BRZ Telematics Failure: Emergency Call System Alert Fix

As someone with moderate experience working on Subarus, I dealt with a similar issue on my 2015 Subaru WRX. The SOS system malfunction started showing up out of nowhere, triggering warning lights in the instrument cluster. After some initial concern, I took it to my regular workshop. They diagnosed it as a loose connection in the telematics control module wiring. The cable connector had worked itself loose over time, causing intermittent system failures. The fix was straightforward, they cleaned the connection points, secured the plug properly, and performed a system reset. Total cost was 95€ for diagnostic and repair work. The emergency call system has worked flawlessly since then. These car safety systems are sensitive to electrical connections, and even minor connection issues can trigger warnings. To help troubleshoot your specific case, could you share: Have you noticed any pattern when the error appears? Are there any other warning lights accompanying the telematics error? Has the car experienced any recent electrical work or battery issues? Does the error clear temporarily after disconnecting the battery? This information would help determine if your BRZ is experiencing the same connection issue or if its something else entirely.

Last service was at 182000 KM and I experienced this malfunction shortly after. The error pattern varies but seems more frequent during cold starts. Additional warning lights include the Check Engine light and a flashing SOS indicator. No recent electrical work, but I did have a dead battery about 2 months ago which needed replacement. The diagnostic codes were pulled using my OBD scanner, showing a communication error with the telematics module. I tried the battery disconnect method for a system reset, but the warnings returned after about 20 minutes of driving. I appreciate your detailed response about the connection issue. Since our symptoms sound similar, I will have my workshop check the wiring connections first before considering more expensive repairs.

Thanks for providing those additional details. The symptoms you're describing really mirror what I experienced with my WRX, especially the error returning after battery disconnection. However, the combination with the Check Engine light suggests your issue might be slightly more complex than my loose connection problem. When my telematics system started acting up after a battery replacement, it turned out the voltage fluctuations had affected the module's programming. The workshop found that beyond the loose connection, they needed to perform a complete telematics control unit reset and recalibration. The communication error showing in your diagnostic codes is a telltale sign. In my case, the total repair involved: Checking and securing all telematics module connections, Performing a full system reset using professional diagnostic equipment, Recalibrating the SOS signal parameters, Clearing all stored error codes The repair cost was higher than my initial fix, around 280€, but it permanently resolved both the telematics errors and the Check Engine light. Given your mileage and the recent battery issues, I would strongly recommend having these steps performed rather than just checking connections. Make sure to specifically mention the error pattern during cold starts to your workshop, as this could indicate a voltage-related issue affecting the module during system initialization.

Given what you have shared, I will focus on having my workshop perform a complete diagnostic of the telematics system. The cold start pattern and relationship to the recent battery replacement seems important. The connection issue combined with possible voltage-related problems makes sense, especially considering the high mileage on my BRZ. I will request they check all the steps you outlined, securing connections, performing a system reset, recalibrating the emergency call system, and clearing the stored malfunction codes. The 280€ repair cost seems reasonable if it resolves both the telematics errors and Check Engine light permanently. Before booking the appointment, I will document the exact timing and conditions when these car safety warnings appear, particularly during cold starts. This should help the technicians pinpoint whether the control module needs recalibration after the battery-related issues. Thanks for sharing your similar experience, it has helped narrow down the likely causes and potential fixes.