2020 July TechTIPS Newsletter – Subaru

SEOCONTENT-START

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
01 QMR of the Month
We are pleased to announce this month’s QMR of the Month Winner:
Craig DeMeo from
Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH
Craig’s winning QMR involved the diagnosis and repair of a 2015 Outback
2.5i with a customer concern described as a driveline crabbing, most
noticeable on low speed turns. Craig took over the repairs from another
Technician after the CVT had been removed. The extension housing/
transfer clutch were already apart preventing him from verifying the
condition prior to disassembly. After disassembling the transfer clutch
assembly, he found some grooving of the inner surfaces of the drum
caused by the steel plates of the clutch pack. Craig ordered and built a
new transfer clutch assembly, replaced the drum, clutch pack and piston,
set clearances then reassembled and reinstalled the CVT. Proper transfer
clutch break-in procedures were followed but, after repeated road testing,
the binding condition persisted along with a noticeable level of harsh
engagement when shifting from Reverse to Drive and when coming to a
stop. To isolate the cause for these conditions, tire circumferences were
measured and a set of tire/wheel assemblies from a known good vehicle
were swapped just to be sure which produced no change. Next, transfer
clutch pressures were checked on both vehicles with virtually identical
results. Craig then decided to inspect the waveform pattern of the AWD
solenoid of the problem vehicle with his Pico scope. He found it to be
abnormal when compared to the reference pattern in the Service Manual
and the pattern of his known good vehicle but, resistance testing of the
solenoid showed normal values. Before jumping to replacing the solenoid
which he suspected may be mechanically failed, Craig swapped the TCM
from his problem vehicle to his known good vehicle. On the ensuing road
test, he confirmed the crabbing condition had transferred. To complete the
A-B-A test, Craig swapped the known good TCM to his problem vehicle
and confirmed the crabbing and harsh engagement conditions were gone.
A final confirmation road test after replacing the TCM and performing the
Learning Control procedure completed his successful repair.
Craig’s report included his detailed step-by-step diagnostic procedures
along with pictures of his waveform test results and a collection of clear
and detailed photos to document his findings along the way.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us,
Craig will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:
$500.00 Snap-On gift card
©2020 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
Continued on the next page
SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Labor Day: (Closed)
Monday, September 7, 2020
Mon. – Thurs. 8:30AM – 7:30PM EST
Friday 10:30AM – 5:00PM EST
Saturday 9:00AM – 3:00PM EST
home
Articles Contained
in this Issue
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 OTHERS.
SUBARU 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.
CODE ARTICLE………………………………………………………….PAGE
(00) STIS New Releases…………………………..10-11
(01) QMR of the Month………………………………..1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations………………………………………… 2
Tech Tips Greatest Tips
(03) At Learning Control Information……………3-4
(03) Wiring Clarification for Guide Plate B
Installation (TSB 16-112-18R)……………….5-6
(15) Telematics- Attention to the Details
Can Insure a Smooth DCM
Replacement…………………………………………. 7
(15) Updated Helpful Infotainment Operational
Tips…………………………………………………….8-9
July 2020
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 1 of 12
01 QMR of the Month (CONTINUED)
The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during June 2020 were:
• Jeremy Li-Gabriel from Wilsonville Subaru in Wilsonville, OR
• Thomas Slaughter from Motor Mile Subaru in Christiansburg, VA
• Robert Franklin from Team Gillman Subaru North in Houston, TX
• William Krieger from Van Bortel Subaru of Rochester in Rochester, NY
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 Presentations
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 May 2020 was Craig DeMeo, a Technician from Granite Subaru in Hudson,
New Hampshire.
Craig is shown being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card by Subaru New England (SNE) Field
Service Engineer, Al DeRosa. Joining Craig and Al (left to right) are: SNE Regional Parts and Service Manager
John Hayes, Granite Subaru’s Dealer Principal, Jim Angotti, Service Director Joseph Briggs and SNE District
Parts and Service Manager Dan Enderle. Congratulations and THANK YOU to our May 2020 QMR of the Month
Award recipient!
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 2 of 12
This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month’s feature is from
June 2016.
