2024 Subaru WRX (Page 22 of 22)
I just went for my 24k service; just about 24,400 miles on it now. Apparently I had a maintenance contract that they just found; they charged me for at least two oil changes and tire rotations and I forgot I had a contract  So they said they owe me two of those. My next service at 30k will be a bigger/more expensive one (brake fluid flush, transmission service, diff drain/refill, whatever else happens at 30k). They said my tires were starting to go; fronts were a 3 and rears were a 4 (before rotating). Service advisor said, they’ll make it to winter, but I should consider getting a new set of rubber for spring. Since I’ve got winter tires, that works out perfectly for me.I also realized, that if they had had a perfectly specced Outback Touring XT (in green, with the java interior), there would have been a non-zero chance of a trade in I love the WRX and the manual is chef’s kiss …but I’m at the age where I should be wearing jorts, white New Balances, and driving a ‘vette…not a WRX Would it be as fast? No…not far from it, but not quite. It’d be more comfortable though, more room for loading up to go to the range with all my usual shit (I need to put a few things in the rear seat now, and longer rifles need to go there too, or at the very least I need to fold down the rear seats for all that if I want to use the trunk exclusively)…and getting in/out of an Outback would be way more dignified. Downside, no manual anymore; there would be interior spy cameras I’d need to disable now, and the CVT…it might be the best one out there, but it’s still meh to me; paddle shifters or no.I’d be more interested in a Wilderness tbh, but those can’t be had with the java interior. My comfort with this decision is that unless it’s special ordered, there won’t be one on the lot, so I’m “safe” But we’ll see what next spring brings. This will be my 2nd “full” winter with it, and the first “full” winter I’ll need to commute in it, and the first full winter I’ll need to be commuting at my now normal times; out of the house by 5am. When I got it, I was working from home still and wasn’t really intending the car to be a daily commuter. Maybe I’ll go full on rally spec and get a lift for it (someone successfully grafted Forester suspension components into it on Reddit) and put on some all-terrains…sadly, I don’t think there’s any limited slip diffs for it, and certainly not any lockers… |
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: I think they all do. Do you have XM in yours? If you go through a car wash, does it pop up with connection lost; try internet streaming? (Or words to that effect) Mine does… I don’t have a subscription for user internet so no idea how that’d work…or if it’d try to use my phone? Which would be weird since AT&T specifically disabled that on my iPhone. Anyway - worst case, if yours doesn’t upgrade OTA, if you connect to your home wifi and let the car idle for a bit I’m sure it’ll pop up there, too…otherwise, you should be able to download the update from subaru maps… Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: Originally Posted By Emoto: So... your infotainment center has an internet connection? I think they all do. Do you have XM in yours? If you go through a car wash, does it pop up with connection lost; try internet streaming? (Or words to that effect) Mine does… I don’t have a subscription for user internet so no idea how that’d work…or if it’d try to use my phone? Which would be weird since AT&T specifically disabled that on my iPhone. Anyway - worst case, if yours doesn’t upgrade OTA, if you connect to your home wifi and let the car idle for a bit I’m sure it’ll pop up there, too…otherwise, you should be able to download the update from subaru maps… AI Overview To update your Subaru WRX head unit, connect the system to a home or mobile Wi-Fi network, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on the touchscreen display, and select Check for Updates. Alternatively, map and firmware updates can be downloaded via USB using Subaru Maps I do have XM, but that is satellite, not internet. My home wifi does reach my driveway and garage, so that should work. I have checked for updates that way in the past. There was some sort of legal ruling or something that resulted in MA residents having a disabled Starlink, to some extent(?), so I may not have as much connectivity as you do. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
| I haven't had a chance to drive my WRX much since the update. I have court in New Orleans this week so I will be in the truck probably until the end of the week. But from what I have seen, the update has improved things quite a bit stability-wise. I'll know more when I get a chance to really put it through the paces. |
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: I do have XM, but that is satellite, not internet. My home wifi does reach my driveway and garage, so that should work. I have checked for updates that way in the past. There was some sort of legal ruling or something that resulted in MA residents having a disabled Starlink, to some extent(?), so I may not have as much connectivity as you do. Originally Posted By Emoto: I do have XM, but that is satellite, not internet. My home wifi does reach my driveway and garage, so that should work. I have checked for updates that way in the past. There was some sort of legal ruling or something that resulted in MA residents having a disabled Starlink, to some extent(?), so I may not have as much connectivity as you do. XM is both satellite and internet streaming... Check your infotainment manual, it should tell you how to get updates, worst case? The manual for mine just says UPDATING THE