When troubleshooting faulty brake light switches in your 2012-2020 Subaru Outback, start by identifying the root cause, which can compromise safety features like Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and cruise control functionality.
Check the cabin fuse box for blown or faulty 20 Amp fuses, inspect electrical connections for looseness or corrosion, and investigate clicking noises that may indicate electrical component issues.
Consider consulting your Owner’s Manual for specific fuse locations and layout.
By understanding the electrical system and potential causes of the fault, you’ll be well on your way to resolving the issue and ensuring your vehicle’s overall safety and performance.
What You Need to Know
- Check the 20 Amp fuse in the cabin fuse box for blown fuses or corrosion affecting the brake light switch.
- Inspect the brake light switch and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose connections that can cause intermittent issues.
- A faulty brake light switch can compromise safety features like Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-lock Braking System, and cruise control functionality.
- Refer to Subaru Service Campaign #WUE90 for recall information on brake lamp switch failures, which can cause brake light malfunctions and startup issues.
Identifying the Root Cause
When diagnosing brake light switch issues in your Subaru Outback, pinpointing the root cause is vital to effective troubleshooting.
It starts with understanding the common symptoms and their underlying electrical connections.
A faulty brake light switch can lead to safety concerns, such as failure to start or shift out of Park, and even affect other systems like the horn.
One of the most obvious symptoms is non-functional brake lights, which may be due to a lack of electrical current reaching the lights because of a defective switch.
You may also notice a clicking noise when pressing the gear shift button, indicating an electrical issue linked to the brake light switch or a faulty relay.
Identifying the root cause of the issue is essential to addressing the problem effectively.
By understanding the electrical connections and symptoms, you can begin to narrow down the possible causes and take the necessary steps to repair or replace the brake light switch.
This will help guarantee your vehicle is safe to operate and prevent more serious problems from arising. Remember, a faulty brake light switch isn’t just an inconvenience, but a safety concern that needs to be addressed promptly.
Checking the Fuse Box
You’ll want to start by inspecting the fuse box, as a blown or faulty fuse can be the culprit behind your Subaru Outback’s brake light issues.
The cabin fuse box, typically located near the driver’s left knee, contains a 20 Amp fuse that powers the stop light switch. Check this fuse for functionality, and consider fuse replacement if it’s blown.
Don’t forget to inspect the connections in the fuse box for any signs of looseness or corrosion, as these can cause intermittent brake light issues.
Consult your Owner’s Manual for specific fuse locations and layout, as some vehicles may have multiple fuse panels, including one in the engine compartment.
When troubleshooting, make sure to examine both the cabin and engine compartment fuse boxes for blown fuses, particularly the 20 Amp fuses related to the brake lights and other electrical components.
If you’re unsure about fuse testing or replacement, consider consulting a professional mechanic for assistance.
Clicking Noise Investigation
As you press the gear shift button, a persistent clicking noise in the dash signals a potential electrical component issue linked to the brake light switch, which demands your immediate attention.
This clicking sound could be more than just an annoyance – it may indicate a faulty relay or a broader electrical component issue.
Your investigation should focus on identifying the source of the clicking noise, as it may be associated with non-functional components like the horn or brake lights, which are affected by the switch’s performance.
Loose or corroded contacts in the fuse box, particularly related to the brake light switch circuit, can contribute to intermittent clicking noises and electrical malfunctions.
Verify secure connections in the electrical system, including checking for any faulty inline components, to resolve the clicking noise and associated issues.
Furthermore, the clicking sound could also be a sign of a malfunctioning transmission interlock system, which relies on the brake light switch signal to permit shifting from Park.
By pinpointing the root cause of the clicking noise, you’ll be one step closer to resolving the underlying issue with your brake light switch.
Electrical System Troubleshooting
Check the 20 Amp fuse in the cabin fuse box, located near the driver’s left knee, for any signs of blown fuses or corrosion, as this is a common trouble spot in the electrical system affecting the brake light switch in your 2012-2020 Subaru Outback.
When performing brake light diagnostics, it’s essential to inspect the brake light switch wiring and connections, especially if a previous radio installation might’ve affected them.
Loose or corroded contacts can lead to intermittent brake light function and locking in Park.
Next, confirm that the brake light switch is engaging properly by testing whether the brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed. A malfunction could prevent the vehicle from starting or shifting out of Park.
Utilize a multimeter to test for continuity in the brake light switch and associated wiring, ensuring that the switch is providing the necessary signal for ignition and transmission interlock functions.
As part of regular electrical system maintenance, investigate potential faulty relays, inline components, or grounding issues that could be affecting the overall electrical system if you notice electrical symptoms such as clicking noises in the dashboard or non-functional components like the horn.
Cabin Fuse Box Inspection
Precision is key when inspecting the cabin fuse box, where a single corroded or loose contact can cripple the brake light switch and leave you stranded.
As you troubleshoot the electrical system, it’s crucial to check the cabin fuse box, located near the driver’s left knee, which contains a 20 Amp fuse that powers the brake light switch.
Consult your Owner’s Manual to familiarize yourself with the fuse layout and locations to facilitate an efficient inspection.
