Weird Lighting Problem; Lights flash on and off

[1996Battlewagon]

Something really weird has happened to my Outback. While I was replacing my fuel filter, I went to disconnect the negative lead from my battery so I wouldn't get fuel all over the place. When I went to put the lead back on, my parking lights started flashing without the car being on. I wiggled around the lead on the post and loosened it a little and they stopped flashing. But then I heard this really weird sound coming from inside like my door locks were trying to work. They wouldn't work when I tried them, so I tightened the battery back down and then the locks would work; but then the lights started to flash again.

I went to start the car and nothing happened. The battery didn't have enough voltage to start the car. I charged the battery with my charger back to 12 volts and the car started, but my lights won't stop flashing; inside and out.

So what do you guys think? I think my battery needs to be replaced but my leads are disgustingly filthy from corrosion. Do you guys think I will need to replace my leads as well? Or could it be a simple fuse problem?

Thanks and sorry for the long read!

[GTDrifter]

it might be like a theft alarm type thing...clean the leads and reconnect it cause i know that if i disconnect the positive lead to my battery and put it back on my alarm goes off...or dont you have a car alarm?

[SilentRacer]

My friend has the same problem with a new battery and rusty leads. Its the battery leads that need to be replaced most likely.

[1996Battlewagon]

My friend has the same problem with a new battery and rusty leads. Its the battery leads that need to be replaced most likely.

Cool, yeah that's what I'm thinking it is as well. The leads are simply disgusting. I tried my best to clean the leads as well as the posts on the battery and I even scrubed the negative ground wire; but the problem wasn't fixed.

Now I have to decide whether to replace the leads myself (I've never done it and I've heard that it can be a pain in the butt to do) or let a Subaru shop do it and get it out of the way.

[Huffer]

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/keyless.html#code%20alarm


Battery failed and lights flashing?
Parking lights will flash when the vehicle's battery is disconnected and reconnected.
To stop lights from flashing, either:
Press remote transmitter “UNLOCK” button once OR turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and press programming button for one second (see below).
The vehicle interior (courtesy) light and door open warning light (DOOR AJAR indicator) will then illuminate for 60 seconds when the ignition is turned off, or until the doors are locked with the remote transmitter. Yes, the dashboard instrument panel lights will flash when the parking lights flash.

[1996Battlewagon]

Problem FIXED!!!

It was the keyless entry programming button. The previous owner didn't have the keyless entry keyfob, so I honestly didn't think the Outback was equipped with it. It took me awhile to find that silly little button because it hadn't been put under the hood release yet and was way back behind the keyless entry module.

Thanks guys for the help!

[pdawg]

I had a mechanic work all day trying to solve that problem. When I went to pic it up he told me he couldn't figure it out. We went out to look at it . The hood was up and I noticed a sticker that told about using the remote to turn the lights off. Man was he pissed. I laughed all the way home. Glad to see you figured it out.