Starter problem · Subaru Repair & Diagnostic Hub

14d • Engine

Starter problem

I have a new to me ‘21 Outback that I bought it in December of ‘25. I live in Northern Saskatchewan and I find in temperatures of -15F or lower the battery does not have enough jam to start the engine. Using a booster pack and it turns over fine and starts. I taken it for a 3 hour drive and it laboured to start after I got to my destination (very cold). I had the battery replaced by a shop that only dealt with batteries but the problem remained. I later discovered the negative post would not tighten properly. I installed a post sleeve insuring the post and interior/ exterior of the sleeve were super clean. The negative post is now very tight. I have installed a battery warmer and along with that an over night charge will give me good starts for about five days. I have an OBD2 GearWrench Scanner and it shows 14.7 volts with a charge of approximately 10amps tapering down to 2amps after starting. I’ve noticed a quick 10 minute stop for shopping will cause a laboured start but later the same day a 1/2 hour stop and it starts easier.

So after this long winded whining, here are the questions. I know there is an after market negative assembly, so eliminating the negative post sleeve with this assembly solve the problem? Or did the previous owner use autostop constantly and I have a tired starter?

Unfortunately the weather is warming and I don’t think this problem will reoccur till next winter but I would like to get it resolved before hand.

Thanks

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