2012 3.6 "Bricked" during factory recall update

[Bklyn Outback]

We just brought our 2012 Limited 3.6 in for the factory recall update to the computer regarding the engine coolant and check engine light.
When we went to pick it up we were told that something happened during the update and the computer was "bricked"... OH GREAT!
Over a week to fix it... But wait, there's more!
After some discussions, because we had a project that required our outback, and they could not offer us a loaner, they agreed to swap out the computer from another car and get us on the road the next day, which was acceptable.
The next morning, before we are even awake, the phone rings and our car is fixed and ready - couldn't ask for better service when they broke it the first place - HOWEVER the entire problem could have been avoided had the repair tech simply "hard re-booted" the computer by disconnecting it from the battery!!!
Perhaps this is common knowledge out there, but it was an unknown problem/repair known to the dealership shop!

SO, if you are told your computer is/was bricked, have them disconnect the battery and wait 10 seconds... You'll be glad you did!

Have a great new year!

[VicVinegar]

Factory recall on the 3.6? When did that happen?

[1 Lucky Texan]

there are at least 2 for '12s, the older brake pedal/master cyl. one, and a more recent air bag recall. Didn't see one for coolant so, may be quite new. or a TSB ?

[Euchre]

So they flashed the ROM into the thing, then tried to get it to load 'hot'? I would think you would HAVE to do a cold start to make it work right.

[dboz]

This is why taking your car to a dealer can be very scary. They often times don't have a clue.

[Novablue]

Originally Posted by Euchre

So they flashed the ROM into the thing, then tried to get it to load 'hot'? I would think you would HAVE to do a cold start to make it work right.

Well it worked for the App on my phone, a cars computer is bigger, so it should have been okay right?

Lol!

Originally Posted by dboz

This is why taking your car to a dealer can be very scary. They often times don't have a clue.

Everyone always assumes that because they are the "dealer" they are the experts. The truth is that after about about 2-3 years most of the "trade secrets" are released and all mechanics have access to the same information. Unless you drive something real special, your car never sees a specialist, just some kid who also washes the cars.

Funny thing is no one ever seems to believe that.

[Trainman37]

Originally Posted by Novablue

Everyone always assumes that because they are the "dealer" they are the experts. The truth is that after about about 2-3 years most of the "trade secrets" are released and all mechanics have access to the same information. Unless you drive something real special, your car never sees a specialist, just some kid who also washes the cars.

Funny thing is no one ever seems to believe that.

I believe that to a certain extent. However, my old '99 escort saw two mechanics that were rated fairly high and they were unable to solve the issue that the dealer did in 1/2 day (the other places had far longer). The dealer is more likely to have the higher priced diagnostic equipment that can help track down specific computer related issues if you ask me.

Not saying mechanics aren't good, I still take my ford to a local mechanic if I have issues with it that I cannot fix myself, but in some very slim instances the dealer may have the slight edge.

[tank fuzzbutt]

I am amazed at how my local Subaru service departments are so lacking in the knowledge of the vehicles they sell. I shouldn't need to give the service manager the TSB# for an issue with the car which has been the case for me.

[SE95]

My experience with the dealer (Baierl Subaru, apparently one of the better ones in this area), has been that they do a decent enough job but they are sloppy and kind of half ass a lot of stuff. I prefer my local mechanic or to do it myself.

[medic]

Originally Posted by Bklyn Outback

HOWEVER the entire problem could have been avoided had the repair tech simply "hard re-booted" the computer by disconnecting it from the battery!!!

So Microsoft IS building cars now...



Had the ECU flash redone on our OB on Monday. No issues.
Only dissapointment was they said our grainy rearview camera was "normal" with the other cars on the lot. I'm guessing since the tech's worked on it in the afternoon they didn't test in a dark garage which is when the issue occurs.