I just purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback. On day four, the brake warning light came on with the hill-holder icon also showing.The dealership has now had the car for four days and has not come up with a solution (or they haven't tried because after all new cars don't bring any money to the service department). They may have the car for months. Maybe I can help them fix my car by asking you.Thanks,Chris
Welcome to Just Answers, I'm Kevin and I'm here to help resolve your Automotive issue Please click the ACCEPT button when satisfied with your answer. Positive Feedback is appreciated! Hello
What Happens Now?Your chat has ended, but you can still work with your Expert to get an answer to your question if you have not yet received one.Come back to this page at any time to see additional information from your Expert. You will also receive an email when your question is updated. If you want to send a message to your Expert, use the box below.If you have already received a satisfactory answer to your question, click the Accept button above. Experts are credited for each accepted answer they provide.
I can't find the answer ANYWHERE no matter where I look.
WHERE IS THE ANSWER???????????????????????????????????????????????
Hi, Sorry for your troubles with your new car!
Is this a manual transmission or automatic?
Automatic
I understand your frustration, never good to have problems with a new car!
The system that has a problem is the EPB..(Electronic Parking Brake).
This is a relatively new system on Subaru's and is not always easily diagnosed.
There are many possible failures that can occur in this system, when your warning lights came on , this was an indication of a problem which will also set a fail code that the dealer can access to start the diagnostic procedure, it should not take more than a day or 2 to diagnose the problem and maybe 2-3 days to order and receive any part from Subaru.
My big concern is why the dealer has not kept you in the loop regarding your car. Did you contact the service manager? did they give you a loaner car?
They offered to give me a loaner car but I have a tried and true 16 year old Subaru that I can actually drive! But now I'll take them up on it so then maybe they'll notice that a rental car has been out for a while.
Can you provide a diagnostic number or a fix patch number - something I can provide to the dealership?
The only way to get a diagnostic code is to connect the car to the SDS3, which is the Subaru Diagnostic System, which I am sure they have already done. If you can find out what code is present, I can help with the diagnostics...I have only had 1 EPB failure in my Dealer, it ended up being a bad control module/motor assembly.
I did check for bulletins or tech tips on your car at the Subaru Technical site, there is nothing reported as far as failures.
I would take a loaner, you are right in your logic that the dealer will want to get their loaner back ASAP so that will get them moving on your car, I would also express your disappointment with the service manager regarding the communication as far as the progress in the repair as well.
If you still have problems, you can also call customer service at 1-800-SUBARU-3.
Let me know if I can help you further, Kevin
Just to give you an idea, here is a list of all the potential fail codes that can be present, without knowing which code is present, it's impossible to diagnose.