sOLLEx

Sounds like you have a faulty brake switch...cheap fix

oo7spy

We have seen batteries last as short as 6 months here. If there is a weak or bad cell in the battery, the RL is going to expose it.

I would consider a new battery before assuming the brakes are to blame. Is it possible to swap batteries with another car to test?

sOLLEx

Just take the car to the dealer and let them check the codes. Usually a battery test is free there and most every auto parts store. Why replace the battery when you don't even know what codes are? Also pull that silly Progressive battery drainer off it's causing a draw.

supersonic64126

That "silly Progressive battery drainer" just lowered my car insurance by 30%! And you were right sOLLEx, thanks. It was the brake pedal switch. This was surprising as I just had it replaced at the dealer 6 months prior to this problem occurring (the brake light was not working intermittently). So, instead of replacing again, I took the switch out myself, disassembled it (it just snaps open), cleaned all the contacts with a pencil eraser, and sure enough my SH-AWD and VSA lights went away just like that. Hasn't occurred since. Cheap part but I was lazy and didn't feel like driving to the dealer, and too impatient to order one and wait. Thanks for the advice, and sorry it took me so long to get back on here and thank you! Just hit 190,000 miles and all runs well. Now I'm gonna go drive and enjoy it before something else breaks!