2002 Subaru Outback Braking problems when its below 32 degr

PAMELA WARRING

MEMBER
2002 SUBARU OUTBACK
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
32,000 MILES

My 2002 Legacy outback station wagon's ABS brakinIg system is giving me problems. I warm my car up for about 10 minutes, but when I take off the brakes are hard and when I step on them I hear and feel them "chattering". I go down a driveway and. It's like I don't have any brakes. I keep on pumping them repeatedly or step on them without pumping them. I even tried pulling up on the emergency brake to stop the car but keep going out into the road - and I pray to God that I don't get hit.
After stepping on the brakes repeatedly, finally they will function. But I feel that this is not safe. My VIN # on my car wasn't one that was recalled for master brake cylinder problems. I have plenty of brake fluid in the car also. Can my ABS system be disconnected or what could be the problem. Please let me know. Thanks for your help.

1 Reply

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,395 POSTS

When this condition exists, does your ABS light come on? After you drive the car forward, do the brakes seem to work normally? We can't tel you to "disconnect" the ABS system, and if there is a problem with it, you need to have it repaired. Is your driveway icy? Please advise.