Subaru Brake Light Flashing And Traction Control Light is a common issue that many Subaru owners encounter.
This phenomenon, while seemingly alarming, is a crucial part of your vehicle’s safety system.
When these lights flash, it’s your car’s way of communicating that something might be off with your braking or traction control system.
It could be a simple sensor glitch, or it could indicate a more serious issue that needs immediate attention.
Understanding what these flashing lights mean and how to respond can make a significant difference in your driving experience.
This article aims to provide you with comprehensive information on this topic, helping you navigate this situation with confidence and ease.
Stay tuned as we delve into the intricacies of your Subaru’s brake light and traction control light.
Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to Subaru Recalls and Safety Notices
What Does the Brake Light and Traction Control Light Indicate in Subaru Vehicles?
What Does the Brake Light in Subaru Cars Indicate?
The brake light in Subaru vehicles is a warning signal that illuminates when there could be issues with the car’s braking system.
Although the designs may vary across different Subaru models, these lights are generally represented by an exclamation mark within a circle, accompanied by the words “Brake system” or “Brake.”
What Does the Traction Control Light in Subaru Cars Mean?
The traction control (TC) light in Subaru cars can have different meanings depending on the displayed icon. Here’s what to look out for:
- If a car image with a skid mark is displayed, it means the TC is functioning as it should, controlling the traction as a safety feature.
- If a triangle with lines cutting through it is displayed, it suggests that the traction control system might be experiencing issues.
Regardless of the situation, both these lights will appear on the car’s dashboard.
Extra caution should be taken when the light blinks and your car refuses to accelerate, as it indicates the TC feature is in use.
This typically happens when your car loses its grip around sharp curves, on wet pavements, or similar terrains.
For a more detailed explanation, continue reading the next section.
What Are The Reasons Why The Subaru Brake Light Flashing And Traction Control Light Turned On?
1: Loss of Traction
When your Subaru is driving on surfaces like loose gravel, heavy rain, or snow, the tires may lose grip on the road. This is where the traction control system comes into play. It detects the loss of traction and takes corrective action by reducing engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels, helping the car regain control. When this happens, the traction control light will flash to inform you that the system is actively working.
2: Traction Control System Deactivation
Subaru vehicles allow drivers to manually turn off the traction control system, usually for driving in deep snow or mud where wheel spin is needed. If you’ve accidentally hit the switch, the traction control light will stay on to indicate that the system is off.
3: Malfunctioning Sensors
The traction control system relies on various sensors to function correctly, including the steering wheel position sensor and wheel speed sensors. These sensors provide crucial data about the car’s movements and the road conditions. If these sensors malfunction, they can send incorrect data to the control system, causing the traction control light to turn on.
4: Issues with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
The ABS and traction control system are closely linked as they both help maintain control of the car under different driving conditions. If there’s a problem with the ABS—like a faulty ABS sensor or a problem with the ABS hydraulic pump—it can trigger the traction control light.
5: Damaged Traction Control or ABS Modules
The traction control and ABS systems are controlled by electronic modules. These modules process the data from various sensors and control the car’s response. If these modules are damaged, it could lead to the systems not working correctly, causing the lights to flash.
6: Low Battery Voltage or Brake Fluid Levels
The car’s electrical system, including the ABS and traction control systems, relies on the battery. If the battery voltage is low, it could affect these systems and cause the lights to turn on. Similarly, low brake fluid levels can affect the braking system’s performance, triggering the brake light.
Is It Safe to Drive My Subaru for an Extended Period Without Addressing These Flashing Lights?
No, it’s not advisable. Unless the issue lies with the indicator lights themselves (which can only be confirmed by a proper check), disregarding these warning lights could be a risky decision.
These lights signal potential problems with the traction control and braking systems, both of which are vital for your car’s performance and safety.
If either of these systems is malfunctioning, it could significantly affect your vehicle’s stability control, steering capabilities, and fuel efficiency. This could increase the risk of road hazards or accidents, particularly on slippery roads or in adverse weather conditions.
It’s recommended to take your car to a professional service department or auto repair shop as soon as possible. If that’s not immediately feasible, at least cease driving and park the car in a safe location. Continuing to drive could exacerbate the problem and potentially lead to dangerous situations. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How Can I Reset the Flashing Brake Light and Traction Control Light on My Subaru?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset the flashing brake light and traction control light on your Subaru:
- Turn off the engine: Begin by switching off your vehicle’s engine. Wait for a few moments before proceeding to the next step.
