Unofficial - CEL/SL/Idle Issue List for FR-S/BRZ Owners

[GregV]

Originally Posted by GregV

3300 miles and now have the CEL/ Traction control light and idle chirping. VIN is in 6020XX range.

As an update: Code was Camshaft position sensor related. Dealer reprogrammed the ECM and had my car back in a day.

CEL is gone but car still chirps/ticks when warmed up and have had one or two instances at red lights where it has nearly stalled. Also since the reflash, the car will start up at ~2k RPM and stay there until put in gear.

[BRZnut]

Originally Posted by GregV

As an update: Code was Camshaft position sensor related. Dealer reprogrammed the ECM and had my car back in a day.

CEL is gone but car still chirps/ticks when warmed up and have had one or two instances at red lights where it has nearly stalled. Also since the reflash, the car will start up at ~2k RPM and stay there until put in gear.

Doesn't sound like much of a fix.

I've had my BRZ for 2 weeks now. Vin in the 604000 range so one of the later builds. Only odd idle issue I've noticed is that when I come to a quick stop the idle will over shoot as it drops and go to 500 then right up to the 600 RPMs. There is a slight roughness of the engine at 500. During gradual stops, idle just drops to 600.

Anyone notice this ??

[tvpr]

Got the CEL/SL combo sunday night, already in the shop getting the ECU replaced


tvpr, FR-S, 4330 mi, 7084XX, in shop, PA

[Freeman]

Originally Posted by BRZnut

Doesn't sound like much of a fix.

I've had my BRZ for 2 weeks now. Vin in the 604000 range so one of the later builds. Only odd idle issue I've noticed is that when I come to a quick stop the idle will over shoot as it drops and go to 500 then right up to the 600 RPMs. There is a slight roughness of the engine at 500. During gradual stops, idle just drops to 600.

Anyone notice this ??

yup right there with ya, its something i'll be bringing up when i take the car in for its first oil change.

[BR Zenith]

Well i got my car back this evening and drove it home. Engine while idling goes from 600 to around 1000 then back down to 600. No CEL yet, im wondering if this is normal for the car? or have people that had their ECU replaced still had this problem?

[White64Goat]

Got an e-mail from Subaru today:

Dear Subaru Owner:

We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. At Subaru, we take pride in our products and are committed to your continued satisfaction.

Subaru has developed a modification to the Engine Control Module software logic to improve the monitoring parameters within the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDll) system for the engine coolant thermostat. This correction ensures that should there be an abnormal condition (i.e., the engine coolant does not reach or maintain the proper operating temperature), the “check engine light” will illuminate. The proper illumination of the “check engine light” is needed to alert you that corrective action may be required.

This software change has no effect on fuel economy or vehicle performance.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO PROMPTLY

We ask that you schedule an appointment with your Subaru Dealer as soon as possible to have your vehicle’s Engine Control Module software reprogrammed. This will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, it may be necessary for you to leave your car longer on the day of your appointment to allow your dealer flexibility in scheduling. Your Subaru dealer will perform this modification at no cost to you.

CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS

The California Air Resources Board requires that emission related campaigns be completed prior to California’s vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not be able to register your vehicle during your next annual registration. Upon completion of this campaign, your California dealer will complete and provide you a “Proof of Correction Certificate.” If required, present the certificate to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (the “DMV”) when renewing your California registration as proof of campaign completion. If the DMV does not request the certificate, we recommend that you keep it for your records.

In addition, the State of California requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the service we are providing at no charge, your vehicle may not pass this test.

IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE

To locate the nearest Subaru Dealer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select “Find a Dealer”.

For additional information and the most Frequently Asked Questions, please go to: http://www.wqc39.service-campaign.com

If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:

• Telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
  Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
  Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
  Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET
• E-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”.
• U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: CDS Department, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.

Please contact us immediately if the dealer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.

Your continued satisfaction with Subaru is important to us. This update is intended to ensure your vehicle’s optimal performance. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and regret any inconvenience this may cause you.

Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.


Anyone else receive this yet?

[Yruyur]

There is another thread about it. Not related to the cam issue. But curious they fixed a few "other" things as well.

Sent from my flux capacitor using Taptalk

[jduffy]

I got my email and tried to setup an appointment with the local dealer and they said they haven't heard from the manufacturer yet on it so I have to wait.

2 funny!

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by jduffy

I got my email and tried to setup an appointment with the local dealer and they said they haven't heard from the manufacturer yet on it so I have to wait.

2 funny!

Which dealer, Duffy?

[tvpr]

Originally Posted by tvpr

Got the CEL/SL combo sunday night, already in the shop getting the ECU replaced


tvpr, FR-S, 4330 mi, 7084XX, in shop, PA

Update: Got the car back today, CEL is out and haven't noticed any idle issues yet


tvpr, FR-S, 4330 mi, 7084XX, 0.5 weeks - repaired, PA

[gmookher]

Originally Posted by Alienate

the most "common" way I have seen the problem "created" is to change your oil. someone I know used 5w-20 instead of 0w-20 and threw the CEL in less than 5 miles.

this suggest the motor doesnt 'like' thicker oil...higher oil pressures are not our friend..

[jduffy]

Glendale Subaru. They said I should bring it to them in the 2nd week of January. That's a long time I won't get to drive my car!

A rep from Subaru contacted me and she said she'd speak with them about getting this done sooner.

This is crazy!

[Alienate]

Originally Posted by gmookher

this suggest the motor doesnt 'like' thicker oil...higher oil pressures are not our friend..

Yes, it does, but the fact that my ecu reflash was done while I still have the 5w-20 oil in it, suggests they can "allow" for it.
I have 1400 miles on my FR-S since the reflash, with the thicker oil and it has run just fine.

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by jduffy

Glendale Subaru. They said I should bring it to them in the 2nd week of January. That's a long time I won't get to drive my car!

A rep from Subaru contacted me and she said she'd speak with them about getting this done sooner.

This is crazy!

Generally, it seems that Subaru is doing a worse job with customer support than Toyota/Scion.

Correct me if this impression is wrong.