[GeorgiaBill]

ECM Update P0137

Sandy Springs Subaru diagnosed the problem as needing an ECM update.

The update applied appears to be A455-288 UPG-48 which appears to address rough idling, lengthy starting, and cruise control problems.

I don't understand how the initial ECM functions for 51,000 miles and then starts to fail intermittently. I'm wondering if the problem has been corrected or will appear later. Time will tell.

-Bill

 

[nessman1]

Has anyone found a definitive fix?

I had this problem last year. Eventually it resolved itself as it was happening only in very cold weather. Replacing the brake light switch didn't resolve it.

This winter - no issues - even during the single digit cold snap last week.

I had to get my rear brakes replaced a few days ago - calipers, rotors, pads. Things were fine for a few days and then the problem started out of the blue as I was driving as I was at a stop, then coming out of the intersection I felt a thud and the problem came back again. Then it went away after driving for a while. Then came back and won't go away.

I'm taking the car back to the shop this afternoon for something else - but going to tell them to check the wheel speed sensors to see if they screwed one of them up during the brake job.

Have 15 months left on car payments and I'm gonna unload this hunk of garbage (2015 Subaru Forester Premium w/2.5l engine and CVT). 110,000 miles - between this issue and the oil consumption. Just not worth the hassle. I've driven other brands further with fewer problems.

 

[ranger_lp]

Hi...had this happen to me last week...went to dealer today for service. They scanned computer for codes and got C1531 BLS stuck off. Referred to TSB 07-128-18.

They replaced the Brake Light Switch and so far it's ok.

 

[Tooly]

I'm wondering if the recall announced today pertains to this? From what I've read on various news sites:

The move affects Forester sport utility vehicles and Impreza cars built between Sept. 19, 2008, and March 29, 2017, totaling 306,728 units in Japan and 1,962,113 overseas.

The problem is with the brake lamp switch, which is activated when the driver depresses the brake pedal. Impurities prevent a normal response and can lead to problems turning on the engine. In Japan, around 1,400 cases have been reported on the issue.

 

[ntotrr]

@Tooly, Interesting about this recall. I had to have my brake light switch replaced some time ago. I wonder if refunds for cost of repairs are due to those of us who've paid for replacements.

 

[Tooly]

It's really hard to find any details about the recall. Engine type? Both manual and automatics affected? According to consumer reports it affects these models, but again no engine or tranny details.

The vehicles: 2008 to 2016 Impreza cars, and 2013 to 2017 Crosstrek and 2014 to 2016 Forester SUVs

 

[JamesGilbert]

Newbie here. Daughter just bought a 2015 Forester with high miles, and these three lights (ABS, Dynamic Control, & Hill Assist) were on. Noticed on way home from dealer that her driver side brake light was out. Replaced both brake light bulbs, and the three lights on the dash went out. Haven't been back on for a day. Thinking about ordering the brake light switch just in case. Might wait and see how this new recall may shake out also. Either way, thanks to this great thread, I am sure I can fix the problem if it returns. Thanks!

 

[KMKasper]

Brake Light Switch Recall HELP

Hey all,

Anyone have updated info on the brake light switch recall?

Our 15's switch is BAD but haven't been able to schedule appointments at a dealer to have the recall completed.

The switches can be had cheap, anyone know if Subaru will reimburse if I replace myself, as I need to drive the car...

Apologies if this has already been covered, thanks everyone!


Kevin

 

[jb53]

When I had mine done, the local dealer said I didn't even need to make an appointment, just come in. Took them I think 45 minutes and that included them washing it when they were done.

 

[JayTheSnork]

thanks guys - I pulled apart the switch and cleaned it. I've had the same issue here as everyone else seems to have, with ABS, Hill Assist, and VDS on. hopefully, this resolves it.

I know there is a recall out on it, and I will ask the wife to make it a priority to get this replaced asap.

 

[Nadia1718]

Count me as another one with this issue. All 3 lights on the dash just started showing up. Happened on and off for a week or so on a cross-country trip. Turning car off/on would reset them. But at some point the lights would not go off. This causes a problem. The transmission will not go into gear with the lights on. You will be stuck in park. Turning the car off/on multiple times would eventually allow me to shift into gear. Once in gear, everything seems to be fine with the lights on, except the cruise control won't work.

Thanks man. This one really help me out. I just encountered the same problem. Just replace the brake switch and everything back to normal.

 

[salto_jorge]

ABS Light, Traction Light, Eyesight, Collision Detection, Lane Assistance, Hill Assist light all light up, engine stumbling, rough idling.

Generic Scanner Code: P0353 and P0303

Started: Sept 04, 2019 . 2017 Forester, Vehicle needed to be towed 28 miles.

I stepped on the gas to pass a truck that short stopped ahead of me and the dash lit up and the stumbling started.

What is the specific recall repair, my 2017 Forester does not have a Subaru warranty (Severe Colorado Hail/Collision Salvage)

I will need to repair it myself.

If the issue is the switch that has been mentioned in this thread, mine is a different color (see attachment). 83311FG000 (black on Black) no recall listed.

