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.
Brake Warning Light Does Not Go Off
Detecting condition:
- Brake warning light circuit is shorted.
- Defective sensor/connector
- Defective CAN communication
Trouble symptom:
Brake warning light does not go off after starting the engine.
Wiring diagram:
Parking brake/brake fluid level warning light system Ref. to WIRING SYSTEM>PARKING BRAKE/BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM .
Combination meter system Ref. to WIRING SYSTEM>COMBINATION METER SYSTEM .
- CHECK INSTALLATION OF VDCCM AND H/U CONNECTOR
.
- Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
- Check that the VDCCM and H/U connector is inserted until it is locked by clamp.
Is the connector firmly inserted?
Yes: Go to 2 .
No: Insert the VDCCM and H/U connector until it is locked by clamp.
- READ DTC
.
Read the DTC of [Brake Control] using the Subaru Select Monitor. Ref. to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) .
Is DTC displayed?
Yes: Perform the diagnosis according to the DTC. Ref. to BRAKE CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC)>LIST .
No: Go to 3 .
- CHECK LAN SYSTEM
.
Check the LAN system. Ref. to LAN SYSTEM (DIAGNOSTICS)>BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE .
Is the check result OK?
Yes: Go to 4 .
No: Perform the diagnosis for LAN system.
- CHECK BRAKE FLUID AMOUNT
.
Check the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir tank of master cylinder.
Does the level of the brake fluid amount fall between the lines of "MAX" and "MIN"?
Yes: Go to 5 .
No: Replenish brake fluid to the specified value.
- CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
.
- Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
- Disconnect the level switch connector (B99) from master cylinder.
- Measure the resistance of master cylinder terminals.
Terminals
No. 1 - No. 2:
Is the resistance 1 MΩ or more?
Yes: Go to 6 .
No: Replace the master cylinder. Ref. to BRAKE>MASTER CYLINDER .
- CHECK GROUND SHORT OF HARNESS
.
- Disconnect the connector from VDCCM.
- Measure the resistance between VDCCM connector and chassis ground.
Connector and terminal
(B66) No. 27 - Chassis ground:
Is the resistance 1 MΩ or more?
Yes: Go to 7 .
No: Repair the harness between VDCCM and brake fluid level switch.
- CHECK COMBINATION METER
.
Check the combination meter. Ref. to COMBINATION METER (DIAGNOSTICS)>BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE .
Is the check result OK?
Yes: Replace the VDCCM and H/U. Ref. to VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL (VDC)>VDC CONTROL MODULE AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (VDCCM and H/U) .
No: Replace the combination meter. Ref. to INSTRUMENTATION/DRIVER INFO>COMBINATION METER .
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
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.
