When you disconnect your car’s battery, you might be unknowingly resetting more than just the clock. Modern vehicles, including the 2006 Subaru Tribeca, rely on constant power to retain crucial settings within their various control modules. This “learned” data optimizes your car’s performance, ensuring smooth operation. Disconnecting the power source can lead to a loss of these settings, along with your radio presets and clock.
While some vehicles allow for a temporary power supply through the accessory power outlet to prevent memory loss during battery changes, this method doesn’t work for Subaru models like the 2006 Tribeca because their outlets are not constantly powered. However, there’s another solution: the OBD2 connector. Pin 16 of this connector is designed to be always powered, offering a potential point for maintaining power during battery disconnection.
Many auto repair shops utilize specialized adapters to connect a 12V power source, such as a portable jump starter, to the OBD2 connector. This connection, often fused at 7.5 Amps, provides enough power to keep the car’s computer and memory settings intact while the main battery is disconnected.
Locating the OBD2 Connector in Your 2006 Subaru Tribeca
For the 2006 Subaru Tribeca, the OBD2 connector is typically located beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. You’ll usually find it in the vicinity of the steering column, often near the hood release lever. Its standardized trapezoidal shape is easily recognizable.
Important Considerations When Using the OBD2 Connector for Power
It’s crucial to remember that while using the OBD2 connector to maintain power is feasible, it’s not without its limitations. The 7.5 Amp fuse in the circuit is designed to protect the system from overloads. Therefore, it’s imperative to ensure that absolutely no accessories or lights are turned on within the car during the battery disconnection process.
The power draw from the car’s modules and computer is minimal and well within the 7.5 Amp limit. However, even something as simple as opening a door and activating the interior lights could cause a current surge exceeding this limit. If this happens when the car battery is removed, the 7.5 Amp fuse will blow, effectively negating the purpose of the power connection and resulting in the same memory loss you were trying to avoid.
A blown fuse in this scenario won’t trigger a check engine light (CEL), as it’s unrelated to engine diagnostics. However, it will prevent an OBD2 code reader from functioning if the reader relies on the car’s power to operate, as pin 16 will no longer be powered.
Conclusion
Maintaining your 2006 Subaru Tribeca’s computer memory during battery disconnection is possible using the OBD2 connector. By carefully connecting a 12V power source to pin 16 and ensuring no car accessories are active, you can prevent the loss of important settings. Always proceed with caution and consult your vehicle’s repair manual or a professional if you are unsure about any step of this process.