To the right of the [P] another light is flashing.

Thank You for any repair information suggestions

 

[salto_jorge]

Update:

I changed out part:
83311FG000, disconnected the battery for 5 minutes.

Also unscrewed and screwed in the Gas cap

The above two items did not make any difference !

Number 3 coil pack connector is cracked (P0353 and P0303) question is how to fix it.

EBay has the pigtail as "2017 Subaru Forester Ignition Coil Connector Plug"

Salto_Jorge in Boulder County Colorado

 

[jrangelini]

So question for those who have had this happen and replaced the BLS. Has anyone with a manual transmission had this happen to them? Obviously the concern of not being able to shift the transmission would not be an issue, more the dummy lights and the lack of brake lights.

I've not had the issue appear on my wife's 2016 2.5i w/manual transmission but based on the number of people with the issue and the cheap price of the replacement part, I may do it as preventative maintenance.

I have a 2014 with manual transmission. I never had any problems with the VDC until I replaced the brake light switch pursuant to the recall. Immediately after, I felt the car decelerating (figured out I can watch the rpms decrease on the tachometer while seeing my acceleration rate via the console). Eventually various lights came on--by the time I took it back to the dealership, all ABS, hill assist, check engine, plus the brake lights wouldn't turn off. I was told the switch was misadjusted, and supposedly they fixed that. But still feeling car decelerate, and eventually the hill assist light (with check system message) came back. This time I insisted they change the new switch, thinking maybe it was defective. Same issues (another symptom is that it becomes impossible to disable hill assist), by now I've called Subaru of America. This morning I've taken it to a different dealership, who claimed the switch (this one is black) was obviously misadjusted and they have now done it correctly. I hope they have and the problem is fixed! However, I have noticed that the clutch ALSO has a switch (blue one) and wonder if this can end up having the corrosion problem that the brake light switch supposedly had. I wish I had never changed the switch in the first place, but if you do know that the dealerships aren't doing a good job calibrating them and/or the replacements are having issues too.

 

[BullBrass]

I had this problem and it turned out to be the VDC control module was not grounded to the car properly. Grinding away a new area for the grounding wire made all my lights go away.

 

[rabaksa]

I'm wondering if the recall announced today pertains to this?...

It sure does! Safety recall WUE-90 issued in late February 2019 for the brake light switch (a.k.a. brake lamp switch or BLS) affects over 1.3 million Foresters, Imprezas, Crosstreks, and WTX's. The resolution is considerably more involved than other posts in this thread (including my own) might suggest. I'd recommend taking it in for authorized repair since it isn't fun to get stuck somewhere unable to shift out of park and it isn't safe to drive with intermittent or non-functional brake lights. Anyway, here are the recall details for anyone who missed it:

Safety Recall: WUE-90 Brake Lamp Switch Replacement – 2008-2017 Subaru
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V149
Safety Recall: WUE-90 Brake Lamp Switch Replacement – 2008-2017 Subaru | Subaru

 

[Cruzenman]

I also am having an issue with the multiple warning lights:

Check ABS System
Check Hill Decent System
Check Vehicle Dynamics Control System

The first time the lights came on twice in one day. My neighborhood mechanic requested I bring the car to him while the lights were on. They came on again about three weeks later. He scanned the engine and it returned a P0971 error code:

Pressure Control Solenoid "C" or Transfer Solenoid Circuit (High) - History Fault.

Because there is an extended warranty on the CVT, he suggested I take it back to the dealer. I took it in yesterday. They told me there would be a $135 diagnostic fee which would be waived if it was a CVT problem. I brought them a picture of the error message that my mechanic suggested I take. I explained that the lights were not on at this time (based on previous reading I know that many people with this problem were told that nothing could be found). I was told not to worry because any codes generated would be stored plus I gave them the photo. They called me today to tell me that there were no stored codes and even though I provided them with the photo, they could not accept a diagnostic performed by someone else. I was told they would test drive the car to see if the lights would come on. I told them it could be weeks before they come on again. I have not yet heard back but something tells me that I will be out $135 and nothing will have been gained.

 

[magicqueendom]

Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to say that I had my BLS replaced just a couple months ago via the recall, they put in part number 83319FJ000. It failed, had they Hill Descent light and others go on. Dropped by the Subaru part store today and they have a NEW ONE, just out, made by Subaru 83370AA001. I will give it a go and let you all know. Fingers crossed.

 

[Kevin]

Thanks for the info @magicqueendom
Could you please complete your profile; vehicle details at least, thanks:

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[Patrick2963]

Interesting!

This morning - to continue the problem - The hill start assist light came on like it does every morning, but i notice as i was driving all of a sudden it would lose power(slow down like i let off the accelerator, it happened twice and i didnt notice an RPM Drop), then the hill start assist light would come on, and it would regain power..

I think that this was your abs activating at the command of the dynamics system. Same symptoms here, just the hill assist light on first. I was at highway speed when this happened to me and I could definitely tell the car was braking. Then the abs and dynamics lights both came on.

I disable the traction control when I set out now and have experienced no problems. I will change the switch before winter because that dynamics control is awesome isn't it?