TIPS0519 – 2019 May TechTIPS Newsletter – Subaru

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Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
May 2019
01 QMR OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to announce this month’s Winner of QMR of the Month:
David Jodat from
Subaru City of Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI.
David’s excellent QMR detailed his diagnosis and repair of a new
2019MY Impreza (19 miles) which prior to delivery, was experiencing
driveability concerns along with both the Check Engine and AT
Temp lights flashing. His thorough report began with describing the
condition as the transmission slipping and feeling like it was starting
out in a much higher ratio than normal. After easily duplicating the
condition, David began his diagnosis by looking into the list of 3 stored
transmission DTCs, all relating to a different shaft speed sensor.
He then connected the SSM4, selected the PIDs for the sensors
in question along with front wheel speed to help with his diagnosis.
During the brief road test, David identified all 3 shaft sensors were
unresponsive while the wheel speed data would rise and drop
normally. He then turned to the transmission wiring diagram and
identified a common power supply feed for all 3 sensors although,
each had its own separate ground. This led David to start tracing
the sensor power supply wiring. Using the split-half technique, he
was able to track down two separate problems. The first was a
broken locking tab on the outside of connector E115 along with a
poor connection found at Pin 19 of connector T15 (which connects to
E115). Because of the broken locking tab, David proceeded to order
and install a new engine wiring harness which repaired the vehicle.
His QMR also included numerous quality photos with call-outs, SSM
data snapshots and a video showing how he was able to simulate the
poor Pin 19 sensor power supply connection.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience
with us, David will be receiving the following:
A $500.00 Snap-On gift card.
©2019 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Memorial Day: (Closed)
Monday, May 27, 2019
Independence Day: (Closed)
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Mon. – Thurs. 8:30AM – 7:30PM EST
Friday 10:30AM – 5:00PM EST
Saturday 9:00AM – 3:00PM EST
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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ARTICLES CONTAINED
IN THIS ISSUE
CODE ARTICLE………………………….PAGE
(00) STIS New Releases………………..8-9
(01) QMR of the Month…………………… 1
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations ……………………….. 2
(01) Use Of Silicone Spray Precautions…. 3
(01) Brake Lamp Switch Replacement Web
Based Training………………………. 3
(07) 2019MY Forester Manual Override for
Power Rear Gate…………………….. 3
(07) 2019MY WRX, Telematics “i” Button
Sticking………………………………. 4
(12) 2019MY Ascent, Spare Tire Hoist
Precautions………………………….. 5
(14) WUE-90 Stop Lamp Switch Recall,
Special Tool TIP……………………… 5
(15) Telematics Operational Concerns
Accompanied By DTC B2A15……….. 6
(15) Harman Audio / Navigation System
Concerns…………………………… 6-7
The Subaru TechTIPS newsletter is intended for use by professional Technicians ONLY. Articles 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 your vehicle has or will have that condition.
Impreza, Legacy, Justy, Loyale, Outback, Forester, Subaru SVX, WRX, WRX STI, Baja, Tribeca,
BRZ, XV Crosstrek, Ascent, Crosstrek Hybrid and “Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks.
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.
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
ISO 14001 COMPLIANT
Click on a title below to jump to the article.
Click the date located in the footer to return to page 1.
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 1 of 10
01 QMR OF THE MONTH (CONTINUED)
The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during March 2019 were:
• David Wood from Riverhead Bay Subaru in Riverhead, NY
• Eric Heck from Pine Belt Subaru in Lakewood, NJ
• Ken Mitsumasu from Subaru Orange Coast in Santa Ana, CA
• Daniel Evans from North Reading Subaru in North Reading, MA
Any Subaru Technician can participate in the QMR of the Month program. See the February 2013 and
January 2016 issues of Tech TIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a future issue
of Tech TIPS!
01 QMR OF THE MONTH AWARD PRESENTATIONS
As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we will be including a photo (whenever
available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month
submissions received during March 2019, was David Jodat, a Technician at Subaru City of Milwaukee in
Milwaukee, WI.
David is shown above after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card by SOA Field Service
Engineer, Keith Cook (far left). He was joined by Subaru City of Milwaukee’s Dealer Principal, Michael
Schlossmann and Assistant Service Manager Jason O’Donnell (far right). Congratulations and THANK
YOU to our March 2019 QMR of the Month Award recipient!
