2015 Outback won't "remember" last audio source on start-up

September 17, 2024 3:15 PM

Over the weekend, I went to start my 2015 Outback (2.5i Limited if it matters) and got the error message that the steering wheel was locked. Gave it a jiggle back and forth and was able to get it to release and working as normal. But, since then every time I start my vehicle, it prompts me to select my audio source (rather than defaulting to what was used the last time the car was running).

I read online to try to cycle through the sources with the Source button on the steering wheel. Tried that, but no luck. I can't find a way to reset things otherwise (only the display turns on/off by holding down the volume knob).

Any ideas? It's weirdly frustrating to have to tap my choice each time I start up as I always listen to what's on my USB stick.

Thanks!

posted by Twicketface to Technology (5 answers total)

I'm no car expert, but sometimes this genre of issue means that it's time to replace the battery.
posted by kickingtheground at 9:29 PM on September 17 [2 favorites]

If you haven’t already, I highly suggest you head over to Reddit and post this at r/subaru_outback. I do agree with kickingtheground, though, that your battery may be reaching EOL.
posted by Thorzdad at 4:19 AM on September 18

There is a setting in those nesting menus that allows for the phone audio to automatically connect, rather than requiring you to tap the source manually. Could it be that that setting was reset somehow?

I only know about that because like having it stay manual, since otherwise my car annoyingly autoplays the first track in my apple music library, and it was ruining my impression of the classic track ‘A Felicidade.’
posted by umbú at 4:49 AM on September 19 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks - battery is 3 years old and no other issues. I know Subaru's aren't great for batteries but everything else is working correctly.

I did find that setting, umbú and it was checked correctly. Also reset the audio settings, unchecked and rechecked the setting, removed and reinserted the USB, switched to CD for a while and then switched back to USB, and still get prompted when I start the vehicle.

Ugh!
posted by Twicketface at 1:56 PM on September 20

Best answer: For the person with the same issue in 2027 and searching in vain, I'll update what *finally* fixed it.

I turned the setting off (as in, do NOT autoplay CDs/USBs), turned off the vehicle. Turned the vehicle back on, turned the setting back on (as in, DO autoplay CDs/USBs) and it's been working ever since.
posted by Twicketface at 2:23 PM on September 30