bruce-e-boy

Please can you help.

I have an 02 WRX Sportwagon and it is a great compromise if you like driving and have a small family.

After a period of non-use the battery was flat. The RAC man advises me that something electrical is draining the battery, and it is not something simple like an internal light left on. I contacted a local auto electrician and they said they don't really do modern cars with lots of electronics. I dropped in to a nearby main dealer, but am concerned if I ask them to diagnose and fix the problem I will run up a silly bill for something that might well be fiddly but probably an honest sensible specialist will sort quickly for a realistic charge. I have no problem paying but dislike/distrust my local main dealer.

I am based in SW London.

Can anyone recommend a user friendly specialist I can contact? I also expect to swop to an independent service provider as the car will shortly be out of warranty. Any advice much appreciated.

chrisp

this seems to be quite common issue with the new age cars, speak to your local dealer.

zhastaph

Personally I'd be looking at the battery first unless it's been replaced recently.

Trackers can also be known to drain the batteries on cars when left for a while.

tuscan57

if its got warrenty get a new battery on it... as said above with cars not used it does happen...

coaster

Hi,
This sounds familiar. I have an '03 WRX sportswagon. After leaving it for about 10 days the battery was completely flat. The recovery mechanic supplied by Subaru said it was common if not normal. Apparently either the Tracker or immobiliser use current and therefore drain the battery. Seems strange but I haven't had problems since as I never leave it for more than a week.

What is it about Subaru main dealers that makes them so dislikeable/distrustable? I hold all the franchised dealers I have used in similar regard and am currently looking for a subaru specialist in the Aylesbury area. Anyone know of any good ones?

bruce-e-boy

for helpful answers. I did note (after i posted my question) in the technical forum that this is not uncommon, and that there seems to be no single likely cause.

Which is why I was hoping to find an independent enthusiast. The couple of main dealers I have spoken to tend to go into the "well, it's not easy we'll have to [spend a load of time not really sorting it out] blah blah" mode. Whereas I would love to find someone who will say "yeah, bloody annoying isn't it? Pop down now and I'll have a quick look at it".

I think I'll change the battery and take it from there.

Bruce