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Battery Draining Quickly on 2019 Crosstrek - Parasitic Draw?

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Steve N. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:21 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium

I've had to jump-start my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium several times in the past month, especially after it sits for a couple of days. The battery is only about a year old, and the alternator tested fine. I suspect there might be a parasitic draw somewhere.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Crosstrek? What are the common culprits for battery drain in these vehicles, and how can I track it down without specialized tools? It's becoming a real hassle.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:21 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Battery drain issues, often caused by a parasitic draw, are frustrating. While your battery and alternator seem fine, something is indeed drawing power when the car is off. This is a common complaint for many modern vehicles with complex electronics.

Here are common culprits and steps to investigate:

  1. Starlink Data Communication Module (DCM): This is a very common source of parasitic draw in many newer Subarus, including your 2019 Crosstrek. The DCM, which handles features like SOS calls and remote services, can sometimes get stuck in an active state, preventing it from 'sleeping' and continuously drawing power. There have been TSBs related to this issue, often requiring a software update or DCM replacement.
  2. Aftermarket Accessories: If you have any aftermarket accessories (remote start, dash cam, stereo, alarm system), these are prime suspects. Ensure they are wired correctly and not drawing power continuously.
  3. Dome Lights/Glove Box Light: Double-check that all interior lights, including the glove box and trunk lights, are turning off completely when doors are closed. A faulty switch can keep a light on, slowly draining the battery.
  4. Faulty Relays: A relay that sticks in the 'on' position can keep a circuit active. This is harder to diagnose without tools.
  5. Testing for Parasitic Draw (DIY with Multimeter):
    • Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the disconnected negative battery cable, set to measure Amps (A). Ensure the car is off, doors closed, and all accessories off.
    • Wait for Sleep Mode: Modern cars can take 20-60 minutes for all modules to 'sleep.' The initial draw might be high, but it should drop to below 50 milliamps (0.05A).
    • Pull Fuses: If the draw is high, start pulling fuses one by one from the fuse box (both under the hood and inside the cabin), noting when the amperage drops significantly. This will help isolate the problematic circuit.

When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable performing the multimeter test, or if you identify a circuit but can't pinpoint the exact component (like the DCM), it's best to take your Crosstrek to a Subaru dealership. They have specialized diagnostic tools to quickly identify parasitic draws and can check for any relevant TSBs or warranty coverage for issues like a faulty DCM.

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