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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 7 of 8

#54 of 66 Re: abs+vdc lights [impreza2008] by problemimpreza

May 29, 2008 (10:29 am)

Replying to: impreza2008 (May 22, 2008 6:27 pm)
I really appreciate being able to read about your experience with your Impreza. Although my brake switch was replaced at the end of February and so far I haven't encountered further problems, I'm certainly taking it on a day-by-day basis. It is a great car when it's working. Thank you for taking the time and effort to keep everyone up to date.
 
If the 2008 Impreza didn't have the safety features of abs and vdc, I would not have purchased it -- in fact, I didn't purchase the 2007 Impreza for my son for that reason alone. Instead, I purchased a 2007 Honda CRV, complete with all of the safety features. For sure, the safety features are great in the winter on icy roads, however, they're every bit as important on wet roads. Also, abs allows one to steer while braking, which is great in all weather conditions. I would be just as upset to lose my safety features in the summer as I was in the winter when I was driving with the systems disengaged. I wouldn't want anyone at Subaru to think that because winter is behind us, there's no urgency in fixing the safety systems. I really hope they come up with a fix very soon!
 
wt

#56 of 66 Re: abs+vdc lights [problemimpreza] by impreza2008

Oct 13, 2008 (2:18 pm)

Replying to: problemimpreza (May 29, 2008 10:29 am)
I went back a few months ago.. and asked that they really try to figure out what the problem is.. they found a loose connector in a wire harness.. they snapped on the retainers and it fixed the problem... has not recurred so far and I feel they finally got it.
 
Now that the market for autos is in the tank.. time to start shopping for another Subaru.
 
Sol Briks

#57 of 66 Re: abs+vdc lights [impreza2008] by briandorval

Jan 25, 2009 (8:47 pm)

Replying to: impreza2008 (Oct 13, 2008 2:18 pm)
I think I have the same problem...
I own a Subaru Impreza 2.5i 2009
When I'm driving sometimes the ABS, VDC, and Hill Start Assist Light comes on and everything is disabled...
The car have only 1week !!!
What is best to say to my dealer ???
I'm not sure what to do really and I don't like this problem at all

#58 of 66 by briandorval

Jan 25, 2009 (9:01 pm)

In fact the lights turn on and I have to restart the car. After the restart It work fine...
I get this problem everyday and It happen randomly...

#59 of 66 Re: abs+vdc lights by impreza2008

Jan 25, 2009 (9:08 pm)

What fixed it finally, after many trials... is a closing loose harness connector retaining clips. Your mechanic can call Dan Perkins Subaru and speak to the Service Manager. They struggled with the problem for almost a year and finally got it.
 
Sol Briks

#60 of 66 Re: abs+vdc lights [briandorval] by BostonDriver67

Feb 11, 2009 (1:42 pm)

Replying to: briandorval (Jan 25, 2009 8:47 pm)
Hey all... had the same experience here, also. Impreza 2.5i premium sedan/auto, took delivery on Jan 30th, 8 days later the car wouldn't let me shift it out of Park and the ADC/VDC warning lights came on.
 
Luckily I had read the manual and knew how to use a screwdriver to get past the shift lock feature so I could drive the car until I could get it looked at. Dealer replaced the brake light switch and the problem's gone away, at least for now. I did ask them "hey is that a part that breaks often on these cars?" and they said no.
 
Sounds to me like they are still using the same design of switch, though, if folks with 2009s are seeing the problem too. Does anyone know how to get the build date for a Subaru? Maybe they switched designs mid-year?
 
Otherwise, happy with the car and with the swift dealer response, but I'm hoping that this will be the last repair I'll need for awhile.

#61 of 66 by briandorval

Feb 11, 2009 (2:08 pm)

It was the brake switch too.
 
The brake switch logged 2 conflictual error code.
They sent a report with the problem to Subaru and after a week they ask me to come back with my car to fix it.
But they didn't replace the switch, they reprogrammed the switch and that's it.
 
Now it works fine and I get crazy in every snowy road

#62 of 66 Re: [briandorval] by impreza2008

Jun 26, 2009 (1:24 pm)

Replying to: briandorval (Jan 25, 2009 9:01 pm)
I would like to report that since a connector on the harness was properly secured, my problem with ABS etc... has not returned. Please ask your service manager to contact the service manager at Dan Perkins Subaru in Milford, CT and confirm the fix that finally worked for me. Use my name.
 
Sol Briks

#63 of 66 Re: [impreza2008] by subirex09

Dec 23, 2009 (8:23 am)

Replying to: impreza2008 (Jun 26, 2009 1:24 pm)
Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to comment on this issue. I have a 2009 WRX and I started experiencing this problem a couple of weeks ago very frequently. It is frustrating because the car doesn't feel quite right when these systems disengage. I still feel safe as long as the roads are dry and there is no snow in the forecast but if it happens during a snow storm I might be a little nervous. When I stop and turn the car off, then restart, the codes go away for a little while. Luckily I have a manual so my tranny doesn't lock me out but it's still a pain to worry about these lights all the time.
 
The dealer has replaced the brake light switch once but the problem came back the next day. Like many of you mentioned, they may have used the same switch design which clearly is not very good. I did find the NHTSA summary which I will bring to my dealer's attention. I also noticed that a few people commented on a connector in the harness. I will discuss that with the dealer as well.
 
I love my car very much, have had it for about a year, just hope they can get this resolved. I have had no other problems with it but it stinks to know they are still putting the same faulty switch into even newer cars.
 
My build date is October, 2008. I picked up the car last December.

Messages Page 7 of 8

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