2020 January TechTIPS Newsletter – Subaru

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Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
January 2020
01 QMR OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to announce this month’s Winner of QMR of the Month:
Patrick Abramovitch from
Subaru of Port Richey in Port Richey, FL
Patrick’s winning QMR outlined his successful diagnosis and repair
of a 2018 Outback 2.5i Limited which presented with an unusual
customer concern of the door locks locking and unlocking on their own
while driving. Although unable to confi rm the condition as described
by the customer, he did verify being able to lock the doors with the
door switches but not unlock them. Patrick started his diagnosis by
confi rming the remote keyless entry feature operated normally, both
lock and unlock. Next, he connected the SSM and brought up the
BIU PID data. While monitoring the Manual Unlock Switch Input PID,
Patrick noticed it was not switching and always showed as ON. His
next step was to remove both front door panels and disconnect the
lock switches one at a time while monitoring the PID in hopes of seeing
it switch from ON to OFF. The PID data remained ON so, he began
to inspect the instrument panel harness above the BIU by wiggling
it in different areas while continuing to look for the PID to change.
Eventually, Patrick was successful and after a thorough inspection,
isolated a point where the harness had been contacting the steel
frame of the passenger airbag module. He noticed the harness tape
was chafed and upon closer inspection, found the insulation of the
brown unlock request wire had been punctured, shorting the signal to
ground. After repairing the damaged wire and adding some additional
protection to the harness, normal door lock system operation was
restored. Patrick’s QMR contained a thorough description of his
diagnostic procedure accompanied by quality photos and multiple
videos.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience
with us, Patrick will be receiving the following from his Field Service
Engineer.
A $500.00 Snap-On gift card.
©2020 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Memorial Day: (Closed)
Monday, May 25, 2020
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Friday, July 3, 2020
Labor Day: (Closed)
Monday, September 7, 2020
Mon. – Thurs. 8:30AM – 7:30PM EST
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CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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ARTICLES CONTAINED
IN THIS ISSUE
CODE ARTICLE ………………………………… PAGE
(00) STIS New Releases ………………….10-11
(01) QMR of the Month ……………………….1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations ………………………………2
(01) Hints for Searching Separate
Publications with Online
Reference ………………………………….3-7
(01) Application Chart For Immobilizer
System …………………………………………8
(07) 2019-20 Forester & 2020 Legacy/
Outback Driver Monitoring System
(DMS), Seat Memory, and/or Mirror
Tilt Inoperative ……………………………..8
(07) Revised Ascent Sunroof Glass (Lid)
and Sun Shade Initialization
Procedures ………………………………9-10
(07) Change to Length of ECM Calibration
ID (CID) Numbers …………………………10
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 OTHSUBARU
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.
January 2020 TechTIPS Page 1 of 12
01 QMR OF THE MONTH (CONTINUED)
The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during December 2019 were:
• Anthony Quintana from Ramsey Subaru in Ramsey, NJ
• David Callender from Roy Robinson Subaru in Tulalip, WA
• Matthew Brady from Subaru of Wichita in Wichita, KS
• Raymond Anderson from Premier Subaru Watertown in Watertown, CT
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 PRESENTATION
As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we include a photo (whenever
available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month
submissions received during November 2019 was Patrick Abramovitch, a Technician from Subaru of
Port Richey in Port Richey, FL.
Patrick is shown after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card by SOA Field Service
Engineer, Jeff Sharkey. Subaru of Port Richey’s Service Manager, Brian Skelton is shown to Patrick’s
left. Congratulations and THANK YOU to our November 2019 QMR of the Month Award recipient!
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 2 of 12
01 HINTS FOR SEARCHING SEPARATE PUBLICATIONS WITH ONLINE REFERENCE
Many Technicians call Tech Line because they are having diffi culty locating certain publications required
for effective diagnosis. Most of these problems occur from Technicians having trouble searching the
Online Reference section of STIS. Here are some useful hints to improve the effi cacy of the Online
Reference search.
