Metallic Rattle / Chirping Sound from “A” Pillar Area – 2019 Subaru Forester

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Bulletin Number: 12-260-19; Date: 04/18/19 Page 1 of 3
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NUMBER: 12-260-19
DATE: 04/18/19
APPLICABILITY: 2019MY Forester
SUBJECT: Metallic Rattle / Chirping Sound from
“A” Pillar Area
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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ISO 14001 Compliant
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excellence in Environmental Management
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automotive products in a manner that is friendly
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INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a procedure to address a small number of customer concerns regarding a
metallic rattle or chirping -type sound heard coming from the top of the front “A” pillar area. The
sound may originate from either side of the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
1. After road testing to confirm the condition, CAREFULLY remove the “A” pillar and upper
door trim from the affected side following the procedures in the applicable Service Manual.
NOTE: Although the images show the RIGHT side, the LEFT side of the vehicle may also
experience the condition.
IMPORTANT: Whenever removing the “A” pillar
trim, be VERY CAREFUL not to damage the upper
trim retaining (tether) clip. The clip is located just
below where the trim panel meets the head liner. If the
tether clip becomes damaged, it MUST be replaced.
The illustrations below show how to release the tether
clip and remove the “A” pillar trim. It is STRONGLY
RECOMMENDED to use the release tool (p.n.
SOA635147) specifically designed for tether clip
removal.
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.
©2019 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
Bulletin Number: 12-260-19; Date: 04/18/19 Page 2 of 3
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2. Using the images above, locate Area “A” where the front roof rail joins the “A” pillar and
side roof rail.
3. Drive the vehicle and while either using a set of chassis ears / NVH tester, or a helper,
press on the areas around with your fingers to see if the sound changes at all or if it can be
eliminated.
4. If the sound can be changed, identify specific areas B and C and the spot welds as shown in
the illustration below. If the sound cannot be changed, it is likely originating from another
source.
Bulletin Number: 12-260-19; Date: 04/18/19 Page 3 of 3
5. For this step, a good quality, small flat-blade (“pocket” size) screw driver with a maximum
blade width of 5.5mm and maximum thickness of 0.7mm will be required. CAREFULLY
insert the screw driver blade approximately 5mm (after marking the blade with permanent
marker or tape) in between the two layers of sheet metal as shown in BOTH areas “B” and
“C” then move it back and forth to increase the gap. IMPORTANT: Do not open the gap
any more than necessary to eliminate the sound while being careful to not damage any of the
spot welds. Repeat this step again if the sound persists during the confirmation road test.
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 # Fail Code Labor Time
2019MY FORESTER R/SIDE ‘A’ PILLAR SOUND REPAIR A900-611 OAW-25 0.7
2019MY FORESTER L/SIDE ‘A’ PILLAR SOUND REPAIR A900-612 OAV-25 0.7
2019MY FORESTER BOTH SIDES ‘A’ PILLAR SOUND REPAIR A900-614 OCI-25 0.9
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.