SYSTEM* *: This function is not available in some countries/areas. If a problem occurs when attempting to perform a system update, refer to the following table. Symptom Cause Solution “No server response.” is displayed and software cannot be downloaded. The vehicle may be in an area having weak communication signals. Move the vehicle to an area where communication signals can be received normally. If it is still not possible to download, contact your SUBARU dealer. An error occurred at the server. (Server cannot respond temporarily due to maintenance, etc.) Wait for the server to return to normal. If it is still not possible to download, contact your SUBARU dealer. “The software install failed.” is displayed. Software installation may have failed or an error of unidentified cause may have occurred. Contact your SUBARU dealer Also there should be a "software update" option off the General menu in settings, in the infotainment system? And that should, as far as I know, reach out and check? |
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: XM is both satellite and internet streaming... Check your infotainment manual, it should tell you how to get updates, worst case? The manual for mine just says Also there should be a "software update" option off the General menu in settings, in the infotainment system? And that should, as far as I know, reach out and check? I believe that in a car, XM is satellite only. I could be wrong, although it works in my Jeep and the Jeep definitely has no internet connection. Yes, good info. I am familiar with checking for updates via the menu. Have also run a large update off a USB stick. I cannot connect to anything for an update or even to check for an update unless I log the car into my home wifi, so I am thinking whatever f'd up thing is going on in MA with Subaru means my WRX has a diabled internet connection. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: I believe that in a car, XM is satellite only. I could be wrong, although it works in my Jeep and the Jeep definitely has no internet connection. Yes, good info. I am familiar with checking for updates via the menu. Have also run a large update off a USB stick. I cannot connect to anything for an update or even to check for an update unless I log the car into my home wifi, so I am thinking whatever f'd up thing is going on in MA with Subaru means my WRX has a diabled internet connection. |
Posted this in General. Thought you guys might enjoy .  FULL RECORD RUN: Scott Speed vs Mt Washington Hillclimb 2026 |
when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: Emoto, were you able to get and install the update? I'm going to try to be in my car tomorrow and for the rest of the week since the hearing in New Orleans ended a day early. So far, from the little I've been able to drive it, I've gotten no dropped connections. The connection usually drops constantly and tries to (unsuccessfully) reconnect. It had gotten so bad, I had to disable AA to keep the head unit from constantly trying to reconnect. I could also disable Bluetooth but that completely removes any hands-free functions which seems a bit ridiculous. I'm really hopeful this patch fixes some of that. No. I had to go somewhere yesterday and checked for an update while sitting in the driveway. It said no update found. But, I was kind of in a hurry to get to my appointment. I'll try again today and take my time and make sure I am on my local wifi network before I check. What are you seeing for version numbers since the update? Originally Posted By TripleC: Posted this in General. Thought you guys might enjoy .  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwfNDzRcBigBeen up and down that road on various motorcycles over the years. Looks like they finally paved the last hardpack dirt section from what I could see on the video. Taking it at speed is usually not an option because it is filled with slow moving tourist cars. The worst is the white commercial tour vans. I was behind one once that was going so slow through one of the tight uphill corners that I literally could not make my bike go that slow, and the road was so steep that if I stopped and put a foot down I might have fallen over, so I passed them. No painted line, so... |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
After the update, I am now rocking version F91WMM203-870 On the drive home from work, there were no AA disconnects. There are usually a couple. Before, I could make the connection a bit more stable by using a cord, but even that was no guarantee. I'd still lose the connection, although not nearly as often. This update seems to be the real deal, at least so far. Everything seems noticeably quicker. Almost all of the lag appears to be gone. This is the best update I've experienced since getting the car. You need to get this one, my friend. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: After the update, I am now rocking version F91WMM203-870 On the drive home from work, there were no AA disconnects. There are usually a couple. Before, I could make the connection a bit more stable by using a cord, but even that was no guarantee. I'd still lose the connection, although not nearly as often. This update seems to be the real deal, at least so far. Everything seems noticeably quicker. Almost all of the lag appears to be gone. This is the best update I've experienced since getting the car. You need to get this one, my friend. I think your hardware must be different. I took my time and ensured that I was connected to my home network then had the car check for updates. Nothing was available. My software is of an entirely different scheme. It is F21SHM162-270. I only have a wired connection for AA. No wireless AA on my model year (2023). I don't think I have ever lost or dropped an AA connection, that I can recall. It being wired, I would expect stability. