Subaru Troubleshooting

23rd March 2025

When:
Happens in cold conditions? After a car wash? After a fuel fillup? Hit debris on road?
Traction Control Light: Back of vehicle with wavy wheel tracks
Hill Start Assist: Side of vehicle going down a ramp
XMode Control Light: Side of vehicle with bumpy road under it

All:
Make sure gas cap is on tight, and not cross-threaded.

Check Engine + Hill Start Assist + Traction Control: (No Shifter Lock)
-Turn traction control and xMode on/off.
-Brake pedal position sensor; verify the brake lights illuminate when the brake petal is pressed.
-Wheel speed sensors; located near each brake rotor, verify the sensor/wiring haven’t been damaged by road debris. Use a cell phone to take some pics.
-Check tire pressure; a low tire has smaller diameter which can be mis-constrewn as constant wheel slip
-Push parking brake release button.
-Find a fuse marked OBD, remove for 30min + Reconnect.
-disconnect the battery for 30min + Reconnect. (This made the CE light go out)
-Check if Cruise Control is working CAREFULLY

Check Engine + Hill Start Assist + Traction Control + Shifter Locked:

Subaru makes fine vehicles but they build to a price point. To save $ a few gaskets were replaced with silicone sealant from the factory. You can get aftermarket gaskets, but the engine needs to be tipped/lifted to get them installed which is expensive. Expect this expense after 150k