WRX hill holder, I don't like it anyone else?

**Pool Runner** · 10-14-2012 04:12 PM

I've had my WRX almost a month but have only put just under 300 miles on it. Still if there is one thing I don't like and find exceptionally annoying its the hill holder. This is the feature that holds the car still on a hill so the car doesn't roll back.

My problem is the feature is too intrusive and activates at the slightest elevation change. I find this is a feature Subaru took the time to add but nobody asked for it. My other gripe is that it doesn't release at the same rate I'm coming off the clutch causing me to apply either too much throttle or not enough. The feeling is like you are taking off but the park brake feels like it is still on.

So I ask you guys, is there a fuse I can pull or remove to override the annoyance with ought leaving a light on the dash on or some other problem? Thanks in advance.

**nsibanez** · 10-14-2012 04:20 PM

It seems like it's harder to control on the newer WRX and STI then my '09. I don't like it personally either because it feels like it takes away from the feel of driving a manual. But I also bought mine when someone installed a heavier clutch kit so it helps a lot. i
I've tried looking for a fuse and haven't had any luck yet. As far as I know, it's probably something you can bring to the dealer and let them hook their software up and get into the ECU to turn if off.

Unless someone else can give us an easier answer

**rage-wrx** · 10-14-2012 04:27 PM

There is a hill assist turn off procedure on the STI. But AFAIK it cannot be turned off on the WRX. Something you will have to learn to live with.

**11blackwrx** · 10-14-2012 04:35 PM

yeah i havent heard of a way to shut it off in the wrx, ive just learned to live with it and after a year im well used to it kicking in

**nsibanez** · 10-14-2012 04:38 PM

Forgot about the STI part.
Try asking your dealer. I'm almost positive there's a way to turn it off by getting into the right parameter in your ECU. Some cars allow you to be able to have your door locks automatically at a certain speed givin it has that parameter installed.

**Pool Runner** · 10-14-2012 06:37 PM

I wish it was driver controlled like on my '11 Outback, which has a button under the dash. I agree with the poster who said it takes away from the manual feel. If you know how to drive a manual there is no reason to roll back on a hill.

I'm thinking if there is a dash light for it, there should be a relay and or a fuse someplace. I'm sure one of techy types in here will have this mod hacked soon.

**DemonWRX** · 10-14-2012 08:01 PM

The STI can be turned off....the WRX can't without a permanent idiot light....most Subaru techs will tell you it can't be disabled cause Subaru does not give them access to much beyond the ability to reset TPMS sensors.

This has been an open issue/annoyance for a couple of years....no fix found yet. sorry

There is a work around....when on the hill, don't have it in gear. If you have it in neutral, then throw it into gear just before you let out the clutch the hill assist does not kick in....I know this is counter intuitive and likely negligent and dangerous, but there you go.

**Gendax** · 10-14-2012 08:21 PM

It doesn't bother me. I kind of like it.

**tesla317** · 10-14-2012 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Gendax

It doesn't bother me. I kind of like it.

+1

I can understand why some dont like it, but it's nice to have. I'm 23 and my first car was a VW JETTA 5 speed, so I learned how to properly pull out on a steep hill.

I always keep in mind that I'm not dependent on it, but it's nice to have when some clueless moron pulls up within a foot of my bumper.

**mcdbrendan** · 10-14-2012 09:37 PM

If you're willing to live with your parking brake light on, its doable. I disabled my daytime running lights by slightly bending the arm that contacts the parking brake sensor, which also disables the hill assist since it thinks the brake is on.

**Pool Runner** · 10-14-2012 10:54 PM

Originally Posted by DemonWRX

The STI can be turned off....the WRX can't without a permanent idiot light....most Subaru techs will tell you it can't be disabled cause Subaru does not give them access to much beyond the ability to reset TPMS sensors.

This has been an open issue/annoyance for a couple of years....no fix found yet. sorry

There is a work around....when on the hill, don't have it in gear. If you have it in neutral, then throw it into gear just before you let out the clutch the hill assist does not kick in....I know this is counter intuitive and likely negligent and dangerous, but there you go.

Good to know, thanks for the tip.

**T0rque** · 10-14-2012 11:00 PM

Its alright its kind of a pain in the ass.. but you get used to it. Ive found if I dont push hard on the brake it doesnt set the hill assist.

**Pool Runner** · 10-14-2012 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by mcdbrendan

If you're willing to live with your parking brake light on, its doable. I disabled my daytime running lights by slightly bending the arm that contacts the parking brake sensor, which also disables the hill assist since it thinks the brake is on.

Might do that, where is the parking brake sensor located?

**Heide264** · 10-15-2012 12:09 AM

Gawd I hated that 'feature'. Luckily I could turn it off on my sti. Made hill starts next to impossible for somebody who was just learning to drive a stick. Still have yet to put it back on.

I'm ticked Subaru doesn't allow it to be turned off in the WRX. What an annoying thing to do.