03 At Learning Control Information
There have been a limited number of reports brought to the attention of Techline involving the
Learning Control process aborting and being accompanied by the message “AT learning ended
abnormally”. When Technicians encounter this error, referring to the applicable Service Manual
to verify the procedure should be the first step to determine the root cause. Another source of
information pertaining to this can be found under the Help tab in the Subaru Select Monitor III.
Figure 1 shows the two different error messages you can receive during the AT Learning Control
process. Each has a different diagnostic approach. Incorporated with the error messages are the
Main Cause and Remedy tables, which are found in both the applicable Service Manual and under
the Help tab of Subaru Select Monitor III.
Figure 1 Error Messages and Explanations
Continued on the next page
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 3 of 12
03 At Learning Control Information (CONTINUED)
When performing the Learning Control procedure, be aware of items such as:
Brake pedal application
• Firm pressure applied to the pedal is required. If insufficient pressure is applied to the brake
pedal, the process will abort.
• When commanded to release the brake pedal, do so immediately and let the pedal return on
its own.
Throttle input
• No throttle input should be used at any point during the Learning Control procedure.
• Any RPM deviation not created by the Learning Control process will abort the procedure, so
verify there are no outside influences that could affect this.
Parking brake application
• Application of the parking brake requires enough force to keep both rear wheels stationary.
Any movement of the rear wheels will abort the process.
• Verify the parking brake operates appropriately (no adjustments needed, calibration
performed, etc.) according to the applicable Service Manual.
Fluid Temperature
• Please refer to the applicable Service Manual for the appropriate Learning Control
procedures, including the required fluid temperature range.
• The process cannot be performed at the incorrect fluid temperature.
• Verify the fluid level is correct, as this will affect fluid temperature in some cases.
In rare cases when the tips provided above do not aid in completion of the Learning Control
process, performing a short test drive of 5-7 miles may resolve the issue. In the event a test drive is
determined as the next step, keep in mind the fluid temperature may rise beyond the specification
required for Learning Control to complete, in which case a cool down period will be necessary.
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 4 of 12
03 Wiring Clarification for Guide Plate B Installation (TSB 16-112-18R)
NOTE: This information only applies when the Guide Plate B is being replaced, NOT applicable for the
Legacy or Outback models.
There has been some confusion regarding the installation of
Guide Plate B on vehicles that are affected by TSB 16-112-18R.
Specifically, the wire colors may vary from the original guide plate
to the replacement part. Here is a quick guide of how to identify
which pins to remove from the connector and where to place the
replacement part pins into the connector. For the guide, we are
using parts and diagrams from a 2012 Impreza.
There are two separate switches included within Guide Plate
B. The green wires are for the Park Switch, the white wires are
for the Lo/Manual Mode switch for this vehicle. The Park Switch
uses pin numbers 1 & 2 of connector B116 and the Lo/Manual
Mode switch uses pins 7 & 8 (pins 3 & 4 are used for the shift lock
solenoid coil and are removed during the shift lever disassembly
procedure.)
Continued on the next page
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 5 of 12
03 Wiring Clarification for Guide Plate B Installation (TSB# 16-112-18R) (CONTINUED)
The pin numbers are identified in the CVT control and the shift lock solenoid wiring diagrams for the
2012 Impreza.
Remember, the wire color might vary from what is shown in the photo. Make sure to identify the point
where the wires originate and which switch they are for as shown in the first photo.
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 6 of 12
15 Telematics- Attention to the Details Can Insure a Smooth DCM Replacement
There has been an increasing number of Technical Support requests regarding new Data Control
Modules (DCMs) failing to COMM Check after installation. Taking the time to verify some basic details
can ensure a sound repair.
FIRST and foremost: Replacement DCMs do NOT come with a back-up battery (BUB) installed. In
all cases of DCM replacement, regardless of whether the vehicle has Gen1 or Gen2 Telematics, the
BUB must be transferred from the original DCM into the new replacement DCM. A failure to transfer
and properly connect the BUB to the circuit board will not set any DTCs or Telematics LEDs. Without a
BUB installed, COMM Check cannot be completed. There is no way other than a visual inspection to
confirm the BUB is properly installed and connected. In addition, the BUB has a date code on it. Make
sure to take note of the date code before swapping it over to the new replacement DCM. Refer to TSB
15-195-16R, line item #4 for more detailed information about the BUB date code.