Finding the correct Accessory Installation Guide may consume too much time for some as they are only
published in the fi rst model year of the body style for the vehicle. Instead of searching every year or
trying to remember which model year the vehicle was introduced, the fastest way to fi nd the required
installation guide is to check the Accessory Installation Guide box and enter the part number from the
accessory package in the keyword search fi eld.
When diagnosing immobilizer system concerns and steps to perform after immobilizer system
components are replaced, the Service Manual states to use the Registration Manual for Immobilizer.
This manual is available for all models equipped with Immobilizer systems. To access this manual,
check the box labeled Other/Miscellaneous then click the search button.
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 3 of 12
01 HINTS FOR SEARCHING SEPARATE PUBLICATIONS WITH ONLINE REFERENCE (CONTINUED)
NOTE: In this search, the fi elds for Model Year, Model / Carline and Trim are left blank and there is no
Keyword entered. Leaving these fi elds empty allows the search to return the most possible hits. This
can be done with any Publication Type.
Once this search is complete, the displayed results will look like the image below. Under Other/
Miscellaneous, there are several useful documents including the Registration Manuals for Immobilizer,
TechTIPS Article Locator index and Instruction Manuals for various pieces of diagnostic equipment.
The results can be narrowed by using the Filter fi eld. Typing “imm” into the fi lter removes all search hits
irrelevant to the immobilizer system.
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 4 of 12
01 HINTS FOR SEARCHING SEPARATE PUBLICATIONS WITH ONLINE REFERENCE (CONTINUED)
Owner Manuals for vehicles dating back to 2000MY are available in .pdf format. Service Manuals are
also available as .pdf fi les for many models dating back to 1991MY.
These fi les may take some time to download but, will open faster if they are saved to the computer.
To save the Owner or Service Manual, simply click the save icon to store the fi le locally. When
the manual is needed again, it will load much faster if you open the fi le from the computer rather than
downloading from an internet browser.
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 5 of 12
01 HINTS FOR SEARCHING SEPARATE PUBLICATIONS WITH ONLINE REFERENCE (CONTINUED)
The TechTIPS Locator Index is an extremely useful tool. It is updated every three months with the article
titles and the month/year in which the article was published. The index is located under the Other/
Miscellaneous Publication Type.
Technical Service Bulletins can also be searched with the Model Year/Carline/Trim fi elds left blank.
Simply check the publication type box for Technical Service Bulletins and enter a Keyword.
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 6 of 12
01 HINTS FOR SEARCHING SEPARATE PUBLICATIONS WITH ONLINE REFERENCE (CONTINUED)
Sometimes, there will be no results even if the search fi elds are left blank and only the Publication Type
is selected. This is likely because the user has been logged out of Subarunet for inactivity. Close the
STIS tab, return to the Subarunet home page and click the refresh icon on the internet browser. Then,
log in and repeat the search.
Important information can be found in several different Publication Types. Using Online Reference to
search effectively will help to ensure Technicians have all the information they need to make a quick
and effi cient repair. The images and examples outlined here only cover some of the Publication Types
but may be applied to all.
Other important Publication Types to note, and use:
• Owner Manuals for all models – Owner Manuals – Keeping copies of the Owner Manual for each
vehicle type that is serviced often saved to the hard drive of the computer can clear up many
questions regarding user error or system limitations/functions.
• Registration Manuals for Immobilizer – Other/Miscellaneous – Used to program immobilizer
components, reference this guide when replacing DCMs, ECMs, etc. to check for additional
required steps following replacement of modules.
• TechTIPS Article Locator Index – Other Miscellaneous – The best way to search for previous articles.
• Intermediate Fuel Injection – Technician Reference Booklet – Evaporative Emissions Systems
diagnostic information. All TRBs are available via .pdf with color photos.
• Harman Technical Support Guide – Troubleshooting Guides – Harman 3.0 Audio Unit features,
update information, troubleshooting. Also available for Fujitsu / Denso Ten, Kenwood, Panasonic,
and Clarion audio units.
