Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Abs Warning Light Does Not Go Off
Detecting condition:
- Defective combination meter
- Defective engine
- Defective CAN communication
Trouble symptom:
ABS warning light does not go off when starting the engine.
- READ DTC
.
Read the DTC of [Brake Control] using the Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) .
Is DTC displayed?
Yes : Perform the diagnosis according to the DTC. Refer to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)>LIST .
No : Go to 2.
- CHECK VDCCM
.
Using the Subaru Select Monitor, read data of [ABS Warning Lamp] in the [Data Monitor] of [Brake Control]. Refer to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>Data Monitor .
Is [ABS Warning Lamp] set to [ON]?
Yes : Go to 3.
No : Go to 5.
- CHECK WARNING LIGHT
.
- Save the freeze frame data. Refer to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>Freeze Frame Data .
- Using the Subaru Select Monitor, perform the clear memory of [Brake Control]. Refer to COMMON (DIAG)>CLEAR MEMORY
.
Does the ABS warning light go off?
Yes : Normal. Perform the inspection mode to check that the light does not turn ON again.
No : Go to 4.
- READ DTC
.
After driving the vehicle at 40 km/h (25 MPH) or more, read DTCs of [Brake Control] using Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) .
Is DTC displayed?
Yes : Perform the diagnosis according to the DTC. Refer to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)>LIST .
No : Go to 5.
- CHECK LAN SYSTEM
.
Check the LAN system. Refer to LAN SYSTEM (DIAGNOSTICS)>BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE .
Is the check result OK?
Yes : Go to 6.
No : Perform the diagnosis for LAN system.
- CHECK COMBINATION METER
.
Check the combination meter. Refer to COMBINATION METER (DIAGNOSTICS)>Basic Diagnostic Procedure .
Is the check result OK?
Yes : Replace the VDCCM&H/U. Refer to VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL (VDC)>VDC CONTROL MODULE AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (VDCCM&H/U) .
No : Replace the combination meter. Refer to INSTRUMENTATION/DRIVER INFO>Combination Meter>REMOVAL .
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.