“Please Check Audio System” Message – 2014-2015 Subaru

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 WRXeBay logo and STIeBay logo Models
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.

 

Please Check Audio System

 

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:

The new MFD unit was incorporated into production starting with the following VINs:

  • Forester: F*820316
  • WRXeBay logo / STIeBay logo: G*800043

 

PART INFORMATION

DESCRIPTIONPART NUMBERAPPLICABILITYMODEL APPLICABILITY
MULTI DISPLAY AY85261SG114eBay logoForesterTouring and Limited Models
85261SG303eBay logoPremium Models
85261VA012eBay logoWRXeBay logo / STIeBay logoAll

 

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.

BT Issue

 


4 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
SUBARUeBay logoFORESTER2014-2015
SUBARUeBay logoWRXeBay logo2015
SUBARUeBay logoWRXeBay logo STIeBay logo2015

 


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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3 thoughts on ““Please Check Audio System” Message – 2014-2015 Subaru”

  1. 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

    Reply
  2. 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.

    Reply

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