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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

NUMBER: 07-128-18R

2008-2016MY Impreza
2013-2017MY Crosstrek
2014-2017MY Forester
2015-2017MY WRX
2013-2017MY BRZ

DATE: 01/19/18
REVISED: 09/18/18

SUBJECT: Stop Lamp Switch / Pedal Stroke Adjustment
Procedure Relating to DTCs C0054, C0075, C1249
and C1531
INTRODUCTION:
This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop
lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed
above to set and result in the related system’s warning lamp to illuminate.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
The table below provides DTC applicability by vehicle model:
Impreza 2012-2016MY
Crosstrek 2013-2017MY

Forester

WRX

BRZ

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

C0075

Impreza
2008-2011MY
BLS OFF
MALFUNCTION
Reverse Signal

n/a

n/a

n/a

C1249

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a
BLS
MALFUNCTION

C1531

n/a

BLS OFF / STUCK

BLS OFF /
STUCK

BLS OFF /
STUCK

DTC
C0054

n/a

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
•

Measuring tape (at least 36” long)

•

Masking (or Painter’s) tape

•

Sharp-tipped marker.
Continued...

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Bulletin Number: 07-128-18R; Revised 09/18/18

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Page 1 of 6

1. Adjust the steering column to the lowest point and the telescopic position closest fully inward
toward the instrument panel (IP).
2. After recording the customers radio station presets (and Navigation Favorites where applicable),
disconnect the ground (-) negative terminal from the battery and wait 60 seconds before
proceeding.
3. Remove the lower dash trim and knee airbag module following the procedure in the applicable
Service Manual. Reconnect the negative battery cable and proceed to step 4.
4. Apply tape as needed to protect any affected trim from scratching by the measuring tape.
5. Apply a piece of tape to the bottom of the steering wheel to use for a making a measurement
reference mark as shown below.
6. If needed and to maintain consistency, apply a piece of tape to the brake pedal as a reference for
where the end of the tape measure needs to be positioned between “Up” and “Down”. Make sure
the measuring tape does not touch the IP lower trim.

7. Put a reference mark on the steering wheel tape, make a measurement to the brake pedal as
shown and record it.

8. Press the brake pedal until the stop lights come on (using a helper or the SSM4 with the stop
lamp switch PID selected) then measure again to determine the brake pedal stroke.
9. If the pedal stroke measurement is less than 3mm, the stop lamp switch must be adjusted because
the stop lights may come on erroneously from vibration. Refer to the table below for the target
pedal stroke measurement values.
Impreza
2008-2011MY
3 to 8mm

Impreza 2012-2017MY
Crosstrek 2013-2017MY
3 to 7mm

Crosstrek HEV

Forester

WRX

BRZ

1 to 2mm

3 to 7mm

3 to 7mm

5 to 10mm

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-128-18R; Revised 09/18/18

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10. Use a sharp-tip marker to mark the current position of the stop lamp switch for reference. Turn
the switch to the left (counter-clockwise) to release and remove it from the mounting bracket.

11. The table below provides how much each notch (thread) on the switch will change the pedal
stroke measurement.
Impreza
2008-2011MY
5mm

Impreza 2012-2017MY
Crosstrek 2013-2017MY
4mm

Forester

WRX

BRZ

4mm

4mm

5mm

IMPORTANT NOTE: Never shorten the pedal stroke to less than 3mm. Doing so may cause the
stop lamps to illuminate without pressing the brake pedal.
Example: A 2015 WRX has a measured pedal stroke of 13mm. Specification is 3 to 7mm. Each
notch on the switch will change the stroke by 4mm. The switch position must be moved by 2 threads
to bring it into specification. Moving it 3 notches would make the stroke 1mm, under the 3mm
minimum.
12. Pull up on the brake pedal while reinstalling the switch. Turn the switch to the right (clockwise)
to lock it back into position. You will need to develop a “feel” for the adjustment notches along
with how the switch releases and locks back into position. The switch in the photo below has
been adjusted 2 notches.

13. Press the brake pedal until the stop lights come on then measure again to determine if the brake
pedal stroke is now within the specified values. If not, repeat steps 9-12 and measure again. If
the stroke measurement is now within the specified values, the measurement and adjustment
procedure is complete. Remove any tape applied to the steering wheel and / or brake pedal.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-128-18R; Revised 09/18/18

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IMPORTANT NOTE: For DTC C1531, proceed to step 19.
14. Disconnect the ground (-) negative terminal from the battery and wait 60 seconds before
proceeding.
15. Reinstall the knee airbag module and lower IP trim in reverse order of removal. Reconnect the
negative battery cable.
16. Connect SSM4 and clear the memory.
17. Reset all the customers radio presets (and Navigation Favorites where applicable).
18. Confirm all affected systems operate normally to complete the repair. STOP here unless
diagnosing a DTC P1531.
19. Use one of the following procedures (WITH or WITHOUT EPB) when DTC C1531 is in
memory and the VDC Warning Light is ON. For the other DTCs listed in this TSB, follow the
diagnostics in the applicable Service Manual. Connect SSM4 and from the Brake Control System
list, select the following data:
•

Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor

•

Stop Light Switch

•

EPB Switch Indicator

A: For vehicles WITH Electronic Parking Brake (EPB):
a) Put the select lever to the P position and start the engine.
b) Start the data monitoring on SSM-4.
c) Apply Electric Parking Brake (EPB).
NOTE: Although the indicator lamp in the EPB switch is ON, pull the EPB switch to confirm proper
EPB system operation.
d) Without depressing brake pedal, make sure the stop light switch shows OFF on the SSM-4
data monitor.
e) Depress and release the brake pedal 5 times quickly, then hold pressure on the brake pedal.
f) While depressing the brake pedal, release EPB.
g) After releasing EPB, gradually release the brake pedal and note the value for master cylinder
pressure when the stop light switch turns from ON to OFF. The specification is Less than 15
bar (1.5 MPa). See the screen shot provided below for reference.
h) If master cylinder pressure is out of specification, continue DTC C1531 diagnosis following
the diagnostic procedures found in the applicable Service Manual.
i) If master cylinder pressure is within specification, perform steps 16, 17 and 18 above to
complete the procedure.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-128-18R; Revised 09/18/18

Page 4 of 6

B: For vehicles WITHOUT Electronic Parking Brake (EPB):
a) Put the select lever to the P position and start the engine.
b) Start the data monitoring on SSM-4.
c) Without depressing brake pedal, make sure the stop light switch shows OFF on the SSM-4
data monitor.
d) Depress and release the brake pedal 5 times quickly, then hold pressure on the brake pedal.
e) Gradually release the brake pedal and check the master cylinder pressure when the stop light
switch turns from ON to OFF.
f) If master cylinder pressure is out of specification, continue DTC C1531 diagnosis following
the diagnostic procedures in the applicable Service Manual.
g) If master cylinder pressure is within specification, perform steps 16, 17 and 18 above to
complete the procedure.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited or Emission Warranty period or covered by an active
Subaru Added Security Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim
information:
NOTE: Emission coverage not applicable to switch adjustment.
Labor Description

Labor
Operation #

STOP LIGHT SWITCH- ADJUSTMENT ONLY

A455-318

MFI OBDII STOP LIGHT SWITCH- R&R

A455-311

Fail
Code

Labor Time
Impreza
Crosstrek
WRX
BRZ

0.8
0.9

0.5
Forester

0.7

UAE-43

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-128-18R; Revised 09/18/18

Page 5 of 6

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as
previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 07-128-18R; Revised 09/18/18

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