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evakoch1

G3X Diesel Warning Light Linked to Failed Damping System

My G3X diesel with 73k km is showing concerning symptoms lately. The warning light keeps flashing in the speedo, plus the ride comfort has gotten really harsh with notable suspension issues. Scanning showed a damping control fault stored in the ECU. Before heading back to my mechanic (had some trouble with them recently), has anyone dealt with similar problems on their Subaru? Would really appreciate knowing what to expect regarding repair costs and if this points to a faulty shock absorber setup.

4 comment(s)

evahimmel1

Had a similar suspension issue on my G3X diesel last year. For reference, I drive a Subaru Outback 2.0D that showed identical symptoms at 82k km. The flashing warning combined with harsh ride typically indicates a failure in the suspension system electronic controls. The damping control fault often stems from damaged wiring or corroded connections between the control module and shock absorbers, not necessarily a complete suspension failure. In my case, the car suspension diagnostics revealed a disconnected plug at the rear shock absorber. The constant vibration had worn through the protective sleeve, causing intermittent signal loss to the damping control unit. The fix required replacing the wiring harness section and reconnecting the components properly. While not a catastrophic suspension issue, leaving it unfixed can lead to premature wear of other suspension components due to improper damping. The repair is straightforward for a qualified technician with the right diagnostic equipment to verify proper communication between components after the fix. Worth checking the connections first before assuming worst-case scenarios involving full shock absorber replacement. The vehicle suspension should be inspected comprehensively since the fault might have caused additional stress on related parts.

evakoch1 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed response. Your diagnosis matches my symptoms exactly, it definitely sounds like the same suspension system issue I am experiencing. The flashing warning and harsh ride feel very familiar. I am relieved it might just be wiring rather than complete suspension failure. Before I book it in, could you share what the repair ended up costing you? Also wondering if you have had any recurring problems with the damping control since getting it fixed? The ride comfort is really suffering so I want to get this sorted soon. Just trying to budget appropriately and make sure I get it properly diagnosed this time.

evahimmel1

Since getting the damping control fault fixed, my G3X has been running perfectly with no suspension issues whatsoever. The repair was straightforward, just 95€ to replace a faulty cable connection at the rear shock absorber. The ride comfort returned to normal immediately after the fix. The suspension tuning is now working as intended, with proper damping control across different road surfaces. No more harsh ride or warning lights. Your symptoms sound identical to what I experienced, so you should expect similar repair costs unless the diagnostic reveals additional worn components. The key was getting the electronic communication restored between the suspension system components. A proper diagnosis will quickly determine if your issue is also just a wiring problem rather than a more serious suspension failure. Just make sure the shop verifies all damping control functions after the repair. The car handling should feel noticeably improved once the system is communicating correctly again.

evakoch1 (Author)

The mechanic visit went better than expected. After checking the vehicle suspension thoroughly, they confirmed it was indeed just a wiring issue affecting the damping control system. The total repair came to 120€, slightly more than expected due to some additional diagnostic time needed. The fix took about 2 hours, they replaced a damaged section of the wiring harness and recalibrated the suspension system. The warning light disappeared immediately and the ride comfort returned to normal. No more harsh bumps or suspension issues. I tested the car extensively on different road surfaces afterward and the damping control is working perfectly now. The suspension failure warnings have not returned. Really glad I got this sorted before it could cause any additional wear to other suspension components. For anyone else facing similar symptoms with their G3X, definitely worth getting the wiring connections checked first. Proper diagnosis saved me from unnecessarily replacing expensive parts. The car feels like new again.

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