bibsoconner

Thanks for the replies. I don't know if folks are still monitoring this topic, but for what it is worth, I'm still confused... Regardless of whether or not folks thing chains/cables are a good idea, the fact is that in California, the CHP demands that you carry them in certain conditions even if you have 4WD or all wheel drive. They have even asked to see them (in my Isuzu Trooper). Occasionally they demand you put them on (so I am told. Hasn't happened to me, but I don't get out much ). The 2014 Outback manual says.... "Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body". BUT, it then goes on to say, "When tire chains cannot be used, use of another type of traction device (such as spring chains) may be acceptable if use on your vehicle is recommended by the device manufacturer...." So, what am I supposed to use? Elsewhere, I saw "Super Z" cables recommended. Are those "spring chains"? What do folks here recommend? Also, I find it hard to believe the advice I've read elsewhere that says, "They aren't needed on a Subaru". I know from my Isuzu Trooper they help. Just because you have power to all 4 wheels doesn't help if there is no traction between the wheels and the road (due to ice). Thoughts? Thanks, Dave P.S. I should also say that while studded snow tires might be a great idea for folks who actually live in the mountains, it is not very practical for weekend warriors that are just occasionally traveling into snow.

I have a new 2014 Outback (4 cylinder). Assuming it starts (see my other posts for the source of the pessimism!), I'd like to start driving it into our local San Bernardino mountains this weekend. What sort of snow chains/cables should I be getting, if any? For those unfamiliar with San Bernardino, most of the time, there is no need for any chains. If it does snow, the police/highway worker on duty has a lot of leeway to make rules up on the fly (which is reasonable, given how conditions change). I've never paid attention to what they say to all wheel drive vehicles. Back when I had my Isuzu Trooper (4wheel drive), I'd hear them say, "No need for any chains if you have 4 wheel", or "You must have chains, but no need to put them on if you have 4 wheel. Just have them with you". And very occasionally, "You must put the chains on even if you have 4 wheel drive." In my limited experience, the 4 wheel drive (on the Trooper) does not help that much, especially in icy conditions. I was able to spin the vehicle in 4 wheel drive! Perhaps it helps starting up. So, any recommendations for chains/cables for the Outback? Again, it's nice to have something with you because if you get up there and have one of those rare conditions where "you must put on chains" you will pay an arm and a leg for something that doesn't fit right and messes up the car. Thanks, Dave

Thanks for the advice everyone. The Subaru dealer found nothing and I picked it up yesterday. It's 6:30 a.m. as I write this. I have fear as to whether the car will start at 7 a.m. to go to work! It seemed fine yesterday after I picked it up and started it a few times (gas station, errands, etc.). Perhaps it was some moisture (inside car or outside car) that dried up. I'll keep any eye on things and perhaps try some of the tests suggested (such as seeing if the mamp while car is off is <60. <30 was suggested by Subaru) if I can convince myself that I won't electrocute myself through clumsiness or stupidity. As an aside (or to bring you humor), have you ever heard of the advice of "Don't use an analog volt meter to measure the battery, use a digital one. You can hurt the electrical system with an analog volt meter". This is what the service manager at my local dealer stated. I repeated it around work; none of us can see any sense in it. Digital might be more accurate and easier to read.... I got the distinct impression he was making stuff up. I swear next time I'm in, I'm going to ask him if he checked the Quantum Flux Inverter and see what his reaction is. Right now, I'd place even money that he will respond, "Of course we checked it". Anyhow, thanks again. I'm hopeful all will work out. It's a sharp looking car and the (reported) reliability is good. I'm looking forward to getting the racks and going camping with it. -Dave

Hi, Please point me to the correct forum if this is not the most appropriate one... I just (4 weeks ago) bought a new 2014 Subaru Outback. About 2 weeks ago I noticed that I had trouble starting the car. It started on the second try. I didn't think much of it, but the problem repeated. I used a Volt meter to see that the voltage was extremely low (<10 volts; I'm surprised it started!) after letting it sit a while. As an experiment, I disconnected the battery after I got home from work. It started the next morning with no problems. I continued like this for a few days, noticing that the problem seemed dependent on how long the car sat turned off, and that the problem seemed fixed if one was willing to disconnect the battery each time. This led me to think it was a short. The one other clue is that my wife took it to a car wash right before this all started happening. Finally, I took it in to the dealer. The night before, I decided to leave the battery connected. It started the next morning just fine (this was about a week after I noticed the initial problem). In fact, I had seen evidence that the problem was going away. Sure if enough, the dealer can find nothing wrong. I'm worried that the problem is going to reappear. Any ideas? Is stress that the car wash may be totally unrelated. However, it seems like a good hypothesis: car wash causes some sort of short. Problem goes away over time (due to drying?). Any mechanics gurus have any ideas? Anyone else had this problem? Obviously it's a bummer to have a new car that you're always wondering if it's going to start when you want it to. And of course, there is an expectation that your car can go through a car wash or brave a rain storm without problems. Any ideas/help/advice would be much appreciated. Dave P.S. I tried to look for info on this. I did not see any recalls/posts, etc.