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 2 of 10
01 USE OF SILICONE SPRAY PRECAUTIONS
Techline continues to receive reports of aerosol products containing silicone being used during diagnosis
and repair. We are providing the following information regarding the use of lubricating sprays containing
silicone (WD-40®, Armor-All®, Silicone Spray, etc.). When silicone attaches to an electrical contact point
such as a relay circuit, switch or harness connector, silicon dioxide (SiO2) is formed by the heat generated
during current flow which can result in electrical contact failure. Eventually, there is a possibility electrical
components or connections could fail as a result. Therefore, when cleaning car interiors, lubricating
weather stripping or repairing noises it is imperative sprays containing silicone are not used.
01 BRAKE LAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT WEB BASED TRAINING
The required Course “Subaru Brake Switch
Replacement” has been assigned to all
technicians, interns and apprentices.
This 15-minute WBT will cover the switch
replacement procedures. To locate this WBT
logon to click:
SKILS > Learning > View Your
Transcript > Brake Lamp Switch
Replacement WBT.
If this training has not been assigned to
you, simply enter Brake Lamp Switch
Replacement WBT into the search field
located at the top right of SKILS.
07 2019MY FORESTER MANUAL OVERRIDE FOR POWER REAR GATE
When the power rear gate system senses a malfunction and the gate is
closed, the vehicle will chirp three times and the gate will not open. To
open the gate, simply press and hold the opener button on the gate until
the latch releases. The gate can then be manually opened and closed.
Initialization information for the power rear gate can be found on pages
148-149 of the Owner’s Manual.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 3 of 10
07 2019MY WRX, TELEMATICS “i” BUTTON STICKING
Recently, there have been some QMRs received
describing the blue “i” button for the Telematics
system sticking. Thanks to the hard work of our Port
Quality Assurance teams, a couple of causes for this
condition have been identified which we would like
to pass along.
If you encounter a 2019MY WRX with the blue “i”
button sticking or loose, it most likely won’t require
replacement of the switch or housing to repair. This
condition is usually caused one of two concerns. In
the first condition, one or both of the screws securing the Telematics switch to the housing may not be fully
tightened (as shown in the photo above) which can allow the switch to move.
The second concern involves one of the other harness connectors above the housing being out of position
and pushing down on the switch. This results in the button getting hung up on the edge of the opening in
the housing. This can generally be repaired by simply rotating the connector that is pressing down on the
switch as shown below.
Retaining Screw Not
Fully Tightened.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 4 of 10
12 2019MY ASCENT, SPARE TIRE HOIST PRECAUTIONS
When using the Ascent’s spare tire hoist, it is IMPORTANT to use ONLY the spare tire lug wrench included
with the vehicle to operate it. NEVER use an electric or air-operated power tool to operate the hoist as
damage to the internal mechanism and / or the hoist cable can result preventing the spare tire from being
secured fully in place against the underside of the vehicle body. A customer concern of a “clunking” noise
may also result from this condition along with sidewall damage to the spare and corresponding vehicle
underbody / paint rub-through.
OK
Factory Lug Wrench Installed
NG
Witness marks
on the hex
portion and face
plate of winch
from using a
deep-well
socket and
power tool.
14 WUE-90 STOP LAMP SWITCH RECALL, SPECIAL TOOL TIP
A Technician submitted a QMR with an excellent suggestion to prevent the WUE-90 adjustment nut special
tool from being left behind after completing the repair procedure:
Simply drill a hole near the handle end of the tool and install an unused lanyard as shown above. The
brighter color the better but, we liked the choice used here too!
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 5 of 10
15 TELEMATICS OPERATIONAL CONCERNS ACCOMPANIED BY DTC B2A15
There have been a significant number of inquiries regarding DTC B2A15 and Telematics system operation.
Customers usually report a concern of the red Telematics LED being illuminated, either currently or in the
past. In a case where the red LED is currently not illuminated, the customer may also have an email telling
them STARLINK has detected their services may not be operating correctly and recommending they return
to the retailer to have the system diagnosed. Once at the retailer, if the LED is green, the system is usually
operating within manufacturer specification BUT, there may be a DTC B2A15 in history.
