a different trip computer problem

[Brad]

The elapsed time function in my '06 Outback is screwy--or I'm not
understanding how it's supposed to work. If I start the car then switch
the trip computer to elapsed time, 100% of the time the display will be
stuck on three horizontal dashes. If I simply leave the trip computer
on elapsed time, occasionally, almost randomly, it will begin
timekeeping when I start the car. I also tried turning the ignition to
On, switching to elapsed time, then starting the car. That gives a
somewhat higher percentage rate of success, but is hardly intuitive.

Hmm. Any ideas? Thanks.

-Brad

P.S. All the other functions work fine.

 

[oldslowbenter]

The elapsed time function in my '06 Outback is screwy--or I'm not
understanding how it's supposed to work. If I start the car then switch
the trip computer to elapsed time, 100% of the time the display will be
stuck on three horizontal dashes. If I simply leave the trip computer
on elapsed time, occasionally, almost randomly, it will begin
timekeeping when I start the car. I also tried turning the ignition to
On, switching to elapsed time, then starting the car. That gives a
somewhat higher percentage rate of success, but is hardly intuitive.

Hmm. Any ideas? Thanks.

-Brad

P.S. All the other functions work fine.

Read the manual???

 

[Lars]

The elapsed time function in my '06 Outback is screwy--or I'm not
understanding how it's supposed to work. If I start the car then switch
the trip computer to elapsed time, 100% of the time the display will be
stuck on three horizontal dashes. If I simply leave the trip computer
on elapsed time, occasionally, almost randomly, it will begin
timekeeping when I start the car. I also tried turning the ignition to
On, switching to elapsed time, then starting the car. That gives a
somewhat higher percentage rate of success, but is hardly intuitive.

Hmm. Any ideas? Thanks.

-Brad

P.S. All the other functions work fine.

I've noticed the same thing in my '06 3.0R Outback as well. Doesn't
seem to be predictible, at random times it will just show --- until
the next time I drive the vehicle.

I have read the owners manual and there isn't anything describing this
situation (feature known as Journey Time).

 

[Tim]

This afternoon I purchased a brand new '06 Outback sedan and here I am
ALREADY online searching for answers to this vehicle's electronic woes.

My trip odometer also malfunctions as those described in this thread,
with the added bonus that the MPG and AVG MPG readings either fluctuate
wildly, or have no readings at all (three hortizontal dashes).

This very much sours the experience of the new vehicle purchasing
experience (not to mention that I bought a Suabru based on
reliability).

I will check back in with an answer when I phone my good friends at
Exeter (New Hampshire) Subaru first thing in the morning to schedule a
service appointment after barely 1/2 day of ownership.

What a pain in the balls.

 

[Tony Burns (permanent dismisser of Andy and AJS)]

Sounds loke operator error to me!
RTFM!

 

[k. ote]

Sounds like operator error to me!
RTFM!

Amen!

 

[Bredehoft]

My trip odometer also malfunctions as those described in this thread,
with the added bonus that the MPG and AVG MPG readings either
fluctuate
wildly, or have no readings at all (three hortizontal dashes).

Patience, there are two MPG functions, the first is instantaneous and
varies between 4.0 and 99.9, yes wildly, depending on what the engine
is doing. It also reads 3 dashes when the car is stationary.

The second MPG reading is an average from the last time you set the
current trip odometer. (push and hold in for 5 seconds) but has the
three dashes until you travel a bit more than a mile.

By leaving it in instantaneous and being very careful about avoiding
low readings, you can get pretty good mileage.