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Subaru Brake Light Flashing and Check Engine Light On: A Comprehensive Guide
Driving on any road can be stressful. Imagine driving on a busy city street during rush hour and being suddenly startled by flashing brake lights and a glaring check engine light on your dashboard. These warning signs can cause an instant surge of anxiety, leaving you wondering what might be wrong with your Subaru. Rest easy knowing that you’re not alone, and many Subaru drivers have experienced similar issues. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information to understand the potential causes and take appropriate actions when your Subaru’s brake light starts flashing and the check engine light illuminates simultaneously.
Before delving deeper into the technicalities, it’s essential to acknowledge that this issue is relatively common among Subaru owners. Several forums and online communities have documented numerous cases where drivers encountered this exact situation. Therefore, if you find yourself facing this problem, know that you’re not alone and there are solutions available to address it.
Understanding the Warning Signs
Brake Light Flashing: The flashing brake light serves as a visual indication of an issue with your Subaru’s braking system. It could signify a multitude of problems, ranging from a malfunctioning brake light switch to a more severe issue with the brake pads or rotors. Regardless of the underlying cause, it’s crucial to address this issue promptly to ensure your vehicle’s braking performance and safety.
Check Engine Light: The check engine light, often symbolized by an orange or yellow engine icon, is a general warning indicator that something within your vehicle’s engine or emission control systems is not functioning correctly. When this light illuminates, it’s highly recommended to have your Subaru inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose the specific cause and prevent further damage to your vehicle.
Potential Causes
The flashing brake light and check engine light combination can result from various factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Faulty brake light switch
- Issues with brake pads or rotors
- Problems with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- Emission control system malfunctions
- Engine performance issues
It’s important to note that these are just a few of the potential causes, and the actual issue could vary depending on your specific Subaru model and driving conditions.
What to Do When Both Lights Are On
If you notice your Subaru’s brake light flashing and check engine light on simultaneously, it’s important to take the following steps to ensure safety and minimize further damage to your vehicle:
- Safely pull over: As soon as it’s safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road or a designated parking area.
- Turn off the engine: Shutting off the engine can help prevent further damage to your Subaru’s engine or other components.
- Inspect the brake lights: Check if all of your brake lights are functioning correctly. If any of the brake lights are not working, it could be the cause of the flashing brake light.
- Check brake fluid levels: Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood and inspect the fluid level. If the fluid is low, it could indicate a leak in the brake system, which requires immediate attention.
- Contact a qualified mechanic: If you’re not comfortable inspecting or repairing your Subaru yourself, it’s highly recommended to contact a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs.
Tips and Expert Advice
Apart from the immediate actions mentioned above, here are some additional tips and advice from experts to help you navigate this situation:
- Don’t ignore the warning signs: Failing to address the flashing brake light and check engine light can lead to more severe issues and costly repairs down the road.
- Consider using an OBD-II scanner: An OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner can provide you with valuable information about the specific error codes triggering the check engine light. This information can assist you in narrowing down the potential causes.
- Refer to your owner’s manual: Your Subaru’s owner’s manual contains valuable information about the vehicle’s warning lights, including the flashing brake light and check engine light. Refer to the manual for specific instructions and recommendations.
- Seek professional help from a trusted mechanic: If you’re unable to diagnose or resolve the issue yourself, seek assistance from a qualified mechanic who has experience working on Subaru vehicles.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the flashing brake light and check engine light combination in Subaru vehicles:
- Q: Can I continue driving if my brake light is flashing and the check engine light is on?
A: It’s highly discouraged to continue driving if both the brake light and check engine light are on. Ignoring these warning signs can put you and others on the road at risk. Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and contact a qualified mechanic. - Q: How much does it generally cost to fix a flashing brake light and check engine light issue?
A: The cost of repairs can vary depending on the underlying cause of the issue. However, it’s reasonable to expect expenses ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for more extensive repairs. - Q: Can I reset the check engine light myself?
A: While it’s possible to reset the check engine light using an OBD-II scanner or by disconnecting the battery, it’s not recommended as the underlying issue will still exist. Resetting the light only temporarily clears the warning but does not address the root cause of the problem.
Conclusion
If you encounter a flashing brake light and check engine light simultaneously in your Subaru, it’s crucial to remain calm and take appropriate measures to prevent further issues. While this combination of warning lights can be concerning, it’s important to remember that it’s often a common problem that can be addressed with proper diagnosis and repair. By following the steps outlined in this guide, seeking professional assistance when needed, and adhering to the safety guidelines, you can ensure your Subaru is back on the road safely and reliably.
Are you facing similar issues with your Subaru? Share your experiences or ask any additional questions in the comments section below.
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