When inspecting the cabin fuse box, pay close attention to the electrical connections, looking for signs of corrosion or wear.
Verify the condition of the fuses in both the cabin and engine compartment fuse boxes to rule out any electrical issues affecting the brake lights.
Don’t overlook the possibility of a faulty relay or inline component within the cabin fuse box, which could also contribute to malfunctioning brake lights.
Thoroughly examine all connections to guarantee they’re clean, tight, and free of corrosion.
Brake Light Switch Recall Details
You’re likely aware that Subaru issued a massive recall in 2019, affecting 2.3 million vehicles, including various Outback models from 2013-2017, due to concerns over faulty brake lamp switches that could lead to brake light failures.
This recall, identified as Subaru Service Campaign #WUE90 and NHTSA campaign #19V149000, highlights safety issues linked to the potential malfunction of the brake light switch.
The defective switch not only impacts brake light functionality but also affects ignition and transmission systems, potentially preventing the vehicle from starting or shifting out of Park.
Unfortunately, insufficient replacement parts were available at the time of the recall announcement, leading to delays in addressing the issue for affected vehicle owners.
The recall implications are significant, as faulty brake lamp switches can cause accidents or increase the risk of being involved in one.
Fortunately, Subaru has since made the necessary repairs available.
The repair process typically involves replacing the defective switch with a redesigned one featuring fluorine grease to mitigate contamination issues, as outlined in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 06-55-16R).
Beyond the Brake Light Failure
Beyond brake light failure, a faulty switch can have far-reaching consequences that impact your driving experience and safety. You may think it’s just a minor issue, but the effects can be much broader.
For instance, a malfunctioning switch can prevent your vehicle from starting or engage the transmission interlock, blocking shifting out of Park without the proper signal.
Here are some ways a faulty brake light switch can impact your driving experience:
- Compromised safety features: A defective switch can deactivate the vehicle stability control (VDC) and anti-lock braking system (ABS), leaving you vulnerable on the road.
- Cruise control issues: The brake light switch is essential for cruise control functionality, and failure can hinder its operation.
- Battery drain: Continuous issues with the brake light switch can lead to battery drain if the lights remain on due to a short circuit or internal malfunction within the switch.
- Transmission interlock engagement: The malfunctioning switch can engage the transmission interlock, blocking shifting out of Park without the proper signal.
It’s vital to address brake light switch issues promptly to avoid these far-reaching consequences and guarantee your safety on the road.
Systems Affected by Defect
When a faulty brake light switch is present in your Subaru Outback, it can disrupt the normal functioning of several critical systems, putting your safety and driving experience at risk.
The brake system is one of the most affected, as the switch’s malfunction can prevent the brake lights from illuminating when you press the pedal, creating significant safety implications.
This can lead to accidents or near-misses, especially when driving at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Beyond the brake system, a defective switch can also impact the transmission interlock system, preventing you from shifting out of Park unless the brake pedal is pressed.
The ignition interlock system is also affected, blocking the engine from starting unless the brake pedal is engaged.
Whats more, issues with the brake light switch can trigger the vehicle stability control (VDC) warning light, compromising overall vehicle safety and performance.
Even the cruise control system can be affected, as it relies on the switch for proper functionality.
It’s vital to address a faulty brake light switch promptly to avoid these safety implications and guarantee a smooth driving experience.
Common Symptoms to Watch
As you’re driving your Subaru Outback, it’s vital to recognize the telltale signs of a faulty brake light switch to address the issue promptly and prevent further complications.
A malfunctioning brake light switch can lead to a range of problems that can compromise your safety on the road.
Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:
- Inability to start the vehicle: A faulty brake light switch can prevent your car from starting, especially in push-button ignition systems.
- Brake lights stuck on or off: If your brake lights remain constantly on, it can drain your battery. On the other hand, if they don’t turn on at all, it can be a hazard to other drivers.
- Cruise control failure: The brake light switch signals when the brake pedal is pressed, disengaging the cruise control. If the switch is faulty, your cruise control may not work properly.
- Check engine light or ABS light illumination: Diagnostic trouble codes related to the brake switch can trigger these warning lights, indicating a potential issue that requires troubleshooting.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to perform brake light diagnostics to identify the root cause. In many cases, switch replacement may be necessary to resolve the issue.
Next Steps for Resolution
Now that you’ve identified the symptoms, it’s time to take action and troubleshoot the brake light switch to resolve the issue and prevent further complications.
First, check the 20 Amp fuse in the cabin fuse box that powers the stop light switch, as a blown fuse can lead to brake light failure and related issues.
Next, inspect the brake light switch and surrounding wiring for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections, particularly if your vehicle has had previous electrical modifications.
If you find any issues, consider brake light replacement or switch adjustment to get your brake lights functioning properly again.
Then, refer to Subaru Service Campaign #WUE90 for recall information related to brake lamp switch failures, which may impact your vehicle’s reliability and safety.
Use a diagnostic scanner to read any trouble codes that may point to issues with the brake light switch, such as those indicated by the check engine or ABS lights.
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