My wife just gave me a call about her 05 Outback. She said that the fuel gauge showed empty even though she’s just filled it up, the low fuel light is blinking, the cruise control light is also blinking and so is the check engine light. She said every thing else is working fine and that the car drives fine.
On looking around on the net I’ve seen possible problems of the alarm system acting strange and the possibility of a dying battery. The battery is original so it’s 5.5 years old or so, but it doesn’t make sense that it would make the car do all the blinking lights and such if it were bad.
I tried to suggest to her to try and reset the alarm, but since I don’t have the manual with me I don’t know how to tell her to do it.
Anyone have an idea of what might be wrong before it gets taken to the shop and possibly lots of money spent that don’t need to be. Around here they like to charge $100 or so to hook up the computer to find out what’s up.
I’ve seen reports that similar symptoms can be related to battery/alternator/cable connection issues. Given the age of the battery, I’d say it’s at or near the end of its expected useful life. I think a good first step would be to replace the battery and make sure the battery cable connections are all clean and tight. If you’re lucky, that may solve the problem. If it doesn’t, it’s not really money wasted as it’s reasonable preventive maintenance.
Well at least it’s good to know that it’s possible that it’s the battery. She’s taking it in later this afternoon and the dealer isn’t too expensive to put in a new battery. I hope that solves the problem.
5.5 years is a long time for a battery, many only last 2 or 3.
If you don’t get the Subaru battery, I’d suggest not going with a cheap Advance Auto battery. My factory battery in my 98 Contour lasted for 6 years but an Advance Auto battery only lasted 1 year. I’ve heard the same experience from others. Get something decent like Interstate.