Is your subaru outback brake light flashing and you want to know why and how to fix it? If yes, you are on the right page.
If you like vehicles, you probably know about the Subaru. Since Toyota has such strong branding and is widely accessible, everyone knows it. People also associate Tesla with luxury and, Honda, and Peugeot with force.
The Subaru Outback excels in power and speed. They also have a projected high level of reliability of 70 out of 100, according to United States News on Vehicles. Compared to other automobiles in the same class, this is fairly high.
There have been good times and terrible times for the Subaru Outback. Among the worst Subaru models, the 2013 Subaru Outback was known for using too much oil and having average maintenance costs of $1,590 according to the Subaru Complaints website
Why Is the Brake Light on My Subaru Outback Flashing?
The most common causes of flashing brake lights on a sSubaru Outback are electrical issues, failing ABS, failed brake pumps, overheated brake pads, and overheated brake discs. In the section that follows, we’ll go into greater detail about determining the cause of the problem and resolving it.
1. Overheating Brakes
When driving long distances downhill, the brake pedal requires a lot of skill. Brakes make use of friction to slow the vehicle down. When the brakes are applied, brake disc and pads press together and generate heat.
As soon as they are released, this heat dissipates; however, due to frequently pressing on them while going downhill, they do not get enough time to cool off between uses.
Locate a secure parking space, especially on level ground, and let them chill off if the brake warning light comes on. It will take some time, but you can gauge your progress by putting your palm close to the wheel and detecting the heat it emits. Subaru will also turn off the warning light when it is safe to continue driving.
I’ll share the technique that an old-school driving coach taught me to prevent the brakes from overheating for as long as possible. There are two situations when you should brake while driving downhill: when the vehicle is approaching a corner and reaches dangerous speeds. Normally, to slow down to a preferred pace, you would hold down the brake.
You only apply heavy braking for one or two seconds as you descend. Although it won’t be comfortable and will slow you down from the speed you’d prefer to maintain, you’ll inevitably speed up to that point.
As you do this, pay close attention to your rearview mirror to prevent being hit from behind by another vehicle. The sharper braking will overheat the brakes less than a long hold, so this strategy is better for the brakes because it gives them more cooling time.
2. Faulty Brake Lights
Another reason why your Subaru Outback brake light is fashing may be a faulty brake light. The flashing brake light may be alerting you to replace a dead brake light. Brake lights are important for highway safety because the person behind you can see when you apply the brakes.
The process of replacing the taillight is pretty simple. For the 2013 Outback, a 7440 lamp will do, but you may always verify the label on the bulb you remove. Then, you can replace it by following these steps.
- The light’s side plastic cover should be removed.
- The screws supporting the lamp should be removed. To avoid having trouble working the screws, take care not to strip them.
- Twist the lighting plug out once you’ve removed the lights and can access its back.
- Change the outdated lightbulb for a fresh one. Since bare hands will leave marks that lower effectiveness, wipe the glass with a dry cloth or light piece of paper instead.
- Reconnect the plug and then place the entire light.
- As you hit the brake, ask someone to check the lights to see if they are functioning properly. Verify to see whether the alert is still on
- After installing the light, replace the lateral.
3. Brake Fluid Leak
Low brake fluid due to a leak might be another reason why your Subaru Outback’s brakelight is flashing. In the first segment of my explanation of the brake system, I left out the mechanism that causes the brake pads to communicate directly with the brake disc.
When you use the brakes, a cylinder in the brake calipers applies pressure to the brake pads by pushing brake fluid in that direction.
The pedal will become increasingly ineffective when the brake fluid leaks because there won’t be anything to push against the calipers. Examine the brake fluid levels with the hood open. The label is either on the lid or the bottom of the relatively small container. Slowly fill it up, being careful not to cause an overflow.
4. Issues With Parking Brake
Park brakes have a history of causing a variety of issues that lead to the brake light blinking.
The first parking brake system was based on a mechanical handbrake that worked by pulling a cord to turn on the back brakes. It may be challenging to fix the brake if the wire rusts or breaks or if the mechanism freezes over when the brake is on. The parking brake may be engaged if your Outback is having trouble moving.