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: I think your hardware must be different. I took my time and ensured that I was connected to my home network then had the car check for updates. Nothing was available. My software is of an entirely different scheme. It is F21SHM162-270. I only have a wired connection for AA. No wireless AA on my model year (2023). I don't think I have ever lost or dropped an AA connection, that I can recall. It being wired, I would expect stability. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: You have a Limited, right? That means you have navigation. So, you have a different model head unit than I do. I have to use AA for navigation. Also, there was a revision switch for 2024 to introduce the wireless AA upgrade. Denso must have changed up the firmware designations. I know the wireless AA component has been a big problem spot for the newer Denso head units. Yeah, Limited with Nav. No wireless AA for me unless I buy a dongle to stick into one of the USB ports. TBH, I don't really mind the wire; it helps to keep my phone charged and since the phone is getting old, the battery needs more frequent topping up. Hopefully, this update brings stability. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Yeah, Limited with Nav. No wireless AA for me unless I buy a dongle to stick into one of the USB ports. TBH, I don't really mind the wire; it helps to keep my phone charged and since the phone is getting old, the battery needs more frequent topping up. Hopefully, this update brings stability. What was frustrating before was that when AA wireless would crash, the head unit would enter into an endless loop where it would continue to try to connect over and over again. Every attempt would fail, but it would lock up the head unit on each attempt. The only solution was to turn off Bluetooth on the phone to force the head unit out of the loop. It got so bad, I was forced to disable AA on the phone altogether to keep the head unit out of that loop. I could still use BT for things like streaming podcasts/music and hands-free phone use. I just would not have access to higher AA functions. I'm glad to see that may be at least somewhat resolved. Plus, now the head unit seems faster with much less lag. The lag was really annoying. And since everything is tied through the head unit, including a/c, the lag could become most unpleasant. We're in a massive heat wave here and a/c is all we have to combat it. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: On Friday, I was leaving work and wireless AA crashed. I was disappointed but was able to switch to a wired connection for the rest of the drive. However, on the way home yesterday, I was connected to AA wireless and had no issues. Before, the connection would crash several times before I got home. So, I think the update made a positive difference even if it's still not perfect. I'll certainly take it. What was frustrating before was that when AA wireless would crash, the head unit would enter into an endless loop where it would continue to try to connect over and over again. Every attempt would fail, but it would lock up the head unit on each attempt. The only solution was to turn off Bluetooth on the phone to force the head unit out of the loop. It got so bad, I was forced to disable AA on the phone altogether to keep the head unit out of that loop. I could still use BT for things like streaming podcasts/music and hands-free phone use. I just would not have access to higher AA functions. I'm glad to see that may be at least somewhat resolved. Plus, now the head unit seems faster with much less lag. The lag was really annoying. And since everything is tied through the head unit, including a/c, the lag could become most unpleasant. We're in a massive heat wave here and a/c is all we have to combat it. I eventually figured out the cause of the constant connection failure and reconnections was my phone's wireless hotspot was turned on. Just something to consider. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: On Friday, I was leaving work and wireless AA crashed. I was disappointed but was able to switch to a wired connection for the rest of the drive. However, on the way home yesterday, I was connected to AA wireless and had no issues. Before, the connection would crash several times before I got home. So, I think the update made a positive difference even if it's still not perfect. I'll certainly take it. What was frustrating before was that when AA wireless would crash, the head unit would enter into an endless loop where it would continue to try to connect over and over again. Every attempt would fail, but it would lock up the head unit on each attempt. The only solution was to turn off Bluetooth on the phone to force the head unit out of the loop. It got so bad, I was forced to disable AA on the phone altogether to keep the head unit out of that loop. I could still use BT for things like streaming podcasts/music and hands-free phone use. I just would not have access to higher AA functions. I'm glad to see that may be at least somewhat resolved. Plus, now the head unit seems faster with much less lag. The lag was really annoying. And since everything is tied through the head unit, including a/c, the lag could become most unpleasant. We're in a massive heat wave here and a/c is all we have to combat it. Maybe check to see that the AA app on your phone is up to date? Just a thought. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Maybe check to see that the AA app on your phone is up to date? Just a thought. |