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 7 of 12
• Remote Engine Start Systems Troubleshooting Guide (many years/models available) –
Troubleshooting Guide – Used to repair and diagnose RES systems, RES fob programming,
runtime selection.
01 APPLICATION CHART FOR IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
US Model 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Legacy / Key Start A B G
Outback Push Bu???? on D H
Tribeca Key Start A
Impreza
Key Start A B
Push Bu???? on D
Crosstrek
Key Start B
Push Bu???? on D
Crosstrek Hybrid Push Bu???? on D F
WRX/S????
Key Start A B
Push Bu???? on D
Forester
Key Start A B
Push Bu???? on D
BRZ
Key Start X
Push Bu???? on Y
Ascent
Key Start B
Push Bu???? on D
2019-20 FORESTER & 2020 LEGACY/ OUTBACK DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM (DMS), SEAT
07 MEMORY, AND/OR MIRROR TILT INOPERATIVE
A small number of fi eld reports have been received with a concern involving the DMS system
being inoperative. In addition, the seat memory feature and mirror glass tilting was also found to be
inoperative. After performing extensive electrical diagnostics, the root cause was traced to a loose
harness connector located behind the lower exterior trim cover of the door mirror assembly. This
condition has been found in both RH and LH mirror assemblies. After re-seating the connector and
making sure it was fully locked in place, all systems returned to normal operation.
The photo sequence below is an example of the loose connector which resulted in a B2632- Mirror
D Sensor Circuit Anomalous State in the LH Mirror control unit. This type of condition may create
a B2632 (LH) or B2642 (RH) in the related outer mirror control module in either Forester, Legacy or
Outback depending on which side mirror has the poor connection. In the case of Forester, you may
fi nd DTC U0156 for Lost Communication stored in multiple modules. In Legacy or Outback, a DTC
U122E(LH) or U122F(RH) for lost communication with the related driver or passenger mirror module
may also be stored.
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 8 of 12
NG OK
07 REVISED ASCENT SUNROOF GLASS (LID) AND SUN SHADE INITIALIZATION PROCEDURES
There are 3 Lid and Glass initialization procedures to use depending on the repair performed:
• Lid and Sun Shade Initialization: To be used whenever either the lid or sun shade motor / module
is replaced with a NEW part. This procedure restores operation of the “Auto Open / Close” and
“Pinch Prevention” features.
• Lid Re-Initialization: To be used whenever the lid is removed for repair or replacement and the lid
is not fully opened or closed after reassembly.
• Sun Shade Re-Initialization: To be used whenever sun shade is removed for repair or replacement
and the sun shade is not fully opened or closed at reassembly.
Lid and Sun Shade Initialization:
Whenever either the lid or sun shade motor is replaced and before the Auto Open / Close and Pinch
Prevention functions of the sunroof system can operate properly, the Lid and Sun Shade initialization
procedure must be completed successfully.
1. Turn the ignition ON.
2. Push and HOLD the sunroof switch to open the open position until the lid is fully opened. The lid
and shade will open simultaneously. IMPORTANT: Both the lid and shade will open beyond the fully
open position until they reach the mechanical lock position (positive stop) then immediately reverse
(move forward) back to the fully open position and stop automatically. NOTE: The travel distance
between the fully open and mechanical lock positions is very short, approximately one inch.
3. Release the sunroof switch to complete the procedure.
CAUTION: If when performing this procedure, the Lid and shade stop at any point before reaching the
fully open position, the motor has already been initialized.
Use the illustration below as reference for Lid and Shade Positions.
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January 2020 TechTIPS Page 9 of 12
07 REVISED ASCENT SUNROOF GLASS (LID) AND SUN SHADE INITIALIZATION PROCEDURES (CONTINUED)
Lid Re-Initialization Procedure:
1. Turn the ignition ON.
2. Push and release the sunroof switch to the open position repeatedly until the lid is in the fully open
position.
