"RAB Disabled" in Subaru - Why Do I See This Error? And What to Do?

Have you ever seen the error message "RAB Disabled" in your Subaru vehicle? If so, you may be wondering what it means and how to fix it. There are several possible causes for "Rab Disabled" error message, and many Subaru owners are left scratching their heads. In this article, we will discuss what the "RAB Disabled" message means and how to fix it, so you can get back on the road again.

RAB disabled message highlights

• Common reasons:radars out of position, radars are broken, water damage, software issue
• How to fix:clean the radar area, disconnect the battery for some time, get professional help
• Possible consequences:several features won't work
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$100-$750

What is Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) feature?

Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) is a safety feature that automatically applies the brakes when your vehicle is reversing, such as when you are backing out of a parking space. This feature is designed to help prevent collisions in tight spaces and can be found on many newer Subaru models.

The system uses sensors to detect objects behind the vehicle and automatically applies the brakes if it senses an object getting too close, helping avoid collisions or reduce their severity. This technology can be especially helpful when reversing in tight or crowded areas or when visibility is limited. Many automakers are now including RAB as standard equipment on their vehicles, and it can also be added as an aftermarket option for older models.

Whether you're a new driver just learning the ropes or an experienced motorist who wants to add an extra layer of safety to their drives, RAB is an excellent option to consider.

RAB is an important part of the overall driver-assist technology landscape and has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to help reduce accidents and bolster overall vehicle safety. As automakers continue to develop new technologies, it's likely that RAB will become even more commonplace in the years to come. If you're looking for an added layer of protection and peace of mind when driving, RAB is definitely worth considering.

What "RAB Disabled" means in Subaru and what to do about it

If you're seeing the error message "RAB Disabled" in your Subaru, it means that the reverse automatic braking system has been disabled or turned off. This could be due to a variety of factors, including a not-tight gas cap, dirty sensors, or outdated software.

If you think your RAB system is malfunctioning, the first step is to make sure all of the system's components are in working order. If everything looks good, then it's time to check for any software updates that may be available.

Many automakers issue periodic software updates that can improve the performance and accuracy of their driver-assist systems, so updating your vehicle's software is a great way to keep your system in tip-top shape.

The most common causes of your Subaru "RAB Disabled" message

1) Dirty RAB Sensors

Many Subaru owners report that the error message "RAB Disabled" appears when their sensors become dirty or blocked. The RAB system relies on these sensors to detect objects in your vehicle's path, so if they're covered with dirt or debris, it will disable the system. So, this error message is quite common in rainy or dirty weather when the sensors become covered in mud or slush.

2) Damaged RAB Sensors

It's also possible that your RAB system has been disabled due to damaged or faulty sensors. If this is the case, then you'll need to take your vehicle to a professional who can check and replace the sensors if necessary. Even minor scratches or smudges on the sensors can affect their performance, so it's important to have them checked and repaired as soon as possible.

3) Cold weather

If you see the message "RAB Disabled" in cold weather, this can be caused by your sensors being covered with ice or by salt and other road contaminants that may have built up on the sensors over time. It might also be due to the system being too cold and not working as intended. You can just try to clean the ice off of the sensors and see if that fixes the issue or wait for your car to warm up.

4) Leaving your gas cap off

Interestingly, some Subaru owners have reported that the "RAB Disabled" message appears when they forget to close the gas cap after fueling up. In this case, putting on or tightening the gas cap, as well as resetting the system, should solve the problem. Subaru is extremely safe-conscious, so it's not surprising that leaving the gas cap off would cause this error message.

5) Outdated software

It is also possible that the "RAB Disabled" message appears because your vehicle's software is out-of-date. Many automakers issue periodic updates which can improve the accuracy and performance of driver-assist systems like RAB, so if your Subaru is running an older version of its software, it could be time for an upgrade.

6) Steep road

Some drivers report that the error message pops up when they park their car on a steep incline or decline. If this is the case, it's probably because the RAB system is designed to detect objects within a certain range, and the incline may be preventing it from detecting objects that are close to your car.

No particular solution exists for this issue, so you may just want to avoid parking on steep inclines or declines if possible. You should also restart your RAB system to make it activated after parking on a steep incline.

7) Cascade failure

In extremely rare cases, Subaru owners have reported that the error message "RAB Disabled" appears when something else in the car, such as the brakes or steering, malfunctions. This is known as a cascade failure, where the malfunction of one system causes another system to shut down for safety reasons. However, in this case, you should also have other error messages present indicating a serious problem.

8) The bike rack may cause your RAB system to turn off

Another issue you may encounter with your RAB system is that it could turn off when you attach a bike rack or other similar accessories to your vehicle. This is because the bike rack could be blocking the sensors, preventing them from detecting objects in your car's path. To prevent this issue, make sure that the bike rack is securely attached to your car and that it does not block any of the sensors.

Regardless of the cause, it's important to ensure that your Subaru RAB system is in working order. Don't hesitate to take your vehicle to a local garage or dealership for repairs if the error message persists.

How to reset RAB if you are having problems with it?

Depending on your Subaru model, you may be able to reset the RAB system yourself. To do so, simply press and hold the RAB button on your touchscreen for five seconds. After that, the error message should disappear, and the system should be reactivated. However, if it does not work, you may need to try other solutions or take your vehicle to the dealership for repairs.

In some cases, you may also need to reset the whole system by reconnecting the battery. To do this, locate the negative terminal of your Subaru's battery and disconnect it for a few seconds. After that, reconnect the cable and turn on the vehicle.

Bottom Line

If you're seeing the error message "RAB Disabled" in your Subaru, it means that the reverse automatic braking system has been disabled or turned off. This could be caused by numerous factors, including a not-tight gas cap, dirty sensors, or outdated software.

In most cases, this error is caused by something minor and can be resolved by simply cleaning the sensors or updating its software. However, if you're still having problems after doing this, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for repairs.