When disconnecting a car battery, stored data in control modules, radio presets, and the clock can be lost. Some vehicles have always-on accessory power outlets to maintain power to these systems, allowing battery disconnection without data loss. However, this isn’t the case with Subarus, including the 2006 Tribeca.
A solution is to provide power through the OBD2 port. The OBD2 port location in a 2006 Subaru Tribeca is typically under the dashboard, on the driver’s side, near the steering column. Specifically, pin 16 of the OBD2 connector offers a constant power source. Service centers often use adapters to connect a 12V source, like a portable battery, to this pin via a 7.5 Amp fuse.
This method works as long as no significant electrical loads are activated. The minimal power draw of the car’s modules won’t overload the 7.5 Amp fuse. However, actions like opening a door, triggering interior lights, can exceed the fuse’s capacity, causing it to blow. This results in the same data loss as a complete battery disconnect – resetting the clock, radio presets, and potentially causing rough idling until the Engine Control Module (ECM) relearns its parameters.
A blown fuse in this scenario won’t trigger a Check Engine Light (CEL). However, it can prevent code readers from functioning if they rely on the vehicle’s power supply. If your 2006 Tribeca experienced data loss after a battery service, a blown OBD2 port fuse might be the culprit. The shop may have inadvertently activated a power-consuming accessory while maintaining power through the OBD2 port. Replacing this fuse should restore normal operation.