|
When I got my WRX in Jan 2025, the first thing I did (well, just about anyway) was swap out the center console for one of the extendo ones, that you click the button on and it pops out... I realized ...I never actually use it, and when I accidentally pop it out, it gets in the way. This might be one of those "it works better for CVT than a manual" things...so I'm probably going to swap the parts back out. If anyone wants a lightly used microsuede extended center console with the pop out extension...let me know
|
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: When I got my WRX in Jan 2025, the first thing I did (well, just about anyway) was swap out the center console for one of the extendo ones, that you click the button on and it pops out... I realized ...I never actually use it, and when I accidentally pop it out, it gets in the way. This might be one of those "it works better for CVT than a manual" things...so I'm probably going to swap the parts back out. If anyone wants a lightly used microsuede extended center console with the pop out extension...let me know FWIW, I have the "J2010VC000 Subaru WRX Center Armrest Extension | Genuine OEM" and like it very much. I have it always extended and mine is a 6MT. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
| Yeah mine is J2010VC001; same thing but different material (the microsuede leather). And I never had mine extended...it would de-extend at the wrong time, or I'd bump it and it'd re-extend at the wrong time, etc. I just never actually kept it extended, it felt weird. |
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: Yeah mine is J2010VC001; same thing but different material (the microsuede leather). And I never had mine extended...it would de-extend at the wrong time, or I'd bump it and it'd re-extend at the wrong time, etc. I just never actually kept it extended, it felt weird. I like the height it provides. For me, the stock one is too low. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
So, I did a thing. I ordered a Quick Jack. I tried to resist. I wanted to fight back. But they offered me a new in the box kit for $1,400. And free shipping. The room began to spin. I got dizzy. Dreams of empire filled my mind. Before I knew it, I was giving my CC info to the sales guy. However, just in time for my next project, installing the Perrin subframe lockdown kit which will require the rear wheels to be off the ground. So, there's that. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: So, I did a thing. I ordered a Quick Jack. I tried to resist. I wanted to fight back. But they offered me a new in the box kit for $1,400. And free shipping. The room began to spin. I got dizzy. Dreams of empire filled my mind. Before I knew it, I was giving my CC info to the sales guy. However, just in time for my next project, installing the Perrin subframe lockdown kit which will require the rear wheels to be off the ground. So, there's that. Oh, man! I'd love one of those. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Oh, man! I'd love one of those. I'll take some pics of the setup when I get everything put together. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: I've been talking to a sales rep at Quickjack for a about a week now. I was looking at the 8000TL since I have a full size truck and SUV that I would need to use it for, plus the WRX and a Lexus SUV. I was waiting for the Labor Day sale which would have been about 20% off. The total would have been about $1,700 for the kit. The sales rep told me yesterday they had a few 7000TL models left over that they were discounting just to get rid of them. He sold it to me, new, for $1,400 with free shipping. Needless to say, I jumped on that deal. It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow, although tracking is still showing that UPS doesn't have the kit yet. Just the label has been printed. So, I am expecting it either tomorrow or Friday. I wanted to have it in time for Labor Day so I could play around with it. I need to pick up a jug of AW32 hydraulic fluid from Tractor Supply. And I ordered a set of pinch rail pucks for the WRX. I'll need a special extension kit for the truck and SUV, and that's about $250. I'll have to wait before I can try the jack on those vehicles. I'll take some pics of the setup when I get everything put together. That'll be interesting to see. I have a 4-door Jeep Rubicon, too, so if I bought something like this, I would want it to be able to lift both vehicles. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: That'll be interesting to see. I have a 4-door Jeep Rubicon, too, so if I bought something like this, I would want it to be able to lift both vehicles. The lift was supposed to be delivered today. It wasn't even picked up by UPS until today. Sigh. Now they are saying Monday. I was going to set it up this weekend. I guess the Labor Day weekend will be when I get to set it up. I need to pick up some AW32 anyway. |
|
So for the last month or so I’ve been hard eyeing either a new Tacoma manual (though some recentish YouTube videos have mostly disabused me of that notion), an Outback Touring XT (over a wilderness; it comes in the green and java interior I want, mainly; the wilderness doesn’t really have enough “extra” to justify it to me), or a new Land Cruiser. The primary genesis of this is cargo room frankly; every time I get something small and fun, after a year or two I’m reminded how much of a pain in the ass it is to even pack up for a couple hours at the range let alone packing for a week out or something. Today I’m in NY, having rented a shitty Kia with an autoslop transmission….how can anyone live with this Suddenly I’m not so sure I want to get rid of what will soon be the last of the manuals…
