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

[CMOS]

Originally Posted by einzlr

That's what I understand, too, but they seem to be saying that the software was assuming much tighter tolerances than actually exist, so when it observes values outside those assumptions it concludes that something has broken when in fact it has not.

The way I would read that is they programmed the ECU to be used on a high efficiency engine with tight tolerances then swapped parts for cheap ones to save a $1 and forgot that the computer was programmed by the person who actually knew what the engine is capable of through testing and that spinning garbage at 7400RPM would raise a few red flags.

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by einzlr

That's what I understand, too, but they seem to be saying that the software was assuming much tighter tolerances than actually exist, so when it observes values outside those assumptions it concludes that something has broken when in fact it has not.

The fix is looser software tolerances? I wonder if that means that the fix trades a system wherein specific points cause failure for a system that allows more sloppy idling throughout a wider range of function, but no catastrophic failures.

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by Marrk

The fix is looser software tolerances? I wonder if that means that the fix trades a system wherein specific points cause failure for a system that allows more sloppy idling throughout a wider range of function, but no catastrophic failures.

I was wondering about that too. I wonder if when the software observes values it doesn't like if it also, in addition to simply throwing codes, starts messing with idle control to "compensate"

Also, what COMS said.

[Ericbdrummin]

Check out this Video. I just emailed my Tech Specialist requesting a new ECU and not just flashing it. Toyota is full of crap. Just tell me the truth about this car, oh I forgot, Toyota doesn't really know whats up with this car.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2012...NEWS/121009892

[Mark Slide Squad]

Originally Posted by Marrk

Which shop?

Today I canceled the appointment. The communication over the phone I was having with them gave me bad vibes. It was Scion/Toyota of North Hollywood. They said they don't have loaner cars and just expect me to go get my own rental? I have the Toyota Platinum warranty package and they said that still doesn't matter. I told them about the hundreds of owners with the exact same problem, and that Toyota has acknowledged the problem. The dealer said they've never heard of the problem and that they can only do something if there is a TSB. It just seemed like they didn't want to help me at all. I didn't buy my car from there, so perhaps that is some of the reason. I bought it from Penske Scion, which is quite a ways south for me. My car runs and drives fine at the moment, it's only when you drive it hard that the check engine light and skid light comes on and it tries to stall out. When you shut off the car and let it cool off a bit, fire it up, it is ok. I just don't want to take it to that dealer or really any right now until the actual TSB for the replacement of the ECU and or reflash comes out. Otherwise I fear my car will sit there for over a month on the back burner and get dents and dings in the meantime. Ugh.

[egraphic]

Originally Posted by Mark Slide Squad

I bought it from Penske Scion, which is quite a ways south for me.

Recommend taking it to the dealer that sold it to you (call first to confirm that they'll give you a car). They're (somewhat) motivated to get your business again. If they decline, see if you can talk to the service manager. If he declines, see if you can find the direct number for the general manager and call him on Monday, tell him matter-of-factly about this forum, and that you would love to make his dealer a hero on Yelp (the implication being - very subtly - that you could be his worst nightmare if the dealership is not reasonably accommodating).

Dollars to donuts, you'll get a loaner.

I used the same strategy to get a replacement car after mine was at the dealer for 10 days.

Best of luck.

[Marrk]

@ Mark Slide Squad: PM sent.

[Marrk]

It does not matter where you bought your car. All dealers have to provide service and honor warranties.

[cyrus]

My first post here sadly, but you can add me to the list. I purchased an FR-S last week. Got hit with my CEL and idle issues yesterday. I dropped car off at dealer today. They state they need to reflash the ECU or completely replace it (VVTi Cam gear and Oil control valve codes). They estimate that it should be ready tuesday but I doubt it.

I really hope this isn't a bandaid.

540 Miles and in NC

[ftc~brz]

shady side note here:
Stopped a subaru I didn't buy my car from this am. Walked into service dept. where a "preowned" white brz sits. After being greeted I say,"I was going to see if you all were familiar with the cel/rough idle issue, but by the looks of that you are". They looked at me sideways. And asked what I meant. I told them I have a brz and it threw a cel at 70 miles, took it to where I bought it, said I was the 1st to have this problem, and they have replaced parts on my new engine. I was just wondering if you have corrected this particular problem yet because I love this car and want this issue fixed so I can drive the damn thing while I pay for it.
Funny how they see $$$ and change their tune.
"We have 3 brz certified techs here and have had extensive training...blah blah blah, and now that I think of it I think they have repaired one or two of them successfully."
Yeah, that whole change of heart did not give me the confidence to even let them breathe near my car.
I wonder who has bought their brz at Jones Subaru Bel Air, and if any of theirs have had this problem.

[Rob_g]

I absolutely DESPISE driving a loaner vehicle.

Rob

[Plxdjake89]

^lolz

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by @Art_Mighty

9/9/2012: My Asphalt FR-S (vin 7087XX) is reporting a P0016 Crank-Cam position correlation fault code at 1600 miles. CEL and Traction Control lights come on. It feels like there's a power reduction. Engine Idle is OK. Car being left at dealer for repair.

Status: Repaired

After four full weeks in the shop, I took possession of my car. Honestly those 27 miles home were probably the most fun I've had in any car, ever. The valve train never went below 3500 RPM and my spirited driving was inciting all sorts of bad behavior.

When this car works, driving it at it's limits is better than sex.

(ill give out a more detailed update later including an interesting conversation regarding the paper work as I was checking out)

[86BRZ]

Originally Posted by @Art_Mighty

Status: Repaired

After four full weeks in the shop, I took possession of my car. Honestly those 27 miles home were probably the most fun I've had in any car, ever. The valve train never went below 3500 RPM and my spirited driving was inciting all sorts of bad behavior.

When this car works, driving it at it's limits is better than sex.

(ill give out a more detailed update later including an interesting conversation regarding the paper work as I was checking out)

+ mountain roads.... Is better than sex.