Hey everyone,

 

Fairly new subaru owner - bought my 97 legacy outback wagon in Feb '13 - and definitely a novice when it comes to solving car problems. I'd love to get some thoughts on how I might solve a problem:

 

 - Radio turns off when I hit my brakes. Recently, it started turning off randomly - seems to occur when AC is on and is fan starts going.

- Delayed start periodically - had this issue last year and I took it to the shop. I at least new enought to explain to the mechanic I thought it had to be an issue with battery connection. He looked at it while I was at work and called me to say he did something with the battery conncetion and everything had been working fine till recently. Mechanic charged me 20 bucks so he really must have just jiggled stuff around but maybe I'm too skeptical. 

 

Thoughts on next steps? Thanks!

I should also add that there have been times when the car wouldn't start at all. I'd jiggle the (look like electrical??) wires connected to the battery and that would do the trick. I noticed I'd have to reset my clock on my radio as if I just installed a new battery. Thought this was worth mentioning as it may help some of you folks that now what you're talking about diagnose the problem.

 

Thanks!

My first thought is battery cables, battery, and corrosion. Trace both cables back and make sure they are firmly attached. if there is corrosion on either end some baking soda and water will clean it off.

 

This may not apply to Subarus but on my Durango the ignition switch is failing. if I don't have it in the correct position none of my accessories, radio turn signals etc..., work. But with the full reset you run into occasionally this sounds more like a battery issue or connection issue.

Sounds like a bad ground.  try removing and cleaning your battery posts and terminals.

Thanks for the responses guys. I'll try out the suggestions this evening. The direction is much appreciated.

One of the most common an overlooked problems and very easily fixed is bad battery connections. Like was already stated, cleaning the connections will most likely fix the issue. Don't over tighten the battery clamps, which is another common issue. It is a good idea to spray a sealer over the cleaned connections to keep corrosion from returning. If that step doesn't fix the issue then clean the battery to chassis ground connection along with the other engine grounds.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. It was a bad connection between the battery and the ground wire. Got it taken care of and it's been doing fine. Appreciate the help!

does this car have a brake light on the hatch? maybe the wires in the rubber channel to thatch are worn-thru and shorting?

 

also, I once had a car that had those 1157 bulbs with dual filaments and a filament sagged and touched to other filament leading to some odd electrical issues.