The first step to any B2A15 concern investigation is to ask the customer if they are using or have used any
kind of third-party device like an insurance company’s driver monitoring or OBD-II port-connected device.
There are more and more products hitting the market every day meant to plug into the OBD II connector
to monitor and collect data from the vehicle.
If an OBD-II port-connected device is being used and following a detailed customer interview, secure
customer permission to remove the device and confirm operation of all the remote Telematics services
as well as both the “i” and SOS buttons. If all services are currently performing within manufacturers
specifications, clear the DTC and inform the customer to consult the STARLINK Service agreement terms
and conditions. Below is the section copied from the Agreement applicable to this situation.
“Subaru cannot guarantee the performance of any devices not supplied by Subaru of America,
Inc or its affiliates. Additionally, third-party devices (such as some driver monitoring or third-party
OBD-II port devices), may interfere with the proper function of certain vehicle features, including
the Subaru STARLINK® system. Customers may, at their discretion, use those devices, but if they
create interference with the vehicle or the STARLINK® system’s operation, the system may not
operate properly, and the warranty may not offer relief for the conditions that result from such usage.”
15 HARMAN AUDIO / NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONCERNS
The following three TIPS involve conditions reported involving Harman Audio / Navigation systems. These
conditions will also be added to the related TSB 15-221-18R.
Condition 1: Map Display “Whiteout”
• Map display is either white (blank)
or, an incomplete screen (no roads)
is displayed.
• “Route Calculation Unsuccessful”
message is displayed when trying
to calculate a route.
Cause: If a MOTA (Map Over the Air
Update) was performed or attempted
previously, the state map data may have become corrupted. This can occur due to weak a Wi-Fi signal
during MOTA causing the state to disappear (appear white). Updating the map (again) successfully
using a strong Wi-Fi signal or via USB will restore the missing map data.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 6 of 10
15 HARMAN AUDIO / NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONCERNS (CONTINUED)
Condition 2: Map display not going into “night” mode in low light (night time / dark) conditions
Possible Causes:
• Map display setting may be set to “Day” instead of “Night” or “Auto” as shown below. From the
Settings menu, select Map Display and either “Auto” or “Night”.
• If the instrument panel illumination control knob is set to
MAX brightness (all the way up), the map display will not
change regardless if “Auto” or “Night” mode is selected in
Settings. Lower the illumination control knob as shown in
the illustration and “Auto” or “Night” mode operation will be
restored.
Condition 3: Wrong Head Unit (H/U) part numbers being ordered
Several reports have been received describing operational issues occurring after installation of the
replacement H/U. In some cases, further investigation revealed an incorrect (or different than the original)
part number H/U was ordered and installed. When ordering an exchange unit, there are Exchange
Component Identification bulletins for every model year posted to STIS. These are an excellent resource
to use in combination with the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC). In the event a new unit is being installed
(e.g. for a new, in-stock vehicle), always order the most up-to-date replacement part number H/U based
on the specific VIN being repaired using the exchange portal and indicate the new unit is required for an
in-stock unit.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 7 of 10
All revised publications are highlighted in yellow. CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
00 STIS NEW RELEASES
ITEM
CODE
ITEM TYPE TITLE
CREATED
DATE
09-69-19 Technical Service Bulletin Fuel Pulsation Damper- Service… 20-May-19
SOA801P060xx Accessory Installation Guide 2020 Legacy / Outback Door Edg… 17-May-19
12-264-19 Technical Service Bulletin Child Anchor Retaining Bolt- D… 15-May-19
