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View Full Version : 02/03 WRX - SOA mailer re ABS?

TehWagon
10-08-2005, 12:14 PM
So i recently go this letter in the mail regarding ABS flaws in the 02/03 models that customers complained about. Something about the ABS not kicking right in going over bumpy roads... "breaking characteristics when driving over certain road surfaces that activate the anti-lock braking system". It's not a TSB or a recall, but an offer of service as long as the breaking system has not been modified.

A) anyone experienced this, and
B) anyone going in to get it done?

I guess my drilled/slotted rotors may void me from participating, but if it helps anyone else I can get ya a copy of the letter or whatever...

Here is the letter: hope it's readable...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/anf641/letter.jpg
MuddyREX
10-08-2005, 03:06 PM
I haven't gotten the letter yet. Send it over, because the bumpy road ABS pissed me off to no end. Especially when I'm travelling at speed in the dirt.
TehWagon
10-08-2005, 03:13 PM
interesting... so your breaks actually basically 'apply themselves' on a bumpy road? i guess i haven't done that enough for it to happen...
alachua
10-08-2005, 03:50 PM
Its more, where you would be going over a slightly bumpy surface (ie: driving in PA), while braking, and the ABS would engage. Contrary to a properly functioning ABS system, that would maintain consistant braking over this choppy surface (imaging going over railroad tracks while braking, and having ABS kick in for no reason). This has been known to cause moments of 'high pucker factor', as a driver is engaging in spirited driving, only to have ABS kick in unexpectly.

-Cliff
TROLL
10-08-2005, 04:09 PM
yeah i get that too... the abs is activating, i.e. the brakes are automatially unclamping, over bumpy surfaces which actually makes braking distances worse in this situation.
bryan
TehWagon
10-08-2005, 04:21 PM
damn... ok maybe i'll bring copies of the letter to the nextmeet!
Buster
10-09-2005, 11:38 AM
My 05 does that too. I hate ABS.
UncleTom
10-09-2005, 12:01 PM
mine does that too. like if i have to stop quickly and the surface is bumpy it feels like my car is out of control. i didn't quite figure out if they replace the whole ecu or not. what if you have things spliced into your ecu?
the mike
10-09-2005, 01:52 PM
My 04 did it, and the wagon does it. You learn to live with it really. The EVO didn't have ABS and it cost me the front lip.

People have been known to pull the ABS fuse....
TehWagon
10-10-2005, 09:25 AM
mine does that too. like if i have to stop quickly and the surface is bumpy it feels like my car is out of control. i didn't quite figure out if they replace the whole ecu or not. what if you have things spliced into your ecu?
not sure- the letter didn't mention that though- it's probably up to dealer discretion i would think... can you 'unsplice' said things before taking it in? i do believe they did say they just swap the ecu with a reprogramed one. i'll bring copies to the next meet.
alachua
10-11-2005, 12:51 PM
the abs runs on a seperate conroller from what i understand. That is why it has its own diagnostic port, and its own diagnostic light. It is also how cars can have optional ABS. I am fairly certain that it does not run through the factory ECU/fuel computer, otherwise, when i put my standalone in, I wouldn't still be getting the ABS warning light from time to time.

-Cliff
TehWagon
10-11-2005, 12:59 PM
You're exactly right. i re-read the letter and it says "...a complimentary replacement ABS electronic control unit ("ECU") with a different calibration will be available from your Subaru dealer." I just skipped over the word 'ABS' and thought they meant the main ECU. :rolleyes:

*first post to be edited w/actual letter*
TehWagon
10-11-2005, 01:11 PM
jeebus it wasn't that big on photobucket! :eek:

*runs to re-resize*
the mike
10-11-2005, 01:25 PM
Oddly enough, I had a "high pucker" moment today. Mount Laurel needs to repave!! :)
joe tom
10-11-2005, 11:47 PM
omg i thought i was the only one w/this problem, it is so annoying! i drive on 309 every day, and w/the road construction there, i always feel the abs engauge when braking, if i can possibly get a copy of this letter, i think i'll try to get that new abs ecu, and a re-cal. thanks ash!
TehWagon
10-12-2005, 08:23 AM
no problem! if you can print it from the pic in the first post, let me know... if not, i'll make some copies and bring them to the meet (though this thursday's meet is looking doubtful...)
UnderPoweredRS
10-13-2005, 11:26 PM
damn new scoobys and all there problems... just go get a GC style and call it a day.
Orbit
10-14-2005, 06:03 PM
exacly and in the letter is says nothing about going over bumps. I think subaru misinterpreted the problem. either way i will probably get the fix along with the seat bracket bolt recall i still have not got done.




Its more, where you would be going over a slightly bumpy surface (ie: driving in PA), while braking, and the ABS would engage. Contrary to a properly functioning ABS system, that would maintain consistant braking over this choppy surface (imaging going over railroad tracks while braking, and having ABS kick in for no reason). This has been known to cause moments of 'high pucker factor', as a driver is engaging in spirited driving, only to have ABS kick in unexpectly.

-Cliff
TehWagon
10-14-2005, 06:11 PM
yea i need to get that too! maybe colonial will do it for us tomorrow :mrgreen:
joe tom
10-15-2005, 01:40 AM
whats with the seat bolt bracket? mine is always coming loose :(
TehWagon
10-15-2005, 07:13 AM
haha- seriously? i never thought of that actually happening, that's why i've been procrastinating! sounds like that's what it is... i'll have to dig up that letter too...

Subaru is awesome, btw. I was the 3rd person to purchase my car, and the manual got lost somewhere along the way... I contacted Subaru, they sent me one FREE as well as informed me of all the outstanding TSBs and recalls on the car that they had record of that hadn't been taken care of. Pretty nice, huh!?
:supz:
UncleTom
10-15-2005, 11:21 AM
haha- seriously? i never thought of that actually happening, that's why i've been procrastinating! sounds like that's what it is... i'll have to dig up that letter too...

Subaru is awesome, btw. I was the 3rd person to purchase my car, and the manual got lost somewhere along the way... I contacted Subaru, they sent me one FREE as well as informed me of all the outstanding TSBs and recalls on the car that they had record of that hadn't been taken care of. Pretty nice, huh!?
:supz:

:thumbup: yay for subaru! they did the same to me. And usually the dealers are nice too (aside from occasional guy on an ego trip). Especially once you get to know some the advisors and techs there. They really do a good job and are pretty mod friendly with the Rex. After all, most subie mechanics have subies...