Thread: Air Suspension Inactive, HDC error light and ABS warning light

Welcome Ed

First thing to check is the battery, it's the easiest, quickest thing to check that will cause some interesting issues.

Oops!!

Hi again Ed,

Really should learn to re-read posts a couple of times . Missed that bit at the end where you mentioned resetting the SAS .

I'm also with Harlie in checking you have a good power source as a large number of the ECUs are very sensitive to voltage drops and can flag faults if power drops below acceptable levels. So, check battery voltage and charge rate as a first point of diagnosis.

The ABS and HDC both rely on wheel sensor input so I'd also check that you don't have a dodgy connection on any of the sensor harnesses in the wheel wells. I'd check that all the multiplugs on the wheel sensor harness are firmly seated. Does the Hawkeye show any ABS/Wheel Speed Sensor faults?

To replace the SAS is not for the faint-hearted as it is at the bottom of the upper steering column assembly and requires the removal of the steering column to get to it. Not especially difficult but it is a lengthy process best done with another pair of hands to assist at times. This according to the schedule is about a 3-4 hour task and includes removal and re-fitting of a number of shrouds, many fascia panels, steering wheel and rotary coupler in addition to the actual upper column assembly.

The process is documented quite well in the workshop manual on RAVE if you have a copy handy.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Iain

Thanks guys

Battery is new, replaced about 6 months ago when we were up to our bellies in snow and "all the interesting things" started happening in the cold mornings. No problems on that score since, other than the requisite HDC Inactive waring first thing in the morning.

I have looked at the ABS sensors, which on the face of it look fine, but as I have 2 lower suspension arms to replace, I am planning to replace the ABS sensors at the same time to be sure. If it ever stops raining here, I plan to do this over the weekend and see how we go from there.

That being said, Hawkeye (Version 5) is not showing anything specific wrong with the ABS.

I have RAVE and looked at the section on the removal of the SAS. Looks straightforward, apart from all the stripping and re-assembly.

As a child I used to build model kits, the wife now reckons I've just gone 1:1 scale. Easy for her to say, she has one of those "bloody reliable" Subaru Legacy Outbacks, 1/2 the money and never a peep out of it, ah well!!!!

Will keep you posted, thanks again.

Regards
Ed

Check the battery even though it is 6 months old. That way it is ruled out 100%.

I dont trust the hawk eye as it doesnt do all the functions that others do, and it might be one of these missing functions that is your problem.

I would try the RAC,

RSW Solutions - All Comms Operation - YouTube

and the EASC (suspension only but always installed into your car), and you may have more of an idea on what the fault is.

I dont think it would be an abs sensor, as it happens in the same point of your journey, and you can re-set it.

Andy

I'd get another wheel alignment done to be sure it wasn't knocked out on the grid. The bolts may not have been tightened properly on the recent alignment.

Hi Folks

Thanks for the suggestions. As the battery had been mentioned, I decided I'd better check it out, when I put a meter across it, it was registering 12.2 volts, which as I understand it, is technically discharged. Fired up the beast and with the motor running, alternator was only returning 13.4 volts, again under power.

So I have the alternator out and it is being reconditioned, and meanwhile I have ordered a new belt and am awaiting delivery.

Hopefully, when all is reconnected, I may have the solutions.

I will keep you posted.

Regards
Ed