Dash lights up like a Christmas Tree

Asked by Scott Oct 15, 2017 at 12:41 AM about the 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi all, in need of some help. I've got a MY11 Outback 2.5 which has just had a
full service, engine flush and transmission service at Midas but the following
lights continue to stay on / flash. (Midas just reset the lights but they started up
again...). I think it could be a sensor... any suggestions?

- Check engine light
- AT Oil temp (flashes)
- Traction control
- Handbrake
- the word 'CRUISE' (flashes above km's travelled)

Could be a transmission control module issue?

Thanks for your help :)

13 Answers

90

I have a 2010 Outback with exactly the same issues. Lights used to flash for 24 hours and go off. Now it's 48 hours on but happening every two days. I will tell my mechanic to reset the obi 4 digit codes as you have suggested. Interesting that so many other owners are having the same issue.

9 people found this helpful.
190

I figured i’d save you all a headache and tell you my story. On Saturday, 10/20/18 the “ “Christmas tree effect” happened to me on my 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i limited. It has 187k on it for miles. My husband took my battery out and went to have it tested. It was fine. He cleaned the terminals (because they were really corroded bad) and put it back in. All the lights came off and it has been running great.

13 people found this helpful.

All that did is wipe the trouble codes. The lights may reappear. Next time have the codes read!

4 people found this helpful.
190

Yes it just wiped the codes for a easy fix. Then he finally took it to get the codes ran after it happened 2 more times. It read Transmission, CVT, Torque converter. Which the dealership just fixed the Torque Covertor last year so I decided to trade it in for a 2019 crosstrek because I owed a year and didn’t wanna have it towed in and still owe!!!

6 people found this helpful.
140

Had the same problem with my 2014 Subaru 3.6R Limited. Brake light flashing, cruise control flashing and check engine light on. Checked gas cap and cleaned battery terminals did not solve the problem. Refused to go to my Subaru dealer, to be ripped off a third time I went to my local neighborhood mechanic. Problem solved! Removed and replaced fuel ratio sensor.

14 people found this helpful.
40

while driving my 2014 Subaru Outback the parking brake and oil temp. light went on. It happened yesterday. Does anyone know what the problem could possibly be ? Thanks

4 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2015 legacy that wouldn't start 3 separate times, once out of state. Had to have battery charged all times, what a nuisance! Dashboard lit up everything as if I were on Broadway. Brought into Subaru 3 times past 2 weeks. No problem with battery, engine and codes. Happened again ugh! Wondering could it just be battery in key ?? My spare I'm using now. Will know soon.

3 people found this helpful.

Install a better battery with more amps. This is a common problem with newer Subies that have the el cheapo factory battery.

2 people found this helpful.
120

Check the ground straps for corrosion / breakage. One on either side of the engine from the engine block to the car chassis. All kinds of dash lights on my daughter's Subaru Impreza. Tried the disconnect battery and reconnect. fixed it only briefly. Found the broken ground straps and replaced them. No problems since. Been several months now.

4 people found this helpful.
20

My dad had a "Christmas Tree" effect at the Post Office. It was a very hot day and he was desperate. He waited twenty minutes or maybe a half hour and started the car. All the lights went off and the car ran fine. So If you get a Christmas Tree on a very hot day just wait a half an hour for everything to cool and try to start the car.

2 people found this helpful.

Hi everyone I am feeling very unease with my 2009 Subaru Legacy Found this post very helpful and not feeling alone anymore lol Xmas tree effect happening and also having issues with car not starting and needing a few goes before it actually starts. YELLOW Handbrake light ORANGE Dynamic/Traction control light YELLOW Check engine light S mode flashing (and does not allow me to change mode) This second issue only happens on my watch and not while at mechanic! I have had massive issues for over a month, gong back to the mechanic 3 times now. Xmas tree lights were cleared by mechanic initially but then they came on again..randomly going off.. coming back on. What a nightmare! I feel unease to drive it now after being stranded on motorway. Mechanic cannot find whats wrong. Anyone in Akl New Zealand who could help? Thanks in advance :)

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