Modern electrical handbrakes could be turned on by pressing a button, which would cause an electric engine to apply the rear brakes. Unfortunately, this system frequently starts operating strangely and causes a variety of problems.
According to the original Subaru manual, if your parking brake stops working, you should take your car to a certified Subaru dealer for repairs.
However, it’s possible that you simply applied your parking brake excessively frequently. When the parking brake is used often, the light will flash for ten seconds and make a loud noise. You won’t be able to use the brakes on your Outback for a while. Replace your parking brake button if it activates without your intervention.
5. Electrical Issues
The automatic brake system module, hydraulic braking pump, and several electric sensors that transmit signals and data throughout the vehicle are just a few of the intricate and numerous parts that make up the brake system.
When you depress the brake pedal, the braking sensor detects it or sends a message to the rear lights. If there is a problem, the brake lights won’t turn on when you need them to and will turn on even when the vehicle is not moving. As a result, the battery will be depleted, and you won’t be able to start the car.
As a security precaution, the differential pressure switch splits the brake in half. Therefore, if there is a braking system issue, you will only lose half of the brake system and still be able to stop securely and contact a towing company.
Without the proper equipment and knowledge, electrical issues are challenging to diagnose. An expert electrician will complete the task more effectively and evaluate the entire project.
What Do the Various Warning Lights Mean on the Subaru Outback Dashboard?
Seeing that many signs at once is a little unsettling. The probability that such a car will halt is very high if you get various notifications at once. This could be because there are numerous faults that pose a risk to keeping driving or because there are numerous faulty signifiers that don’t accurately depict the true state of the car. So, before it is safe to drive again, go to the closest mechanic for an extensive inspection.
Car upkeep is awful. This is not something you’ll want to engage in frequently. Purchasing a brand new vehicle is an excellent way to steer clear of all these tales. A new vehicle has a sound engine and fewer kilometers on it. You have complete control over how this car turns out. If you buy a bad used car, on the other hand, you and the mechanic will probably become good friends.
Also Read: ESP BAS Light Jeep (Common Causes & Fixes)
Frequently Asked Questions – Subaru Outback Brake Light Flashing
What does my Subaru Outback’s flashing brake light mean?
Flashing brake lights typically indicate a problem with the brake system. It could be caused by a low fluid level, air in the lines, or a faulty sensor. You will need to have your Subaru Outback inspected as soon as possible to determine what is causing this issue and resolve it before further damage occurs.
When my brake lights flash, can I still drive?
No, that would be very unsafe. When your brake lights are flashing, it usually indicates a problem with the electrical system in your vehicle and you should have it inspected immediately by a qualified mechanic before driving again.
What two factors could turn on your brake warning light?
When this light turns on, one of 2 things will happen.
Either the parking brake is engaged, or the brake fluid inside the cylinder becomes low. Your brakes are made up of a system of hydraulic oil-filled tubes called brake lines.
Are blinking brake lights beneficial?
Yes, blinking brake lights are beneficial. They make the driver behind you more aware that you are slowing down or stopping, making them react faster and decreasing the chances of an accident occurring.
With ABS, do the brake lights flash?
Most modern Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) does not cause the brake lights to flash. However, some older vehicles may be equipped with an ABS system that does cause the brake lights to flash when activated.
My taillight is on, yet my brakes are functioning properly.
This is usually an indication that a connection issue or faulty light bulbs are causing the taillight to remain on. It is important to inspect any and all wiring connections, as well as check for any blown lightbulbs. If everything checks out ok, then it may be necessary to replace the entire tail light assembly if the problem cannot be easily resolved.
What occurs if the brake fluid level is low?
When the brake fluid level gets low, air will get into the holes in your hydraulic circuit. This will make your brakes less effective. It can be frightening and dangerous to drive with spongy brake pedals, particularly if you don’t have them fixed right away.
Final Thoughts
Some of the causes of your Subaru Outback’s flashing brake light have been covered in this article. However, you must not ignore this warning sign if you wish to prevent harm.
But if you follow my advice, you’ll be able to accurately pinpoint the issue. While certain brake problems can be fixed at home, an expert should handle the majority of them to ensure that the task has been done correctly.