|
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
A weird "no start" event today. Drove down to the grocery store and parked. All normal. Did my shopping, came out, put the bags in the trunk, then got in and pushed the button to start. Although the button light turned green with the clutch pedal in, nothing. No instrument panel reaction. I did have the wheels cocked to the left from when I pulled into the spot. I tried to straighten them. Anyway, I tried every combination of pedal pressing and button pushing. I got out of the car, closed and locked the door, then unlocked and got back in, and it still wouldn't start. It was like 5PM so I wasn't relishing getting a tow although I do have AAA. Anyway, I kept trying and finally it started normally. No idea why. Got home and put my Foxcon code reader on it. No codes thrown. So, I have no idea what happened. Thoughts? ETA: Neglected to mention that when I put a DC voltmeter on the battery (so, not a test under load) after getting home, it measured 12.7. I've hooked up a smart charger to top up the battery in case 12.7 is borderline. The past few weeks the car has been driven every few days (i.e., not every day), but mostly only short trips like 10-15 minutes. No long drives. What are your batteries measuring when your WRX is just sitting? |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Emoto, did you figure out what happened? That's really odd. So, my Quickjack came in. When you order one, it comes in three boxes. The two frame rails get their own box. The pump and controller get a box.  When I unboxed the kit, I found that I was missing a fitting, one that attaches to one of the frame rails. There were no additional fittings in the packages. So, I had to stop and contact Quickjack. They were apologetic and offered to drop the part in the mail for me. However, that was no help on Friday. I asked several questions but Quickjack has not responded since the initial response when I told them I was missing parts. I'm also missing a quick-connect fitting protective cap as well. I was wondering if my kit was a return and/or refurb but I have not been able to get an answer from them. I think they might have ghosted me. I will call customer service tomorrow if, for nothing else, to check to see if they actually mailed the part to me. The kit, otherwise, appears to be in good condition. So, it may actually be new. I wish I could tell you that QJ is handling this like a boss. But, so far, I am rather unimpressed with their response. Maybe they will surprise me, though. In a good way, that is. This is what I call the @Foxtrot08 section of the garage. I figure I have enough for my fleet for a while, plus enough to help select family and friends if they get into a bind and cannot find oil.  I'll get some pics up of my WRX up in the air when this parts thing gets resolved. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: Emoto, did you figure out what happened? That's really odd. So, my Quickjack came in. When you order one, it comes in three boxes. The two frame rails get their own box. The pump and controller get a box. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6M7v7Km/0/LRbdLht5mLWpgw4cQKZKf2Shj4p7xRp8z4Z3GCSVb/X2/i-6M7v7Km-X2.jpg When I unboxed the kit, I found that I was missing a fitting, one that attaches to one of the frame rails. There were no additional fittings in the packages. So, I had to stop and contact Quickjack. They were apologetic and offered to drop the part in the mail for me. However, that was no help on Friday. I asked several questions but Quickjack has not responded since the initial response when I told them I was missing parts. I'm also missing a quick-connect fitting protective cap as well. I was wondering if my kit was a return and/or refurb but I have not been able to get an answer from them. I think they might have ghosted me. I will call customer service tomorrow if, for nothing else, to check to see if they actually mailed the part to me. The kit, otherwise, appears to be in good condition. So, it may actually be new. I wish I could tell you that QJ is handling this like a boss. But, so far, I am rather unimpressed with their response. Maybe they will surprise me, though. In a good way, that is. This is what I call the @Foxtrot08 section of the garage. I figure I have enough for my fleet for a while, plus enough to help select family and friends if they get into a bind and cannot find oil. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zsRwSRT/0/LLmfkkzXNhCznFqgKK2XRm3NHxKPw67z4GpQQ5bkw/X2/i-zsRwSRT-X2.jpg I'll get some pics up of my WRX up in the air when this parts thing gets resolved. Holy crap your garage is neat!  Yesterday was a national holiday, so I wouldn't have expected much. No, I haven't figured out anything. I did take it on a longish drive on Sunday (after being on trickle charge) and it did not misbehave. It is back on trickle charge. I intend to take it to the dealer soon and tell them what happened and see what they say. Can you please throw a DC volt meter across your battery terminals and tell me what your battery reads with the car off? |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Holy crap your garage is neat! Yesterday was a national holiday, so I wouldn't have expected much. No, I haven't figured out anything. I did take it on a longish drive on Sunday (after being on trickle charge) and it did not misbehave. It is back on trickle charge. I intend to take it to the dealer soon and tell them what happened and see what they say. Can you please throw a DC volt meter across your battery terminals and tell me what your battery reads with the car off? 
