NHTSA ID Number: 10171106
Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-280-20
Summary
This bulletin provides a procedure to address a limited number of customer concerns regarding a visible gap between the A-Pillar trim panel and the head liner.
NUMBER: 12-280-20
DATE: 01/31/20
| APPLICABILITY: | 2020MY Legacy and Outback |
| SUBJECT: | A-Pillar Trim- Gap Visible at Head Liner |
INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a procedure to address a limited number of customer concerns regarding a visible gap between the A-Pillar trim panel and the head liner as shown in the photo here.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
A production change was made to prevent this condition from occurring starting with the following VINs:
- Legacy: L3002855
- Outback: L3103472
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. The service procedures for A-Pillar trim removal and installation remain unchanged. Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being performed. The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an eff ective repair the fi rst time and every time.
This procedure will describe four (4) conditions which may cause the gap to occur: A, B, C and D.
- Condition “A”
These comparison photos show the A-Pillar trim not fi tting into the instrument panel (IP) properly. The trim is contacting a structural rib of the IP and is keeping it from fi tting in behind the IP as it should.
- Condition “B”
The NG photo below shows a portion of the side airbag module fabric protruding from between the A-Pillar trim and the A-Pillar of the vehicle body.
- Condition “C”
Here, the roof harness is partially covering the surface of the trim clip attachment point. The OK photo shows the harness properly tucked in away from the attachment point.
- Condition “D”
The trim clip securing the trim panel to the A-Pillar must be fully seated against the locating bosses as shown here.
Once the condition (A, B, C or D) has been identified, proceed as follows:
- If Condition A, B or D is confirmed, the affected A-Pillar trim must be replaced as the holding force of the clips is reduced. Follow the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
- If Condition C is confirmed, trim replacement is NOT needed as the clips were never properly seated at assembly.
VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: Whenever removing or installing the A-Pillar trim panels, use CAUTION when disengaging the tether clip (a). If the tether clip is damaged in any way, it MUST be replaced.
- Release the trim toward the center of the IP using a plastic trim tool to access the tether clip.
- Using a needle-nose plier or the special Tether Clip removal tool, CAREFULLY rotate the clip to disengage it from the trim (b).
- Rotate the trim toward the center of the IP to remove it.
PART INFORMATION:
This information is supplied for reference only in case a replacement A-Pillar trim or tether clip is needed.
| Description | Part Number |
| TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER RIGHT | 94010AN10AME |
| TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER LEFT | 94010AN11AME |
| TETHER CLIP | 909150040 |
REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specifi c VIN being repaired.
2 Affected Products
Vehicles
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 12-280-20
DATE: 01/31/20
MC-10171106-0001.pdf 2713.051KB
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Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 1 of 4 Continued… NUMBER: 12-280-20 DATE: 01/31/20 APPLICABILITY: 2020MY Legacy and Outback SUBJECT: A-Pillar Trim- Gap Visible at Head Liner 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. SERVICE BULLETIN ATTENTION: GENERAL MANAGER PARTS MANAGER CLAIMS PERSONNEL SERVICE MANAGER IMPORTANT – All Service Personnel Should Read and Initial in the boxes provided, right. ©2020 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION: This bulletin provides a procedure to address a limited number of customer concerns regarding a visible gap between the A-Pillar trim panel and the head liner as shown in the photo here. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: A production change was made to prevent this condition from occurring starting with the following VINs: • Legacy: L3002855 • Outback: L3103472 SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION: REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. The service procedures for A-Pillar trim removal and installation remain unchanged. Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being performed. The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an eff ective repair the fi rst time and every time. This procedure will describe four (4) conditions which may cause the gap to occur: A, B, C and D. Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 2 of 4 Continued… • Condition “A” These comparison photos show the A-Pillar trim not fi tting into the instrument panel (IP) properly. The trim is contacting a structural rib of the IP and is keeping it from fi tting in behind the IP as it should. • Condition “B” The NG photo below shows a portion of the side airbag module fabric protruding from between the A-Pillar trim and the A-Pillar of the vehicle body. • Condition “C” Here, the roof harness is partially covering the surface of the trim clip attachment point. The OK photo shows the harness properly tucked in away from the attachment point. Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 3 of 4 Continued… • Condition “D” The trim clip securing the trim panel to the A-Pillar must be fully seated against the locating bosses as shown here. Once the condition (A, B, C or D) has been identifi ed, proceed as follows: • If Condition A, B or D is confi rmed, the aff ected A-Pillar trim must be replaced as the holding force of the clips is reduced. Follow the procedure in the applicable Service Manual. • If Condition C is confi rmed, trim replacement is NOT needed as the clips were never properly seated at assembly. VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: Whenever removing or installing the A-Pillar trim panels, use CAUTION when disengaging the tether clip (a). If the tether clip is damaged in any way, it MUST be replaced. • Release the trim toward the center of the IP using a plastic trim tool to access the tether clip. • Using a needle-nose plier or the special Tether Clip removal tool, CAREFULLY rotate the clip to disengage it from the trim (b). • Rotate the trim toward the center of the IP to remove it. PART INFORMATION: This information is supplied for reference only in case a replacement A-Pillar trim or tether clip is needed. Description Part Number TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER RIGHT 94010AN10AME TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER LEFT 94010AN11AME TETHER CLIP 909150040 REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specifi c VIN being repaired. Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 4 of 4 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 A-PILLAR GAP REPAIR- ONE SIDE A913-173 0.2 YCJ-03 A-PILLAR GAP REPAIR- BOTH SIDES A913-174 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.
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