3. Push and HOLD the sunroof switch to the open position again. After about 10 seconds,
the lid will open beyond the fully open position until it reaches the mechanical lock position
(positive stop) then immediately reverse (move forward) back to the fully open position and stop
automatically.
NOTE: The travel distance between the fully open and mechanical lock positions is very short,
approximately one inch.
4. Release the sunroof switch to complete the procedure.
Sun Shade Re-Initialization Procedure:
1. Turn the ignition ON.
2. Push and release the sun shade switch to the open position repeatedly until it is in the fully open
position.
3. Push and HOLD the sun shade switch to the open position again. After about 10 seconds, the lid
will open beyond the fully open position until it reaches the mechanical lock position (positive stop)
then immediately reverse (move forward) back to the fully open position. NOTE: The travel distance
between the fully open and mechanical lock positions is very short, approximately one inch.
4. Release the sun shade switch to complete the procedure.
IMPORTANT: When these procedures are complete, always confi rm proper lid and sunshade operations.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
January 2020 TechTIPS Page 10 of 12
07 CHANGE TO LENGTH OF ECM CALIBRATION ID (CID) NUMBERS
Some Technicians have noticed while performing ECM reprogramming recently, the length of the CID
number is now longer than what it has been in the past. This is not a typo. CID numbers are required
by California emission code regulations. The SAE standard allows for the CID number to be up to
16-digits to prevent duplication (which is illegal). Due to the ever-rising number of ECMs applicable
to OBD regulation, SBR has decided to increase the CID number from 8-digits to 11 beginning with
some new 2020MY vehicles. The phase-in of the new, 11-digit CID numbers will occur over time. Be
advised, there will still be some new 8-digit numbers used during this transition period.
Old / New CID examples:
• OLD CID: LT8D601A
• NEW CID: LT8F102C00G
00 STIS NEW RELEASES
ITEM CODE ITEM TYPE TITLE
CREATED
DATE
12-279-20 Technical Service Bulletin Outer Door Handles- Chrome Fin… 17-Jan-20
17-17-13R Technical Service Bulletin Event Data Recorder (EDR) Func… 17-Jan-20
12-278-20 Technical Service Bulletin Combination Meter Visor- Light… 15-Jan-20
07-151-19R Technical Service Bulletin DTC B112C or B112E -Driver Mon… 15-Jan-20
TKC-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Takata Front Passenger Airbag … 15-Jan-20
TKB-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Takata Front Passenger Airbag … 15-Jan-20
TKA-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Takata Front Passenger Airbag … 15-Jan-20
11-194-20 Technical Service Bulletin Intake Manifold- Replacement P… 15-Jan-20
SOA367035 Accessory Installation Guide 2020 Legacy Crossbars 14-Jan-20
WUR-03R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Brake Hose Swelling Service Pr… 10-Jan-20
01-168-09R Technical Service Bulletin Replacement Key and Immobilize… 10-Jan-20
07-165-20 Technical Service Bulletin EyeSight / Lane Departure Deac… 10-Jan-20
05-71-19R Technical Service Bulletin Front Coil Spring Inspection P… 8-Jan-20
07-164-20 Technical Service Bulletin FlashWrite Control Module Repr… 7-Jan-20
15-211-17R Technical Service Bulletin Reprogramming File Availabilit… 3-Jan-20
H671SAN200 Accessory Installation Guide 2020MY Legacy/Outback Wireless… 2-Jan-20
WUX-09 Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin 2016-2017 Outback Replacement … 2-Jan-20
H461SXC101 Accessory Installation Guide PORT INSTALLATION: 2019-20MY I… 2-Jan-20
All revised publications are highlighted in yellow. CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
January 2020 TechTIPS Page 11 of 12
*** NOW YOU CAN E-MAIL YOUR TECHTIPS INPUT AND SUGGESTIONS TO: TECH@SUBARU.COM ***
SUBARU Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30
Hours of Operation 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:
January 2020 TechTIPS Page 12 of 12

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