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

103,435

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.
157,855

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.
70,965

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.
157,855

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 960 nationwide Outback listings starting at $1,795.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,540
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,700
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,390
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
36 Great Deals out of 1,336 listings starting at $2,295
Used Subaru Crosstrek
29 Great Deals out of 1,029 listings starting at $5,995
Used Toyota RAV4
96 Great Deals out of 2,713 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda CR-V
88 Great Deals out of 4,543 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
15 Great Deals out of 301 listings starting at $9,995
Used Subaru Legacy
11 Great Deals out of 186 listings starting at $3,990
Used Honda Pilot
38 Great Deals out of 1,298 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Highlander
31 Great Deals out of 784 listings starting at $6,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
45 Great Deals out of 1,079 listings starting at $9,399
Used Subaru Impreza
30 Great Deals out of 508 listings starting at $3,444
Used Mazda CX-5
65 Great Deals out of 2,839 listings starting at $5,495
Used Toyota Camry
62 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $3,500
Used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
21 Great Deals out of 965 listings starting at $17,480
Used Subaru WRX
17 Great Deals out of 537 listings starting at $8,995

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.