jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Amazon must have a tough time keeping with imported products. A couple of years ago, they banned several brands because they were faking reviews. Now, I see identical items with different brand names. I never bother reading reviews on Amazon. Some are paid to be good, and some are paid to be bad.

I bought a Tacklife battery jumper two years ago. Amazon is now offering a Powrun or Thinkpo unit that looks identical. They used "Thinkpo" in the promotional email, but they show "Powrun" on their page. What's in a name? A product by any other name can be just as dishonest.

BebuLamar

Do they work? Looking at the size of those things I doubt that they would work.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

I have a unit made by Cobra. Fits easily in my hand, and works great. My Subaru battery mysteriously keeps losing its charge so I periodically have to jump start the car.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've used my little jumper a couple of time. Nice idea.

Ollieboy

I see many products that look identical except for the name stamped on it. Probably made in the same factory.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Either a bad battery or the alternator has a shorted diode

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I have one about the size of a paperback book, got it from Walmart, starts our Subaru's if we need it, I think 2x in 6 years

BebuLamar

If you have a bad alternator jump starting will not keep the car running for long even if you don't shut the engine down. I think possibly something in his car is draining the battery when the car isn't running.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

Subaru has issued a letter that some of its models have issues with the battery draining. Before I was aware that there is a reported history of problems, the battery was dead three times over the last two years, and I assumed it was due to having left an interior light on, or severely cold weather. The dealer has checked it out and found nothing wrong. The tests indicate that the most recent battery is still good. They did reprogram the computer that supposedly has some control over the issue.
The only advice I’ve gotten is that I need to take the car out more often on longer trips. That might alleviate the problem except that my pattern of driving has not changed since I’ve had the car. There were no problems the first two or three years of ownership. The car is now six years old. It is true however, that I do not take the car out every day and sometimes those trips are each less than 30 minutes. The odometer reads less than 24,000 miles. After the last, and only service by the dealer, the fix lasted only one month.
I am planning on giving the vehicle to my grandson who will have his license in another month or so. I don’t want him to be burdened with the car suddenly not turning over; and I really cannot sell or trade the car without divulging the problem.
Back to the dealer tomorrow for more tests and then if necessary a letter to Subaru. Anyone have advice?

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

FYI= there is a class action lawsuit forming about Subaru car batteries losing their charge (pre 2021 models). Many many owners are very unhappy about replacing their batteries annually.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I thought the same thing, but they work surprisingly well. I bought one after I had to wait for AAA because I had left the headlights on.

I've seen them tested where they start several cars and diesels. They seem to hold a full charge for months. I used to have one of those large "portable" jumpers. It was big and heavy. When the battery would no longer take a charge, I retired it.

See how they perform. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=compare+jump+starters

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

I do not understand how replacing the battery solves anything. Even the newer, stronger replacement battery will run down over time; and I have been informed that my current battery, which is about three years old is still adequate.
To be honest, if I could get two years out of the battery without incident, I would probably accept that solution. Yearly replacement seems grossly excessive. It is a mystery to me. Why Subaru has not been able to get to the crux of the problem. I have never had this issue with any other vehicle I have driven over the past 60 years.
In fairness, the Subaru dealer has tried to be very helpful; and my previous experience with the company has been very positive.

BebuLamar

If I were you I would measure the current drawn from the battery when the car is off not running, doors closed, no lights. All cars draw some current but should not be exessive.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

Thanks for the tip. The Subaru dealer specifically tells me they have done this.

mindzye Loc: WV

Jerry I saw a fellow jump start his car with a fully charged Dewalt tool battery. He said 12v is 12v.
Just have to connect a homemade jumper for the positive and negative terminals, and voila'. The car started just fine.

Gott' love the old dumb 'smart' hillbillies.
Umm, pardon me.....the old Appalachian Americans. Being contemporary politically correct here ----

ok fine. the experienced smart ole' country folk...........