|
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: This is what my battery is reading with engine off. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sh9mvWb/0/K6gwMSHTR464M3pqMC24dbWZh9gHgSVZJJqQWZsPt/X3/i-sh9mvWb-X3.jpg Thank you, sir! Very similar to my 12.7. (Tool Acquisition Beast rears its ugly head) That looks like a pretty spiffy little device. How much faith do you have in its ability to determine whether a battery is good or not? |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Thank you, sir! Very similar to my 12.7. (Tool Acquisition Beast rears its ugly head) That looks like a pretty spiffy little device. How much faith do you have in its ability to determine whether a battery is good or not? It doesn't sound like your issue is battery related since your voltage is good. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: It's a Topdon which is the brand Sherwood Cooke's shops frequently use. He's the owner of Royalty Auto Service on the east coast. He has a very popular YT channel that's a lot of fun to watch, if you've never seen it. The tester I have is pretty highly rated. I have no reason to think it's not accurate. When my car is in my garage, I usually have it on a battery maintainer. So I know it should be in good shape. The OEM batteries don't have good reputations but I'm going to try to get mine to last as long as possible before having to replace it. It doesn't sound like your issue is battery related since your voltage is good. I've seen a whole bunch of their videos. Good stuff. Voltage not under load is not definitive, but you may be right. I've also swapped my key fob battery, even though I was not getting the low battery in fob message (I forget the exact text). I'm pretty sure that when I open the driver's door and get in, the dash does a little wake-up dance, even before any buttons are pressed, right? During my no start event, it did not do that. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: I've seen a whole bunch of their videos. Good stuff. Voltage not under load is not definitive, but you may be right. I've also swapped my key fob battery, even though I was not getting the low battery in fob message (I forget the exact text). I'm pretty sure that when I open the driver's door and get in, the dash does a little wake-up dance, even before any buttons are pressed, right? During my no start event, it did not do that. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: It does almost sound as if the car wasn't recognizing the fob. I've not had that issue, but the '24 Base models still use keys. I actually prefer that over the push button options. It does, but I never got (or noticed?) the low fob battery warning message. Hard to imagine me not seeing a warning message, but I suppose it is possible. Hopefully, I'll get it over to the dealer on Friday to have them take a look. I went through the big electronic version of the owner's manual searching for fob and found this: The access key fob is always com- municating with the vehicle and is continuously using the battery. Although the life of the battery varies depending on the operating condi- tions, it is approximately 1 to 2 years. My car being a 2023, purchased in February of 2024, the fob battery was over 2 years old, maybe even 3, as I don't know the build date when I assume the fob battery was installed. I have people in various WRX groups telling me the batteries are trash (edit: the car battery, not the fob battery) and that they only get a couple of years out of them.  There is also something about the steering being locked with the wheels turned that can prevent starting, but I haven't found the details spelled out anywhere. My "no start" did happen in a parking lot where I was driving down a row and turned 90 degrees sharply into a space, then shut off the engine with the wheels still turned. Have you ever done that? I do like the fob thing where I can unlock my door by pulling the handle and not have to pull anything out of my pocket and press a button. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: It does, but I never got (or noticed?) the low fob battery warning message. Hard to imagine me not seeing a warning message, but I suppose it is possible. Hopefully, I'll get it over to the dealer on Friday to have them take a look. I went through the big electronic version of the owner's manual searching for fob and found this: The access key fob is always com- municating with the vehicle and is continuously using the battery. Although the life of the battery varies depending on the operating condi- tions, it is approximately 1 to 2 years. My car being a 2023, purchased in February of 2024, the fob battery was over 2 years old, maybe even 3, as I don't know the build date when I assume the fob battery was installed. I have people in various WRX groups telling me the batteries are trash and that they only get a couple of years out of them. There is also something about the steering being locked with the wheels turned that can prevent starting, but I haven't found the details spelled out anywhere. My "no start" did happen in a parking lot where I was driving down a row and turned 90 degrees sharply into a space, then shut off the engine with the wheels still turned. Have you ever done that? I do like the fob thing where I can unlock my door by pulling the handle and not have to pull anything out of my pocket and press a button. So when I park at work on the street I turn my car hard into the curb; old habit of when I lived/commuted in north NJ and NYC. (Car can’t / won’t drift if you forget to leave it in a gear and/or put on the e-brake, and it makes an asshole trying to tow it away/steal it have to do more work) No problems starting mine…again mine tho is a 2024 Limited bought in January 2025, so the batteries should also still be good? I have had cars that used a normal key though not want to start if the wheel was turned against the steering lock. I don’t even know if that’s possible with a push button start though… Edit - by not want to start, I mean I couldn’t rotate the key unless I wrenched the steering wheel off of it’s lock a little. |
