What You Should Know About the 2017 Subaru Forester Battery Draining Problem

Battery draining problems are not uncommon for a 2017 Subaru Forester. Learn more about Forester battery drains in this guide.
Written by Rachel Rigolino
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
A dead battery on a 2017 Subaru Forester may require only a simple fix. Did you leave on the headlights and drain the battery? Or is your battery old and unable to hold a charge? You may also have a more complex problem, including a bad alternator or electrical issues.
Your 2017 Subaru Forester is reliable. It’s gotten you through snow storms, traffic jams, and backcountry camping trips. Because you’ve come to depend upon your Forester, you’re shocked one morning to walk out to find your battery dead. Now what?
This short guide to Forester battery draining problems—put together by
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What causes a 2017 Subaru Forester battery draining problem?

Generally speaking, a
car battery
problem has three potential causes.
Main causes of battery drain issues
Problem with the battery itself
Alternator or electrical issue
Driver error (you left the car lights on!)
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Now, to diagnose which of these three general issues is causing the battery to drain, you need to ask yourself: when does the problem happen? 
When parked: If your battery is dead after your Forester has been parked for a while, you may have a problem with the battery itself. It could be that the battery is old and doesn’t hold a charge anymore. On the other hand, something in the car could be draining power from the battery when it shouldn’t be. This is called a parasitic drain.
When driving: If your battery dies while you're driving or just after you’ve been driving, this indicates a potential problem with your
alternator bracket
(or the
battery cable
connecting to the alternator).

How to fix the Subaru Forester’s battery draining problem

Fixing your battery problem depends upon its cause. Fortunately, auto part stores will test your battery and alternator for free
The table below covers some common problems that cause battery drains and solutions as well.
Problem
Approach to fixing the problem
Old battery that doesn’t hold a charge
Test the battery (for free) at an auto parts store. When fully charged, a battery should send 12.6 volts. If the battery is 4-5+ years old and is not able to hold a charge, replace the battery (unless the battery drains while you drive).
Battery posts/terminals with corrosion on them
Remove the corrosion with a wire brush and cleaning fluid.
Frayed wires/cables connecting battery to alternator
If you can see frayed cables and do not feel comfortable replacing them yourself, bring your Forester to a mechanic.
Failing/bad alternator
If you suspect your battery is being drained while you drive, get your alternator tested to see whether it’s still working correctly. Replace if necessary.
Electrical problems
If your battery and alternator are fine, check to see whether small lights—such as those in a place like a glove compartment—remain on after you turn off your Forester. If you can’t find a drain yourself, take your car to a professional mechanic.

How to save money on Subaru insurance

When you’re trying to diagnose what’s draining the battery on your Subaru, it can take more time than you anticipate. The same can be true when comparing
Subaru car insurance
rates across insurers. It’s no wonder that most people give up after filling out just one or two forms!
It’s time you let
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