SECOND: A new DCM will not complete the COMM Check if there is a current Telematics DTC. For
example: a vehicle presents with a customer concern of the Red Telematics LED being on and receiving
a STARLINK notification indicating a fault with the Telematics system. Diagnosis reveals a current DTC
B2A05. The Technician follows STIS diagnostics which indicate the DCM as the cause of the DTC. The
DCM is replaced in hopes all Telematics concerns are related to a single point of failure (in this case, the
DCM). Unfortunately, after installing the new replacement DCM, the Technician is unable to complete
COMM Check and, DTC B2A05 is still current. This is a prime example of why any Telematics DTCs
must ALWAYS be diagnosed FIRST and the root cause corrected BEFORE following any additional
Telematics diagnostic procedures. Once the new DCM could not complete COMM Check, that was a
VERY STRONG indicator the original DCM was not failed. When a Telematics DTC (Red LED on) is
current, the DCM will never complete COMM Check.
THIRD: Just as a cellphone requires signal strength to operate, the DCM does too. Verifying signal
strength is present and above 26% should be part of any initial SSM4 Telematics diagnosis. If a newly
replaced DCM fails to complete COMM Check and there are no DTCs current, inspect the Signal
Strength PID and confirm it is above 26%. A Signal Strength value of 0% is a good indicator the
connector for the primary antenna cable may not be installed properly or fully seated. It also could
indicate the primary antenna cable may have been damaged during the repair process. There is also a
possibility the vehicle came to the repair facility with 0% Signal Strength and the lack of Signal Strength
may be the root cause of the customer concern and not the DCM as suspected. In cases like this,
reinstalling the original DCM and verifying Signal Strength PID may be required. During this procedure,
the antenna cable and connection should be closely inspected. No matter what the cause of no or poor
(below 26%) Signal Strength, it must be resolved for COMM Check to complete.
TIP: A good habit to get into is taking a picture of the DCM label on all replacement DCMs prior to
installation. Having this label information handy may prevent having to remove the DCM again to
retrieve it if additional support from Techline is needed. It also provides a record to facilitate warranty
claim information as outlined TSB 15-195-16R.
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 7 of 12
Continued on the next page
15 Updated Helpful Infotainment Operational Tips
Gen 3 Harman Base Head Unit CarPlay handsfree call audio distorted
If you receive a customer concern for distorted audio sound or static during handsfree call in CarPlay
mode, while the image from the Rear View Camera is displayed on the head unit, confirm if the head unit
is a Harman Base model. This condition has been determined as characteristic for Base head units due to
the prioritization of the rear camera function in the CPU impacting the other requests. When this condition
is duplicated the only way to restore operation is to shift into Park and reboot the head unit pressing and
holding Power/Volume knob. There is no need to replace the head unit for this condition as no change in
function will result.
Weather alert message Gen 3 Harman Head Unit
The head unit is designed to receive severe weather alert information from Sirius XM (SXM) and display a
pop up window with the alert message, whenever there is a signal from SXM. So far, we are only aware
of HIGH grade units to have this feature available.
or
Please note when there is no date information supplied by SXM, the details (dates/ times) will be shown as
–/–/—- –/– in the alert notification message. The head unit is operating as designed when this occurs.
Effective with the version 6 software, Harman has implemented an enhancement to allow user control
of some weather alerts from Sirius XM service. Settings are found under Settings/General/Sirius XM
Settings. See below.

Please note this feature is available only in HIGH grade units.
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 8 of 12
Continued on the next page
15 Updated Helpful Infotainment Operational Tips (CONTINUED)
Weather alert message Gen 4 Denso CP1
Please note Denso also implemented an SXM
weather alert settings within the Gen 4 CP1
controls. These settings control all alert types as
well as the ability to completely turn the alerts off.
Unlike Gen 3 Harman, the settings for Weather
alert in Gen 4 Denso are under SiriusXM Travel
Link menu (Applications).
See Gen 4 screens here.

