“Popping” or “Snapping” Sound When Opening the Sunroof – 2015-2018 Subaru Legacy & Outback

SEOCONTENT-START

Bulletin Number: 12-246-18R; Revised 07/23/19 Page 1 of 6
NUMBER: 12-246-18R
DATE: 07/23/18
REVISED: 07/23/19
APPLICABILITY: 2015-2018MY Legacy and Outback
SUBJECT: “Popping” or “Snapping” Sound When
Opening the Sunroof
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.
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Continued…
SERVICE BULLETIN
ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER q
PARTS MANAGER q
CLAIMS PERSONNEL q
SERVICE MANAGER q
IMPORTANT – All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
©2018 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing and repairing customer concerns of a “popping” or
“snapping” -type sound heard when opening the sunroof. The sound may occur when the rear portion
of the glass lid weatherstrip contacts or catches the roof frame when the sunroof is opened.
PART INFORMATION:
A maximum of 4 screws, p.n. 65482AL01A which are one-time use items are required for this
procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. Always
confirm the condition before performing any repairs.
This service procedure is comprised of 4 steps.
NOTE: It may not be necessary to perform all 4 steps listed below to repair this condition.
• Step 1: Inspection of the glass lid assembly, weatherstrip and position adjustment
• Step 2: Inspection and adjustment to insure even contact of the weatherstip between the lid
and the roof panel opening along the rear edge
• Step 3: Inspection for smooth, even movement of both left and right cable guide assemblies
• Step 4: Post-repair water testing to confirm proper roof drain operation and to be sure there
is no leakage into the cabin.
Bulletin Number: 12-246-18R; Revised 07/23/19 Page 2 of 6
Continued…
A flow chart is provided below to help clarify the service procedure.
NOTE: The Service Manual procedures referenced throughout this procedure contain information
critical to performing an effective repair the first time and every time. This includes but is not limited
to: important SAFETY precautions, proper inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required
processes and related one-time-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.
Bulletin Number: 12-246-18R; Revised 07/23/19 Page 3 of 6
Continued…
Step 1: Adjust the lid forward to reduce chances of the weatherstrip sticking or catching the edge of
the sunroof opening in the roof panel or the sunroof frame. This can cause the snapping sound and /
or damage to the weatherstrip / seal..
1a- Loosen the retaining screws and move the lid forward as shown below.
1b- Adjust the surface fitting of the lid to the roof panel, 1mm up from flush along the front edge and
1mm below flush along the rear edge.
1c- Tighten the screws and re-check sunroof operation.
NOTE: If completion of these Step 1 adjustments has repaired the condition, replace the 4 lid
retaining screws ONE AT A TIME (to retain the adjustment) with NEW screws and torque to
40 inch-pounds.
Bulletin Number: 12-246-18R; Revised 07/23/19 Page 4 of 6
Continued…
Step 2: Inspection and adjustment (if necessary) for even contact between the lid weather strip and
rear of the roof panel’s sunroof opening.
2a- Check and measure for a difference in the amount of deformation of the weather-strip.
If there is a difference between A and B, go to 2b and CAREFULLY follow the adjustment
procedure. If there is no difference, proceed to Step 4.
(2b): Remove the lid and the sunroof assembly from the body following the procedure in the
applicable Service Manual. Extend the right-side gauge hole as needed to equalize any deformation
of the seal as identified in 2a. Treat any exposed bare metal with touch-up paint.
• If the “A” side is narrower than the “B” side, expand the
gauge hole (RED area) by 2mm using a small round file.
• If the “B” side is narrower than the “A” side, expand the
gauge hole (GREEN area) by 2mm using a small round file.
• NOTE: ALWAYS treat any bare metal created by filing
with touch-up paint.
• Reassemble the sunroof in reverse order and perform (2a)
again.
Bulletin Number: 12-246-18R; Revised 07/23/19 Page 5 of 6
Continued…
Step 3: If the condition persists, remove the lid and check the operation of the cable guides. If
inspection reveals any uneven movement, adjust or if necessary, replace the affected “CABLEGUIDE
ASSEMBLY RIGHT/LEFT” following the procedure outlined in the applicable Service
Manual.
Step 4: Leak testing
Check for water intrusion into the cabin as shown in the illustrations below. It is also VERY
IMPORTANT to confirm all 4 sunroof drains are clear and operating normally as part of this step.
Bulletin Number: 12-246-18R; Revised 07/23/19 Page 6 of 6
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period this repair may be submitted using
the following claim information:
Labor Description Labor Operation # Labor Time Fail Code
2015-18 LEG / OBK SUNROOF POP SOUND REPAIR
Includes adjustments and water testing. B850-418 0.9
XDM-88
2015-18 LEG/ OBK POP SOUND SUNROOF REPLACE
Includes time for adjustment at replacement. C850-916 0.3
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
• SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as
previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
• Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
• Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.