- Restart your car: Turn your car back on. Often, this simple act of restarting can reset the traction control system and extinguish the light.
- Check the Traction Control System (TCS) button: Find the Traction Control System (TCS) button on your dashboard or console. Press it once to see if the light turns off.
- Use an on-board diagnostic (OBD2) scan tool: If the light remains on after the previous steps, you might need to use an on-board diagnostic (OBD2) scan tool. This device can be plugged into the diagnostic link connector (DLC) in your car to clear the code and reset your TCS/ABS light.
- Drive your vehicle for a few minutes: If you’ve recently reconnected or installed a new battery, driving your vehicle for a short period may cause the light to turn off. This allows the car’s systems to recalibrate and recognize the new battery.
Why is the red light flashing on my Subaru dashboard?
A red light flashing on your Subaru dashboard is typically a warning or alert signal indicating an issue that needs immediate attention.
It could be related to various systems in your car, such as the engine, brakes, or oil levels.
For instance, if it’s the brake light, it could mean there’s a problem with your car’s braking system. If it’s the oil light, it might indicate low oil pressure.
It’s crucial to refer to your vehicle’s owner manual or seek professional help to understand the specific meaning of the flashing red light.
Ignoring these warning lights could lead to serious damage to your vehicle or compromise your safety on the road.
FAQs – Subaru Brake Light Flashing And Traction Control Light
What does it mean when both the brake light and traction control light are flashing on my Subaru?
This usually indicates a problem with your vehicle’s braking or traction control system. It could be a minor issue like a sensor glitch, or a more serious problem that requires immediate attention.
Can I drive my Subaru if the brake light and traction control light are flashing?
It’s not advisable to continue driving if these lights are flashing. They indicate potential issues with crucial safety systems in your vehicle. It’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
How do I turn off the flashing brake light and traction control light on my Subaru?
You can try restarting your car or pressing the Traction Control System (TCS) button on your dashboard. If these steps don’t work, you might need to use an on-board diagnostic (OBD2) scan tool.
What could cause the brake light to flash on my Subaru?
The brake light could flash due to various reasons such as low brake fluid levels, worn-out brake pads, or issues with the brake hydraulic system.
Why is the traction control light flashing on my Subaru?
The traction control light could flash due to temporary traction loss, a malfunctioning sensor, or issues with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
What should I do if the brake light and traction control light flash while driving?
If these lights flash while driving, it’s recommended to safely pull over and call for professional help. Continuing to drive could be dangerous.
Does a flashing brake light and traction control light affect fuel efficiency?
Yes, issues with the braking or traction control system could potentially affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Can a faulty battery cause the brake light and traction control light to flash on my Subaru?
Yes, a low battery voltage can affect the car’s electrical system, including the ABS and traction control systems, causing the lights to turn on.
How often should I check the brake and traction control systems on my Subaru?
It’s recommended to have these systems checked during your regular vehicle maintenance. However, if the warning lights flash, you should have them inspected immediately.
Does a Brake Light Switch Impact the Traction Control?
Absolutely, it can. The braking and traction control (TC) systems in a Subaru are closely interconnected. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for a faulty brake light switch to trigger the TC lights, along with the flashing brake light in a Subaru Outback. This is because any issues in the braking system can potentially affect the traction control system, given their integrated functioning. It’s always important to address these warning signals promptly to ensure the optimal performance and safety of your vehicle.
Does Traction Control Lead to Power Reduction?
Indeed, it does. The vehicle speed sensor in a Subaru is designed to detect if any drive wheel is spinning more than the others, which is a sign of traction loss. Upon receiving this data, the Subaru’s computer system will take corrective action by applying the parking brakes or reducing power to that particular wheel. This is a safety feature designed to maintain control of the vehicle under varying driving conditions.
Can regular maintenance prevent the brake light and traction control light from flashing on my Subaru?
Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues early and prevent these lights from flashing. However, if the lights do flash, it’s important to address the issue promptly.
Conclusion – Subaru Brake Light Flashing And Traction Control Light
The intricate connection between the Traction Control (TC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) means that issues with either system can result in the activation of the Subaru brake light and traction control light.
Utilize the guide provided above to diagnose the problem.
If you’re still encountering difficulties with your Subaru Outback’s flashing brake light, check engine light, or traction control light, don’t hesitate to reach out for further assistance.
Remember, addressing these warning signals promptly is crucial for maintaining the performance and safety of your vehicle.
