Harman Kardon Audio Amplifier Operational Concerns – 2019 Subaru

SEOCONTENT-START

Bulletin Number: 15-235-18R; Revised 06/10/19 Page 1 of 2
NUMBER: 15-235-18R
DATE: 11/08/18
REVISED: 06/10/19
APPLICABILITY: 2019MY WRX and WRX STI
2019MY Forester
SUBJECT: Harman Kardon Audio Amplifier
Operational Concerns
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.
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 announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following
operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system:
Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the
knob
Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob
NOTE: This condition is generally reported as occurring following a handsfree phone call or while
using navigation voice guidance.
Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
Follow the procedure below to confirm any of the three symptom(s) described above BEFORE
ordering an exchange amplifier.
1. Enter the vehicle and turn the ignition ON.
2. Turn the audio unit on and listen for any unusual sounds from any of the speakers.
3. Pull the hood release lever.
4. Open the Driver’s window fully to retain access to the inside of the vehicle.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Exit the vehicle and close all the doors.
7. Wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding further.
8. Open the hood and remove the PDI (backup power) fuse.
9. Turn the ignition back on and listen again for any unusual sound from any of the speakers.
Bulletin Number: 15-235-18R; Revised 06/10/19 Page 2 of 2
10. If the unusual sounds heard originally can no longer be verified, replace the amplifier with an
exchange unit. If unusual sounds persist while the fuse is removed, there is another cause which
will require further diagnosis.
After confirming the symptom(s) as outlined in the Introduction above exists, order the applicable
replacement amplifier following the Audio Exchange Program instructions. Install the exchange unit
following the current Service Manual procedure.
NOTE: All exchange amplifiers have the new software and circuitry installed.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru
Added Security Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
Labor Description Labor Operation # Labor Time Fail Code
HARMAN KARDON AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER R&R B850-815 0.3
ZSE-42
AUDIO SYSTEM TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS C031-001 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.