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

[neurokinetik]

neurokinetik, FR-S, 1300 mi, 7074XX, in shop, NY

[Those Meddling Kids]

I posted in my other thread that Subaru has a field service engineer coming out to flash my ecu on Monday. They will not be replacing any other parts at this time. I also asked that they look at the chirping noise.

[tbertran]

My service specialist said a Subaru engineer came down today and flashed the ECU. They said they test drove her for 33 miles already and want to put another 10 before I can get her back.

This really seems to be step 1 for most of us. Hopefully this is also the last step for me...

In shop: 9/27 --> 10/2 (flashed ECU)
Maita Subaru Sacramento

[pituala]

Well....Scion rep is starting to piss me off.

[@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.

After making a bunch of phone calls to everyone and anyone who would listen at the dealer and at Toyota/Scion they're trying to expedite my missing parts. There's a possibility my car could be back together on the 5th or the 6th (as opposed to the 10th). I disparately would like to have my FR-S back for a car control clinic in my area on the 7th.

While I was there last Wed I took some pictures which might be of some interest...

"Broken" Cam Gear lot and serial numbers


"Broken" Cam Gear top


"Broken" Cam Gear bottom


My engine with the new passenger side Cam Gear installed, timing cover removed (waiting for new O-rings)


The car has been at the dealer for 24 days total, there's 11 "business" days left before I can (and might) Lemon Law the my Asphalt FR-S. Reading some of these posts with 7-14 day repair times are making me very angry...

[STEVEOSTI]

Originally Posted by STEVEOSTI

STEVEOSTi, BRZ, 602725, picked up Aug 17, 24hrs later after one tank of premium and 500km CEL triggered P0019. Car still not fixed and waiting on Subaru of Canada and dealership for "part". No current ETA or discription on what part is on order. Have been told car is drivable but have left it parked waiting for a fix. Not comfortable driving a brand new car with check engine light on and traction control light on constantly. No one can tell me what the issue is and I'm not confident they know what if any long term damage is happening. Not happy...

Can this be added to the list please?

[eurospeed]

Originally Posted by STEVEOSTI

Can this be added to the list please?

You are #21. I had you on the list early on when this started.

[boonFRS]

Got a call from the dealer stating that a Subaru rep will be here tomorrow to replace the whole computer on the car. Said that since the car is made by Subaru, Toyota doesn't have any of the parts at the moment. I should get the car back tomorrow he said.

[TemeCal]

Originally Posted by TemeCal

Sorry for any typos and short write up. I'm typing this from my phone.

My dealer has been really great to work with. They seem to really push hard to get things done quickly.

I just dropped it off and The service manager came right out and made a call immediately to Toyota corporate engineers. They are sending someone out immediately.

The service manager made it sound like Toyota has figured out the problem, but who knows what to believe.

The ECU (811) that I received is the latest one, however they have a new firmware version so all they need to do is flash it. So, I'm hoping a simple flash with my 811 ECU will do the trick.

So, the latest flash (on the 811 ECU) did not resolve my issue. The tech flashed the ECU, drove it around, and the CEL popped back up.

1st CEL: replaced cam gear and ECU (811 version confirmed)
2nd CEL: flashed the ECU per Toyota's recommendation
3rd CEL: just occurred while my dealer was testing out the flash

I don't think Subaru or Toyota has a clue what's going on.

[White13frs]

got my back friday, cam gear, vvti solenoids and ecu replaced and new one flashed, last see how long i get to keep it this time...

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by TemeCal

I don't think Subaru or Toyota has a clue what's going on.

They know exactly what's going on. At this point ask for a new engine or a new car and let us know what they say...

[soconfoozed]

Originally Posted by @Art_Mighty

They know exactly what's going on. At this point ask for a new engine or a new car and let us know what they say...

You know what the problem with this is?

They have no obligation to pay you for a damn thing that you've done to your car.

For things that are removable, like an exhaust if you've done that, simple enough: remove it and bolt up the OEM.

For tint and paint correction, or other things that can't just be slapped on the new car, you take it on the chin. It isn't actually a replacement in the full sense of the word.

[soconfoozed]

Originally Posted by TemeCal

So, the latest flash (on the 811 ECU) did not resolve my issue. The tech flashed the ECU, drove it around, and the CEL popped back up.

1st CEL: replaced cam gear and ECU (811 version confirmed)
2nd CEL: flashed the ECU per Toyota's recommendation
3rd CEL: just occurred while my dealer was testing out the flash

I don't think Subaru or Toyota has a clue what's going on.

Oh, for crying out loud...

So, I still can't count on my car. Lovely.

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by soconfoozed

You know what the problem with this is?

They have no obligation to pay you for a damn thing that you've done to your car.

For things that are removable, like an exhaust if you've done that, simple enough: remove it and bolt up the OEM.

For tint and paint correction, or other things that can't just be slapped on the new car, you take it on the chin. It isn't actually a replacement in the full sense of the word.

Everything you're saying is true and unfortunately you are correct. Even with that being said there's a trend starting to emerge.

1) There are several cars on this thread which nothing can fix (ECU change, cam gears and related parts)

2) These same cars are having the problem in the same place. Remember that the codes are location based so a P0019 means the exhaust drivers side cam isn't in the position the ECU want's it to be. The problem doesn't wander to a new cam gear.

So when the problem repeats, you're wasting time replacing parts and ECUs. the problem is either in the camshaft itself or it's in the motor.

If you have all of that work you mentioned you can ask for a new motor and keep the car and all of it's accessories, paint protection, and what ever else you paid out of pocket for.