wamber

Took mine to autozone first to check the battery. They say battery is fine. Took it to dealership. They say the amplifier needs to be replaced and that will fix the popping and the “service brake assist” message I keep getting periodically. Said that will cost around $900! Batteries aren’t cheap but are cheaper than replacing the amp. Any thoughts on replacing a battery I’ve been told is good already? Could it still be the battery causing the problem?

mountainmanjoe

Your stereo is powered by the alternator. The battery just starts the car.
Popping could just be loose/broken wires.

Avoid stealerships. Find a good independent mechanic.

wamber

the popping doesnt bother me as much as the service brake assist message. I got a different message when it did an autostop/start a week or so ago that the dealership says was also caused by the amplifier. They’re saying it’s all related to the amplifier, which seems weird. I would think it could be a wiring problem but wouldn’t have thought replacing the amp is the answer. Just odd all the way around and was hoping it could be something easier ( like the battery).

mountainmanjoe

the amplifier affecting the brakes? Highly unlikely. If that were true, then pulling the stereo fuse should fix everything right?

wamber

They said there’s nothing wrong with the brakes, but that the problem with the amplifier is causing the message to pop up.I could’ve understood if they said there’s a wiring problem that needs to be fixed because a sensor is getting triggered inadvertently, but to hear that the amplifier caused a service alert for the park assist just doesnt sound right/makes no sense to me.

mountainmanjoe

uh wait ... so is it park assist, or brake assist? I'm getting mixed messages.

BlueOx

An intermittently defective module on the CAN BUS can cause some wild issues. Familiar with data networking?

mountainmanjoe

There are at least two buses. One for critical stuff like engine and braking. One for low priority stuff like entertainment. This is done precisely so that a stereo can't kill your brakes.

anna0307

Please help.
I have changed the battery and weeks later my traction parking brake and brake light is still on. How did you fix this

mountainmanjoe

@anna0307 There are many, many causes for these warning lights. Running a diagnostic scan with a professional tool is needed to find out what's causing it.
You should post your own topic though please. Use the "new thread" button. Thanks.