96 Outback Dash Lights and Parking Lts Blinking

[Smith1000]

I cleaned the pos. battery post and ever since putting the cable back on the battery, the dash lights and tail lights have been blinking. Sounds like there is a flasher unit in there clicking. It does this with the key off or on. I have to disconnect the battery to keep it from running the battery down. It pauses occasionally, but starts back up. Is there something that needs resetting? Not sure what the problem is. Thanks.

[TIFFW]

98 outback exact same problem? Help

[kfenske]

How to reset blinking lights in 96 Subaru Outback after batter disconnect


When you disconnect the battery then reattach it the car goes into a “tamper” mode and the parking lights blink forever.

To reset this do the following:

1.Put key in RUN position in ignition
2.Lock doors using power locks
3.Way up under driver side dash on left is a button inside a rubber cylinder. This button hanging there at the end of a wire and is called the valet button. Click and hold this button for 10 seconds until the electric door locks lock and unlock 3 times.
4.Lock and unlock doors
Done

[kathryn689]

thank you so much! you are a life saver!

[robd30]

On the 1998 Legacy Outback, there is no 'secret switch' under the dash, you need to simply disconnect the negative battery terminal, then put the ignition in the 'run' position, finally reconnect the negative battery and the blinking will finally go away! I've done it twice and it worked both times.