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Subaru Impreza Brake Questions

66 messages,  Last post on Jan 02, 2013 at 6:52 AM

You are in the Subaru Impreza Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Brakes, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 4 of 7

#29 of 66 VDC, ABS, Hill holder warning lights by problemimpreza

Feb 26, 2008 (9:22 am)

On Nov. 30, 2007, I took possession of my brand new 2008 Subaru Impreza, 2.5i sedan (premium package, 5M) and starting at about 400 km, the warning lights appeared and the VDC, ABS, and hill holder functions were disengaged. Restarting the car cleared the warning lights until the next time it happened. When I initially took the car in, there were no diagnostic codes that could be pulled, so the service dept. couldn't do anything. I was told to bring the car in when the warning lights were on. After two weeks of driving with this annoying problem (each time the warning lights come on, I pull out of traffic and restart the car), the lights finally came on while the dealership was open. They pulled some codes from the car because I didn't turn the car off.
 
The first fix was to change out a control unit of some sort - I think it was the VDC control module. That fix resulted in the warning lights coming on more frequently, making the car virtually undriveable. After only 2 1/2 months, my car is in the dealership for the third time (and it's been there now for the past 2 weeks) and they will be changing out the brake switch. I'm hoping this will do the trick, but I won't get a call back from the dealership until tomorrow (all things going well, and so far they haven't). Even then I won't know if the problem is fixed until I drive my car for an extended period of time without the warning lights coming on.
 
This is my first Subaru and it's looking as if it will be my last. The only reason I purchased this particular car was for its safety and reliability ratings. How frustrating that it's the safety systems that have proven to be highly unreliable. I could've spent much less money on any number of cars that don't work.
 
I was told by the dealership here in Winnipeg that there are two Impreza's in Winnipeg with this problem. I believe there will be more Imprezas reporting this problem as sales increase and as people put miles on them.
 
I would very much appreciate knowing if the brake switch replacement worked.
 
-wt

#30 of 66 Re: VDC, ABS, Hill holder warning lights [problemimpreza] by impreza2008

Feb 26, 2008 (10:21 pm)

Replying to: problemimpreza (Feb 26, 2008 9:22 am)
Hi, I had the same problem.. read Post #28. The problem was solved with the brake switch being replaced. It has not reccured since it was repaired. I love my first Subaru and plan to own many more.
 
Sol Briks

#31 of 66 Re: VDC, ABS, Hill holder warning lights [impreza2008] by problemimpreza

Feb 28, 2008 (9:28 am)

Replying to: impreza2008 (Feb 26, 2008 10:21 pm)
Thanks for your post #30. I'm hoping that will do the trick on mine as well. When I picked up my car from the dealership after they changed out the brake switch, the red light that appears around the ignition was flashing and not fading out as it should. This turns out to be way too distracting while driving at night. I'm hoping that this will be a quick fix, but it results in yet another trip to the service department today. (But I did drive for an entire day so far without the VDC, ABS, and hill holder warning lights coming on.)
 
When my car is working, it is fantastic to drive. Given my experience, I don't have the confidence that when I turn it on it will work. I'm hoping that I just got off to a rocky start with this car and the flashing ignition light is the last repair. I'll know in a year from now whether or not I'd purchase another Subaru. At this point, the fun factor has not exceeded the time, inconvenience and aggravation of the repairs.
 
Thanks again for responding with your message. I'll post again in a month if the brake switch did the trick. I'll post again sooner if it didn't!
 
wt

#32 of 66 Follow-up to Msg #31 - new brake switch worked by problemimpreza

Mar 28, 2008 (9:05 am)

I'm pleased to say that the replacement brake switch seems to have fixed my problem with the VDC, ABS, and hill holder warning lights coming on. The service department at the dealership found that the original brake switch was in fact broken.
 
I've been driving my Impreza for almost a month now without the warning lights coming on. It's been great (and I'm knocking on wood as I type this). The Impreza is certainly a terrific car to drive, especially during less-than-ideal winter driving conditions. I'm hoping that future trips to the service department are few and far between and involve only routine maintenance.
 
wt

#33 of 66 Re: VDC, ABS, Hill holder warning lights [problemimpreza] by mom3peggy

Apr 09, 2008 (11:36 am)

Replying to: problemimpreza (Feb 28, 2008 9:28 am)
I am having the same problems with regard to the warning lights.
 
Was it the brake switch light or the VDC control module that fixed the problem?
 
I am bringing the car in for service on 04/12/08 should I tell the service department about the solution mentioned in your post.
 
Thank you
 
PM

#34 of 66 break switch is the problem by impreza2008

Apr 09, 2008 (1:22 pm)

Please do mention it.. in my case I told them it may be the VDC module.. they told me its a defective break switch.. and it did the job...
 
Now I am dealing with thin and fragile paint.. hope the fix is simple.. somehow I think I got a lemon. Have an appointment with the dealer tomorrow.. stay tuned..
 
I have a dark gray color.. 2008 Impreza sedan.. bought in November.
 
Sol

#35 of 66 Re: break switch is the problem [impreza2008] by impreza2008

Apr 30, 2008 (6:14 pm)

Replying to: impreza2008 (Apr 09, 2008 1:22 pm)
After a couple of months the brake switch problem returned tonight.. right after I released the brake pedal.. maybe the new break switch failed again..
 
If anyone has a repeat failure please write in. I also have difficuty shifting out of Park now.. I think its related to the brake switch failure.
 
Sol Briks 203-767-0770

#36 of 66 Re: break switch is the problem [impreza2008] by mom3peggy

Apr 30, 2008 (8:24 pm)

Replying to: impreza2008 (Apr 30, 2008 6:14 pm)
I had the same problem re not being able to get out of park. When my break switch was fixed the transmission problem went away. I am very interested as to what your dealer says about this issue. I have not had the problem again but am now worried that I could in the future.
 
Would it be possible for you to keep us informed about the issue? Peggy Manner

#37 of 66 Re: break switch is the problem [mom3peggy] by paisan

May 01, 2008 (7:31 am)

Replying to: mom3peggy (Apr 30, 2008 8:24 pm)
Makes perfect sense. The brake switch is what is used to keep the car in P so if it has failed, then it wil not come out of P.
 
-mike

#38 of 66 Re: break switch is the problem [paisan] by impreza2008

May 02, 2008 (12:01 pm)

Replying to: paisan (May 01, 2008 7:31 am)
I just had the second break switch replaced at Dan Perkins Subaru.. they think the design is flawed and may break again. At least they promised a free oil change the next time it happens.. very nice people.
 
Also, they spray painted the black peeled paint on the muffler.. which they damaged when they applied the paint harder.. see my other problem...
 
All in all the issues are being handled and I am happy with my 2008 Impreza.
 
Sol Briks
 
PS...Does anyone have an opinion about the 2009 Forester?

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