size Autozone AGM battery. I tried to get the dealer to reimburse me, they refused and told me to call Subaru of America. SoA easily reimbursed me, no resistance at all. Probably some mix of customer satisfaction and the idea that if ultimately I did need roadside service, or worse, a tow to the dealer that it would end up costing a lot more money than the cost of a new battery.
As a side bonus, I think the new battery has improved my gas mileage. I think the OEM battery was so weak that it was creating a much bigger load on the alternator. I was at about 19, now I get near 22 mph.
I use AGM batteries in my boat and in my last car, they tolerate much deeper discharges than ordinary starter batteries. Since it was Easter, I didn't have many shopping options for a battery, but as it turns out Consumer Reports rated the Autozone AGM highly.
It's surprising with all the electronics that car makers continue with cheap starter batteries. You'd think by now they would either supply a high quality AGM up front, some kind of dual battery system or at least carved out more engine bay space for a larger group-size battery.
The conspiracy theorist in me makes me wonder if they keep putting cheap batteries in because it saves money and gives the dealer a ready market for high-markup service work and replacement batteries.
I wound up replacing it with a same-size Autozone AGM battery. I tried to get the dealer to reimburse me, they refused and told me to call Subaru of America. SoA easily reimbursed me, no resistance at all. Probably some mix of customer satisfaction and the idea that if ultimately I did need roadside service, or worse, a tow to the dealer that it would end up costing a lot more money than the cost of a new battery.
As a side bonus, I think the new battery has improved my gas mileage. I think the OEM battery was so weak that it was creating a much bigger load on the alternator. I was at about 19, now I get near 22 mph.
I use AGM batteries in my boat and in my last car, they tolerate much deeper discharges than ordinary starter batteries. Since it was Easter, I didn't have many shopping options for a battery, but as it turns out Consumer Reports rated the Autozone AGM highly.
It's surprising with all the electronics that car makers continue with cheap starter batteries. You'd think by now they would either supply a high quality AGM up front, some kind of dual battery system or at least carved out more engine bay space for a larger group-size battery.
The conspiracy theorist in me makes me wonder if they keep putting cheap batteries in because it saves money and gives the dealer a ready market for high-markup service work and replacement batteries.
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418 Posts
I've had the same thing happen, and have had the same thought. Mine is going to be due for it's 12k service very soon, and I'm planning on bringing up the rough starts and battery concerns at that time.
Found my battery completely dead today. Car was parked for 2 weeks. Prior to that I was driving all day before I parked. This is 3rd time. Thankfully I have portable jump starter. I'll call SOA tomorrow. I don't have time to go through hoopla's with Subaru dealer. I would rather replace it myself and get reimbursed by SOA.
BTW, I never had a car with such weak battery before.
BTW, I never had a car with such weak battery before.
I have yet to hear a good response from Subaru on this issue. They occasionaly will replace a battery with the same garbage, but they have not changed the specifications for the battery so it remains a source of frustration. Based on reports, the battery is not well matched to the electrical signals that continue even when the vehicle is off. They need to either change the battery or modify the vehicle electrical drains. They certianly need to communicate to customers better on this issue. They have done really well on other issues so I am perplexed as to why this issue is an outlier.
SOA responded. They told me to purchase battery and submit paper work for reimbursement. I will get this Duralast Platinum Battery 35-AGM Group Size 35 650 CCA unless someone have better recommendation.
Best Car Battery Reviews – Consumer Reports
Looking for the best car battery? Consumer Reports has honest ratings and reviews on car batteries from the unbiased experts you can trust.
Getting a reimbursement seems better than the dealer installing the same battery. You can choose what you want and they will pay the value of the original. Good deal.
this is the existing spec although probably a different brand: http://uplusbattery.com/pdf/sli/automobile-battery/jis-series/75D23L.pdf
Is Subaru covering the full cost of this new battery as compared to the cost of the original?
Full cost with shipping included.
That appears to me a change of what was occuring before. It also appears to be a tacit acknowledgment that the OEM battery or a combination of OEM battery and their electrical system design is not a good match.
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