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: So when I park at work on the street I turn my car hard into the curb; old habit of when I lived/commuted in north NJ and NYC. (Car can’t / won’t drift if you forget to leave it in a gear and/or put on the e-brake, and it makes an asshole trying to tow it away/steal it have to do more work) No problems starting mine…again mine tho is a 2024 Limited bought in January 2025, so the batteries should also still be good? I have had cars that used a normal key though not want to start if the wheel was turned against the steering lock. I don’t even know if that’s possible with a push button start though… Edit - by not want to start, I mean I couldn’t rotate the key unless I wrenched the steering wheel off of it’s lock a little. Interesting. Thanks! |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Drove the WRX over to the dealer this afternoon. The lovely service writer Rhonda listened to my story, (I also presented her with a printed version of all the details) and took the car in and gave me a loaner without my having to ask. They'll contact me when they know what's going on. Perhaps by the end of their day today, although that was not a promise. The loaner is a new(?) Crosstrek Wilderness with 3500 miles on it. Very nice car. Feels solid, comfortable ride but not too soft. Auto start/stop was easily disabled with an on-screen button that I did not have to dig through menus for. First CVT vehicle I've driven. Frankly, I didn't mind how the transmission felt. I don't know how it does at highway speeds, but around town it had plenty of pep; didn't seem lacking. The odd thing about it was out of all of the Crosstrek trims, this one is the most adventure-oriented by far, yet in-car navigation is not available. 
|
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Back from the shop. They tested the battery and starter and both tested good. They were able to duplicate the issue and did so several times. They said to unlock the steering wheel before trying to start the car and it will start. Edit: They will often start when the steering is locked, but not always (like 1 out of 20 times), so best to unlock the wheel first. So, because there wasn't anything actually wrong with the car they charged me for diagnostic time. I can't really expect them to work for free, I suppose.  Ordinarily, their standard diagnostic fee is one hour. The service writer took the initiative and knocked it down to half an hour. I had a service coupon that they had sent out recently, so that knocked it down even further. On the plus side, I now know that the battery is A-OK and so is the starter. They also washed the car for me (they asked first). |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Back from the shop. They tested the battery and starter and both tested good. They were able to duplicate the issue and did so several times. They said to unlock the steering wheel before trying to start the car and it will start. Edit: They will often start when the steering is locked, but not always (like 1 out of 20 times), so best to unlock the wheel first. So, because there wasn't anything actually wrong with the car they charged me for diagnostic time. I can't really expect them to work for free, I suppose. Ordinarily, their standard diagnostic fee is one hour. The service writer took the initiative and knocked it down to half an hour. I had a service coupon that they had sent out recently, so that knocked it down even further. On the plus side, I now know that the battery is A-OK and so is the starter. They also washed the car for me (they asked first). I had a chance to finally get the Quickjack lift up and running. It's a pretty slick setup. I was wondering if it would raise vehicles high enough. Yeah, I found that it raises vehicles plenty high enough. You're still going to be on a creeper, but there's plenty of room to do most anything. You could easily drop the transmission if you had to. Things like oil changes are going to be a breeze. And, yes, I have some pics of the action for your perusal. Behold: This is the VB up in the air. As you can see, the left gets it up there.  The vehicle is much higher than if you had it on ramps. I swapped out the shifter bushing, back to the Perrin part. It was cake with the car up that high. I also did some suspension work as well, installing the Perrin rear subframe lockdown rings. It makes the 1-2 shift much less clunky. It was noticeable.  I also got the lift for the Titan. I didn't have anything in particular I needed to do to the truck but I wanted to raise it up to make sure the lift worked with it. The lift had no issues at all lifting it to scary heights.  I had to keep an eye on the roof to make sure it wasn't going to make contact with the garage door. It was close, but it fit fine.  