ATTN Bugeye owners! Does your ABS suck?

[sperry]

As many early WRX owners have noticed, the '02/'03 WRX ABS sucks on bumpy/loose surfaces, so much so that several people have crashed their cars due to the crazy delay in the ABS.

Some of you may have been following the saga over the last few years as NASIOC/I-Clubbers have been sending complaints to the NHTSA about the issue, trying to get Subaru to acknowledge and recall the affected cars.

Well, the ship finally came in!

The service bulletin:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...3&page=1&pp=50







The letter being sent to owners:



Looks like Subaru cut a deal w/ the NHTSA and won't have to issue a recall, but they will be offering new ABS control units with updated firmware.

If you've got an '02 or '03 5MT WRX, keep on the lookout for your letter from SOA about your ABS repair!

I'm just hoping there won't be any issues w/ Lithia or Michael Hohl because of my StopTechs. As far as I'm concerned, the ABS is unmodified so I'm eligible for the new hardward. Hopefully this'll help out braking into turn 12 at RFR.

[Dean]

Yeah, I was wondering if we had to put the stock brakes back on. What I find interesting is all they are doing is fixing the "delayed response feel", I'mnot sure that fixes the problem. Hopefully someone gets a before and after unit and test them back to back to see what it really does.

[khail19]

Why are only WRXs covered? I'm fairly sure my RS has the same ABS setup as the turbos, but it's not on the list. Weak.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by khail19

Why are only WRXs covered? I'm fairly sure my RS has the same ABS setup as the turbos, but it's not on the list. Weak.

The reasoning is that the WRX 5MT has a slight change in the ABS programming to compensate for *the spare tire*. Apparently there were concerns about the ABS's reaction with the spare on, so they made some slight tweeks to the software in the ABS control chip.

When they tested the car, the stock ABS programming exhibited that 1 second delay on bumps/loose surfaces. When they tossed an STi ABS control unit, or any control unit that had the same Bosch firmware with out that WRX specific tweak, the delay issue went away. Essentially, the "fix" for the WRX is that it's getting the same firmware all the other cars already have.

I can only assume the 2.5RS and the 4EAT WRXs didn't have that tweek in the firmware, and therefore don't need this "fix".

I don't think this new ABS ECU is really going to suddenly turn the ABS from shit to gold, but it might help a little.

[doubleurx]

I have heard only a fraction of complaints about the ABS compared to the huge complaints on the Transmission. I know some of you are lucky exceptions to this issue (Tyson & Dean), but the amount of problematic WRX tranny's out there is insane. Granted ABS is more of a safety issue than the tranny...............just ranting, nevermind.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by doubleurx

I have heard only a fraction of complaints about the ABS compared to the huge complaints on the Transmission. I know some of you are lucky exceptions to this issue (Tyson & Dean), but the amount of problematic WRX tranny's out there is insane. Granted ABS is more of a safety issue than the tranny...............just ranting, nevermind.

My tranny's fine... sitting on the floor at S-Squared. It'll probably be fine in the SVX someday as well.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by doubleurx

I have heard only a fraction of complaints about the ABS compared to the huge complaints on the Transmission. I know some of you are lucky exceptions to this issue (Tyson & Dean), but the amount of problematic WRX tranny's out there is insane. Granted ABS is more of a safety issue than the tranny...............just ranting, nevermind.

My transmission was having problems too, until I put it into an S.E.P. field

[doubleurx]

Originally Posted by MikeK

My transmission was having problems too, until I put it into an S.E.P. field

Me too!

[cody]

I just called Lithia to see if they could schedule me an apt. to have this done. I've seen nothing but good reviews so far from people who have had it done. The service rep at Lithia told me I have to bring my car in to show that the VIN matches my name before they'll order the Electonic Control Unit for my car.

I think I'll call back later and try again.

[Dean]

I'm wondering if I have to take off my BBK before they will do it. Anybody talked to our buddy over there about that?

[sperry]

Originally Posted by Dean

I'm wondering if I have to take off my BBK before they will do it. Anybody talked to our buddy over there about that?

According to the recall notice I got in the mail, non-stock brakes won't be covered. Looks like it'll be switcheroo time before bringing it in there.

Unfortunately for me, I can't revert back to stock... since I've got an R180 rear diff, I can't put the stock rear brakes on. Maybe if I revert the fronts, they let me slide since the rears do say "Subaru" right on 'em in big letters.

[cody]

You can buy the module for somthing like $280 and install it yourself.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by cody

You can buy the module for somthing like $280 and install it yourself.

Eff that!

Since my car is pretty much only used on the race track, I'm not going to see a huge benefit from the new software... it's certainly not worth $280. I'm under the impression that this will really help people who are dealing with gravel and potholes, etc... things not often found on a racing surface.

[cody]

Don't shoot the messenger dude.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by cody

Don't shoot the messenger dude.

I didn't mean to sound harsh... insert a guy after the "Eff that!" part.

[cody]

I'll live.