What did I do to my car?

20

Asked by Mzwerlein Mar 22, 2020 at 07:16 PM about the 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I had all doors open for 1.5hrs while I armor all
and vacuumed it out and now it won’t start. It
almost did then didn’t. No lights were on and
now birthing lights up on dashboard.
Headlights turn on partially. What did I do. On
my third attempt to start it, the interior lights
around controls (heat and radio) were blinking
to the beat of a ticking noise coming from
engine compartment. What the hell did I do to
my car?

7 Answers

101,595

My guess is your battery is nearing the end of it's life and keeping the door open that long, which leaves computers in an active state, drained it. Have it load tested at any parts store and replaced if needed. (try to replace it while using a 'memory minder' to keep your settings).

2 people found this helpful.
155,245

I agree with Ken. If the battery is original to the vehicle it's time for a new one. Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.
20

I was hoping that was it was but the flickering lights and noise got me all concerned. Thanks guys!

1 people found this helpful.

Test the alternator too! The noise may indicate more than just a bad battery.

1 people found this helpful.
70,095

battery cables clean.......... let us all know...also did you try and jump start it ???

2 people found this helpful.
20

Jumping it worked. It needed a good amount of time connected to start up on its own again. Thanks for the support, it’s good to know that as a Single Mom who knows nothing about cars can find trusted support here! Blessings!

1 people found this helpful.
155,245

You're welcome. Glad to help! Thanks for letting us know you're back on the road again!! Jim

Your Answer:

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 1,118 nationwide Outback listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,230
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,320
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
35 Great Deals out of 1,310 listings starting at $3,995
Used Subaru Crosstrek
51 Great Deals out of 1,267 listings starting at $5,995
Used Toyota RAV4
140 Great Deals out of 2,980 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda CR-V
185 Great Deals out of 4,925 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
21 Great Deals out of 542 listings starting at $8,960
Used Toyota Tacoma
41 Great Deals out of 764 listings starting at $9,975
Used Subaru Legacy
17 Great Deals out of 208 listings starting at $3,200
Used Toyota Highlander
41 Great Deals out of 815 listings starting at $3,877
Used Subaru Impreza
36 Great Deals out of 635 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Camry
50 Great Deals out of 1,122 listings starting at $2,500
Used Mazda CX-5
77 Great Deals out of 3,248 listings starting at $5,700
Used Honda Pilot
33 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $3,800
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 947 listings starting at $2,995
Used Ford F-150
315 Great Deals out of 13,484 listings starting at $4,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.