NHTSA ID Number: 10092532
Manufacturer Communication Number: 15-184-15R
Summary
THIS BULLETIN REVIEWS TWO POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR A PLEASE CHECK AUDIO SYSTEM MESSAGE TO APPEAR IN THE MFD ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INTERVIEW THE CUSTOMER CAREFULLY TO DETERMINE WHICH REPAIR IS REQUIRED. PLEASE READ THE SERVICE PROCEDURE PORTION OF THIS BULLETIN THOROUGHLY IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHICH SCENARIO APPLIES AND HOW TO REPAIR THE CONDITION PROPERLY.
NUMBER: 15-184-15R
DATE: 08/03/15
REVISED: 08/24/15
| APPLICABILITY: | 2014-15MY Forester Models |
| 2015MY WRX | |
| SUBJECT: | “Please Check Audio System” Message Displayed on MFD (Multi-Function Display) |
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin reviews two possible causes for a “Please Check Audio System” message to appear in the MFD on the above listed vehicles. It is very important to interview the customer carefully to determine which repair is required. Please read the Service Procedure portion of this bulletin thoroughly in order to determine which scenario applies and how to repair the condition properly.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new MFD unit was incorporated into production starting with the following VINs:
PART INFORMATION
| DESCRIPTION | PART NUMBER | APPLICABILITY | MODEL APPLICABILITY |
|---|---|---|---|
| MULTI DISPLAY AY | 85261SG114 | Forester | Touring and Limited Models |
| 85261SG303 | Premium Models | ||
| 85261VA012 | WRX | All |
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
When receiving a report of this condition, it is important to interview the customer and establish when the “Please Check Audio System” message was displayed. Depending on the scenario, there are two different procedures to repair the vehicle:
Scenario #1: The message appeared on the display following engine start after the vehicle had been sitting in the sun for an extended period of time (heat soak) with cabin temperatures exceeding 100° F.
In this scenario, replace the MFD unit with the applicable new part from the parts table above following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
Scenario #2: The message appeared on the display while using the Bluetooth feature of the audio system or after Bluetooth connection was terminated (this is applicable to Clarion audio units only).
In this scenario, order the applicable Clarion exchange unit following the procedures outlined in Section 8.4.9.1 of the Policies and Procedures Manual. Once the exchange is received, replace the audio unit following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
VERY IMPORTANT: When ordering an exchange unit for this scenario, always make sure to clearly indicate “BT Issue” on the Exchange Form as shown in the illustration below.
4 Affected Products
Vehicles
1 Associated Document
Service Bulletin Document
NUMBER: 15-184-15R
DATE: 08/03/15
REVISED: 08/24/15
SB-10092532-2280.pdf 332.634KB
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SEOCONTENT-START
Bulletin Number: 15-184-15; Revised: 08/24/15 Page 1
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin reviews two possible causes for a “Please Check Audio System” message to appear in the MFD on the above listed vehicles. It is very important to interview the customer carefully to determine which repair is required. Please read the Service Procedure portion of this bulletin thoroughly in order to determine which scenario applies and how to repair the condition properly.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new MFD unit was incorporated into production starting with the following VINs:
• Forester: F*820316
• WRX
/ STI
: G*800043 PART INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER APPLICABILITY MODEL MULTI DISPLAY AY 85261SG114
85261SG303![]()
85261VA012
Forester WRX
/ STI![]()
Touring and Limited Models
Premium Models All
NUMBER: 15-184-15R DATE: 08/03/15
REVISED: 08/24/15
APPLICABILITY: 2014-15MY Forester Models
2015MY WRX
and STI
Models
SUBJECT: “Please Check Audio System” Message Displayed on MFD (Multi-Function Display)
Continued…
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 automotiveproductsinamannerthatisfriendly to our environment and in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
SERVICE BULLETIN
ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER 0
PARTS MANAGER 0
CLAIMS PERSONNEL 0
SERVICE MANAGER 0
IMPORTANT – All
Service Personnel Should Read and Initial in the boxes provided, right.
© 2014 Subaru
of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Bulletin Number: 15-184-15; Revised: 08/24/15 Page 2
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
When receiving a report of this condition, it is important to interview the customer and establish when the “Please Check Audio System” message was displayed. Depending on the scenario, there are two different procedures to repair the vehicle:
Scenario #1: The message appeared on the display following engine start after the vehicle had been sitting in the sun for an extended period of time (heat soak) with cabin temperatures exceeding 100° F.
In this scenario, replace the MFD unit with the applicable new part from the parts table above following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
Scenario #2: The message appeared on the display while using the Bluetooth feature of the audio system or after Bluetooth connection was terminated (this is applicable to Clarion audio units only).
In this scenario, order the applicable Clarion exchange unit following the procedures outlined in Section 8.4.9.1 of the Policies and Procedures Manual. Once the exchange is received, replace the audio unit following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
VERY IMPORTANT: When ordering an exchange unit for this scenario, always make sure to clearly indicate “BT Issue” on the Exchange Form as shown in the illustration below.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or with an active Added Security Gold Service Agreement, this repair may be claimed using the following information: LABOR DESCRIPTION MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY R&R AUDIO UNTI R&R VEHICLE MODEL FORESTER & IMPREZA
IMPREZA w/ AUTO A/C
ALL LABOR OPERATION # A067-351 B031-101 FAIL CODE ZLK-43 ZGE-43 LABOR TIME 0.3 0.4 0.3 REMINDER: 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 refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.
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SEOCONTENT-END
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.








IM USING 1 AMP I POD IN MY USB PORT BUT IT WAS NOT CONNECTED AT THE TIME IS MY RADIO BURNED OUT
My battery’s was dead when i tried to start the car, its the first time this has happened
I have a 2015 forester .once i got it started i received a message saying check your audio system. I checked the fuse and it was fine and nor it won t turn on can you explain this please
Just took my 2015 Forester in to service this problem. I get Scenario #2.
Service technician told me the problem is that I am charging my iPhone 5C while I’m using Bluetooth (either on a call or streaming Pandora). The problem is the newer iPhones (the ones that have the new, smaller charging port) can only take 1/2 an amp (as opposed to 1 amp on the older phones). When it’s being charged, the car senses that this and fails over to a Fail-Safe mode and that screws up the radio system. I’ve already had the radio replaced once on this car – because it got burned out for this reason – and I was experiencing the same thing. This time, I actually got an answer from the tech – who was very frustrated because he’s been dealing with this a lot and doesn’t like the answer he has to give customers.
VERY DISAPPOINTED that Subaru is this far behind technology. It’s bad enough that my 2015 Forester won’t upload my address book or play lists the way that, say, a Chevy can. Now I have to worry about using a 12v charger while I’m on the phone and that that may burn out my radio system.
I’m hoping that if they get enough complaints about this, they’ll fix it.