2010 Subaru Outback Warning Lights

2010 SUBARU OUTBACK
170,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAMESHYNES
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
The car looks and runs great when suddenly the following lights come on;
1. Check Engine
2. AT Oil Temp
3. Traction control
4. Brake light (flashing)
5. Cruise light (flashing)
The car continues to run fine.

The first time this happened I put the code reader on it and found;
1. P0042 (minor evap system leak)
2. C0057 (ECM Control)
3. C0045 (ICM Malfunction
4. C0042 (Power Supply Voltage Failure)

The second time this happened, I didn't have the code reader with me but after the first stop 2 lights went away and after a second stop, all lights went away.

I suspect the root of the problem is C0042. I read the ABS computer monitors voltage and an interruption could effect or cause all the other codes. I decided there may be corrosion in the plug so I tried to take the master plug off the ABS system but it is quite stuck. I don't want to risk breaking it until I am certain the problem may be there.

Any thoughts?
Nov 6, 2020 at 9:01 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
I think you are on the right path. I suspect you have a connector issues where a wire is getting intermittent contact and it is setting these codes. The 3 C codes are all pointing to an electrical issue. I would run through these tests and go from there.

Let me know what questions you have but I would try to test this when the lights are on. More then likely unless you find a problem with one of the connectors, you will not turn anything up if the issue is not happening while you test it.
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Nov 6, 2020 at 11:47 PM

Suggested Repair

Inspect the ABS and related electrical connectors for intermittent contact or corrosion. Test the circuits while the warning lights are on, because an intermittent fault may not appear when the problem is inactive.

Conversation Summary

A 2010 Subaru Outback intermittently illuminates the check engine, AT oil temp, traction control, brake, and cruise lights while still running normally. Stored codes included P0042, C0057, C0045, and C0042, and the owner suspected a power-supply or ABS connector issue. The expert agreed the C-codes point to an electrical problem, likely intermittent connector contact, and advised testing while the lights are on.

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