I took my 2021 Ascent the the dealer for the ground bolt recall today. I also mentioned that I've had to jump start my car a few times after it sits unused for a few days. My battery tested to 508 COA (defect sulfation/ degraded). I was hoping for the B600 battery mentioned in another battery thread. But apparently their is a newer TSB that now specifies the SOA821B900 with 750 CCA. That's what they put in mine under the 3 year 36 month warranty. It was a nice surprise.
Battery replaced with SOA821B900
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Billybax
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What does a dealer do for $150 for a battery vs, the Autozone kid who checks the health of the battery for free?
I'm not familiar with the AutoZone testing equipment or procedures. On the Facebook ascent page, a Subaru tech recently posted the procedure they use. It involves a comprehensive load test; if that fails, they charge the battery and re-test. If it fails the second test, it is determined to have "failed" and will be replaced. I assume the $150 would be the flat-rate labor/shop charge to perform the tests. Whether that rate and charge are justified, is another matter.
With all the problems and bad press that SoA has had, I would think they should not charge for the test, especially for cars covered under the Battery Class Action Lawsuit.
I assume in order to get the battery warranty coverage, Subaru has to be the one who does the inspection? Thus the $150
23 Ascent Premium, 20 Outback; former 19 Outback, 87 GL-10, 85 GL
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When the battery in our 20 Outback was nearing the end of its life after 18 months, I called SOA and told them AutoZone tested and verified a bad cell and the replacement cost was about $200. On the spot I was told get it done, send the receipt, and within a few days I received a check in the mail. Three years later I'm still on that AutoZone battery. It's an EFB, not an AGM, same as the OEM battery but higher CCA.
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Get a claim number from the Subaru battery settlement administrator and the test is free. If your battery fails the test you get a new battery and installation also free.
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I got a new EFB battery in my 2019 forester with a 30 month free replacement warranty free yesterday!
Just curious, which EFB did they install? When mine was replaced on my Ascent, they installed a SOA821B600 (CCA 620 EFB). It is designed for cars with auto start/stop, though the Ascent doesn't have that feature.
If the battery fails, the labor charge for the test is covred under warranty
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SOA 821B900 CCA 750 RC123 Ah 76 EFB
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Heres a pic
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Thanks for the info. Odd that they would install a higher capacity battery in the Forester than the Ascent {750 CCA vs 630).
Does the Forrester have the start/stop feature?
Yes
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yes
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My luck it won't fail and I could have put that money into an aftermarket battery of my choice. I guess I could have a local Autozone/Advanced get a reading first for free.
Have you had battery issues? If so, I'd go for the free Autozone test and if it tests bad take the results to the dealer. If your battery is not giving issues, just drive it until and if it does. It's always a good idea to have a "jump pack" in the storage bin. The prices have come down a lot, a decent one can be had in the $50-75 range.
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Thanks. No battery issues. But we are going on 4 years and trying to be proactive. Since everyone else’s issues with the battery, we bought a jumper years ago for when we do camp or traveling and are in and out of the car and having the back open. We have one for each car now as good practice.
At 4 years of service, you are wise to think of replacing it before you are stranded somewhere. If the battery has a total failure, it's doubtful that the jump pack will get you going. Since you mentioned camping, I'd recommend one of the high-capacity AGM batteries, there are several threads here on upgrading the battery. The SoA batteries are way overpriced, IMHO. The MSRP on my "free" replacement B600 is $395, and that will buy you the best aftermarket AGM out there.
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Yeah. That’s what we are thinking too. The Ascent has been relegated to local driving now. I’ll still put a high capacity battery in it. Seems like the way to go for peace of mind. We bought a 23 Honda Pilot for the big trip vehicle. Her daily driver. The Ascent is now my daily driver. Not a bad deal for me. More space and more horsepower coming from a Crosstrek, I’ll take a hit on gas but me driving it for a couple of weeks, I get better gas mileage due to a little highway driving than my wife’s in town driving.
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