I did not try to lift the Lexus or the Infiniti yet but I have no doubt the lift will have no trouble with either. I wish you guys lived closer. We could get some mods installed, big time, with the quickness. I believe the heaviest vehicle I would be lifting would be around 5,600 pounds. The lift is rated for 7,000 pounds, so I will be well under the limit. I'm looking forward to using it. I think it's going to be very handy for auto work. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: On my Titan, I sometimes have to turn the wheel to unlock the keyed ignition cylinder. I guess that's necessary for push button vehicles as well. I'm glad to hear it's nothing serious. I had a chance to finally get the Quickjack lift up and running. It's a pretty slick setup. I was wondering if it would raise vehicles high enough. Yeah, I found that it raises vehicles plenty high enough. You're still going to be on a creeper, but there's plenty of room to do most anything. You could easily drop the transmission if you had to. Things like oil changes are going to be a breeze. And, yes, I have some pics of the action for your perusal. Behold: This is the VB up in the air. As you can see, the left gets it up there. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RcLCbfh/0/Ks8V5pB2VqtSQxLDMzdBkmLqWGnrP5JshQGgfc92f/X2/i-RcLCbfh-X2.jpg The vehicle is much higher than if you had it on ramps. I swapped out the shifter bushing, back to the Perrin part. It was cake with the car up that high. I also did some suspension work as well, installing the Perrin rear subframe lockdown rings. It makes the 1-2 shift much less clunky. It was noticeable. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rHD9Tvg/0/Mt9RV3CKfGfjMGgL6WvZg4hCQQ4FWCQpKqQXwNJwm/X2/i-rHD9Tvg-X2.jpg I also got the lift for the Titan. I didn't have anything in particular I needed to do to the truck but I wanted to raise it up to make sure the lift worked with it. The lift had no issues at all lifting it to scary heights. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Xcn8grQ/0/M5LvZjjxCwpxt2G2LVhsLhPzK9wQj6W9VJSDZv7gs/X3/i-Xcn8grQ-X3.jpg I had to keep an eye on the roof to make sure it wasn't going to make contact with the garage door. It was close, but it fit fine. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-45NXzwm/0/Kb8qrpg6J8dZvnNNjMXN862j4HPzXSfRhSfLx8MgB/X3/i-45NXzwm-X3.jpg I did not try to lift the Lexus or the Infiniti yet but I have no doubt the lift will have no trouble with either. I wish you guys lived closer. We could get some mods installed, big time, with the quickness. I believe the heaviest vehicle I would be lifting would be around 5,600 pounds. The lift is rated for 7,000 pounds, so I will be well under the limit. I'm looking forward to using it. I think it's going to be very handy for auto work. Those lifts are really cool! Is there some sort of hard metal bar or something that mechanically locks the lifts in the raised position? ETA: When all the way down is the lift low enough that if slid together you could park the WRX over top of the two sides? |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Those lifts are really cool! Is there some sort of hard metal bar or something that mechanically locks the lifts in the raised position? ETA: When all the way down is the lift low enough that if slid together you could park the WRX over top of the two sides? I believe my lift is less than 4" tall. The WRX is around 5.5 inches from the ground. It would be tight, but I think parking over it would work. I want to get some caster wheels for it to make it easier to move around. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: If you look at the pic of the WRX from the rear, you can see a bar on the outside of the frame rail. That bar slides up as the lift raises. There are two places where the bar can catch on the frame. Once it catches, you can lower the lift a bit to lock the frame down on the catch, relieving the hydraulic pressure in the system. It's a clever design. I believe my lift is less than 4" tall. The WRX is around 5.5 inches from the ground. It would be tight, but I think parking over it would work. I want to get some caster wheels for it to make it easier to move around. Cool, on both things. Now that I think about it, I could keep a lift in the Wrangler bay and park the Jeep over it without any concerns, so kind of a dumb question on my part. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Cool, on both things. Now that I think about it, I could keep a lift in the Wrangler bay and park the Jeep over it without any concerns, so kind of a dumb question on my part. |
|
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: If you do decide to get one, call them and ask about new-old stock and/or if they have any refurbs. They discount both types heavily to move them. Mine was sold as new-old inventory. I can't wait to play around with it some more this weekend. I think I will put the RX400h on it to poke around. There are various hacks you can add to make the lifts more functional. That's good advice, will do if I find myself feeling flush enough to buy one. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
I was looking at those mini-lifts when I got my 4runner and again when I got the WRX…it’d make swapping on winter/summer tires and rotations, as well as oil changes and basic maintenance, sooooo easy….but since I have rarely kept a car long enough to get past 60-70k miles and out of whatever pre-paid maintenance plans I usually get with the vehicle in the first place…it was one of those “I want it, but can I justify it since I’ll rarely use it” things
|
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...