12-263-19 Technical Service Bulletin Rattling Sound from Front Door 13-May-19
A091SAN000 Accessory Installation Guide 2020 Legacy and Outback Engine… 10-May-19
J501SAN230 Accessory Installation Guide 2020 Legacy Rear Seatback Prot… 10-May-19
15-221-18R Technical Service Bulletin Harman Audio / Infotainment: H… 10-May-19
F551SAN400 Accessory Installation Guide 2020 Outback Cargo Separator 9-May-19
J501SAN220 Accessory Installation Guide 2020 Outback Rear Seatback Pro… 9-May-19
16-121-19 Technical Service Bulletin “Tapping” -Type Sound Coming f… 9-May-19
15-235-18R Technical Service Bulletin Harman Kardon Gen 3 Audio Ampl… 8-May-19
15-217-18R Technical Service Bulletin Harman Kardon Gen 3 Audio Ampl… 8-May-19
15-240-19R Technical Service Bulletin New Harman Audio Amplifiers 8-May-19
WUE-90R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Brake Lamp Switch Replacement 8-May-19
C8110FG010 Accessory Installation Guide STI Pedal Pads – Manual Transm… 7-May-19
C8110FG000 Accessory Installation Guide STI Pedal Pads – Automatic Tra… 7-May-19
SOA567X060 Accessory Installation Guide Crosstrek Hybrid Crossbar 7-May-19
J131SAN000 Accessory Installation Guide 2020MY OUTBACK-LEGACY DOOR… 7-May-19
J101SAN100 Accessory Installation Guide 2020 Outback Splash Guards 7-May-19
J1210SJ500 Accessory Installation Guide STI Door Handle Cup Protector 7-May-19
J1210CA500 Accessory Installation Guide STI Door Handle Cup Protector 7-May-19
J1210FL500 Accessory Installation Guide STI Door Handle Cup Protector 7-May-19
J1210VA500 Accessory Installation Guide STI Door Handle Cup Protector 7-May-19
07-153-19 Technical Service Bulletin Ignition Coil Cap Now Availabl… 7-May-19
14-22-16R Technical Service Bulletin Special Service Tool Cross Ref… 6-May-19
07-152-19 Technical Service Bulletin Power Window Switch Changes 2-May-19
04-17-17R Technical Service Bulletin Rattling Sound from Steering R… 2-May-19
J101SAN800 Accessory Installation Guide 2020MY LEGACY/OUTBACK Body… 2-May-19
J101SAN800 Accessory Installation Guide 2020MY LEGACY/OUTBACK Body… 2-May-19
WUF-91R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Replacement Ignition Switch Re… 30-Apr-19
15-236-18R Technical Service Bulletin Reprogramming File Availabilit… 30-Apr-19
01-167-08R Technical Service Bulletin Recommended Materials (All Veh… 29-Apr-19
F551SAN100 Accessory Installation Guide 2020MY Legacy Cargo Nets 29-Apr-19
F551SAN000 Accessory Installation Guide 2020MY Outback Cargo Nets 29-Apr-19
15-241-19 Technical Service Bulletin Accessory Chrome Rear Bumper C… 29-Apr-19
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 8 of 10
ITEM
CODE
ITEM TYPE TITLE
CREATED
DATE
MSA5P2602C Technician Reference Booklet Advanced Electrical Systems Di… 29-Apr-19
MSA5P2606C Technician Reference Booklet Automatic Climate Control Syst… 29-Apr-19
MSA5P3610T Technician Reference Booklet Electrical Theory and Diagnosi… 29-Apr-19
07-151-19 Technical Service Bulletin DTC B112C or B112E -Driver Mon… 25-Apr-19
All revised publications are highlighted in yellow. CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
00 STIS NEW RELEASES (CONTINUED)
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 9 of 10
*** NOW YOU CAN E-MAIL YOUR TECHTIPS INPUT AND SUGGESTIONS TO: TECH@SUBARU.COM ***
SUBARU TECHLINE Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Hours of Operation Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm
This is your chance to offer suggestions for use in future issues of TechTIPS! Make sure
that if you e-mail us, you place in the subject line of your e-mail “For TechTIPS Newsletter”.
Thank you!
MODEL:
YEAR:
VIN:
Description of situation encountered:
Your suggestion for repair procedure, product improvements, etc.:
Please attach separate sheets, if necessary. You may also want to include Service Manual
diagrams or references, or your own drawings to assist in describing your suggestion. All
information submitted becomes the property of Subaru of America, Inc. Permission is granted to
Subaru of America, Inc. to print your name and suggestions in TechTIPS and other Subaru of
America, Inc. publications. Mail items to: PO Box 9103; Camden, NJ 08101-9877.
Your Name:
Signature:
Dealer’s Name:
City:
Date:
Dealer Code:
May 2019 TechTIPS Page 10 of 10