July 2020 TechTIPS Page 9 of 12
Continued on the next page
15 Updated Helpful Infotainment Operational Tips (CONTINUED)
Gen 4 Denso CP1 Microphone test anomaly
If you perform the diagnostic check for microphone operation using DIAGNOSTICS MODE (Dealership
Mode/ Function Check/Microphone), you might notice the level gage reading appears weaker than
expected or than you may have seen in prior testing. In some cases, you may notice a time lag, see no
bars or just one bar displayed when speaking into the microphone. This behavior is noted for both input
levels and does not necessarily indicate a concern with the microphone.
There is a known bug with the RC2003 software update which was released in June 2020. See
Appendix B in TSB 15-261-20R to confirm, if the software of the unit you are working on is impacted
by this bug. This bug affects only the display of the microphone test and in no way impacts actual
microphone operation. With this display being impacted, it is recommended to use other diagnostic
methods. Alternatively, troubleshoot the microphone operation using the Voice Recognition feature,
to confirm the unit receives voice input correctly or making a voice call. If concerns remain, perform
continuity and voltage drop testing to confirm if a poor contact or connection may exist. Reference
the applicable service manual for the related wiring diagrams for the Cockpit Control Module and
microphone wiring diagrams with or without Telematics depending upon the vehicle under review.
00 STIS New Releases
ITEM CODE ITEM TYPE TITLE
CREATED
DATE
14-22-16R Technical Service Bulletin Special Service Tool Cross Ref… 23-Jul-20
16-42-90R Technical Service Bulletin Transmission Cooler Flushing 21-Jul-20
15-238-19 Technical Service Bulletin Enhanced CD Incompatibility wi… 21-Jul-20
H501SSG203 Accessory Installation Guide PORT INSTALLATION: 2019-2021… 21-Jul-20
L101SXC004 Accessory Installation Guide Ascent Tow Hitch – warning car… 20-Jul-20
All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 10 of 12
ITEM CODE ITEM TYPE TITLE
CREATED
DATE
01-168-09R Technical Service Bulletin Replacement Key and Immobilize… 20-Jul-20
Service Diagnostics 2021MY Impreza / Crosstrek / C… 20-Jul-20
15-219-18R Technical Service Bulletin Error Code 202 and / or 204 Ge… 17-Jul-20
15-266-20 Technical Service Bulletin Telematics Function and Operat… 16-Jul-20
15-267-20 Technical Service Bulletin Telematics System Automatic Co… 16-Jul-20
WRD-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Bul Fuel Pump Impeller Failure 16-Jul-20
15-264-20R Technical Service Bulletin WiFi Hotspot: Diagnostic TIPS … 14-Jul-20
15-242-19 Technical Service Bulletin Telematics System Diagnostic Q… 14-Jul-20
15-219-18R Technical Service Bulletin Error Code 202 and / or 204 Ge… 14-Jul-20
15-195-16R Technical Service Bulletin Servicing and Claim Submission… 14-Jul-20
SOA801P030 Accessory Installation Guide PORT INSTALLATION: 2018-2021… 14-Jul-20
15-211-17R Technical Service Bulletin Reprogramming File Availabilit… 13-Jul-20
15-249-19R Technical Service Bulletin 2020 Audio/Navigation & Power … 13-Jul-20
15-245-19R Technical Service Bulletin FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) R… 13-Jul-20
12-296-20 Technical Service Bulletin Rear Frame and Stabilizer Bar … 10-Jul-20
16-129-20 Technical Service Bulletin CVT Warranty Extension 10-Jul-20
15-240-19R Technical Service Bulletin New Harman Audio Amplifiers 8-Jul-20
15-265-20 Technical Service Bulletin “Destination to Vehicle” Gen 2… 7-Jul-20
U3220BE Service Manual 2021MY Ascent New Car Informat… 6-Jul-20
Service Diagnostics 2021MY Ascent Service Manual V… 6-Jul-20
J1010FL320 Accessory Installation Guide PORT INSTALLATION: 2021MY… 30-Jun-20
H4510FL100 Accessory Installation Guide PORT INSTALLATION: 2021MY… 30-Jun-20
J101SFL600 Accessory Installation Guide PORT INSTALLATION: 2021MY… 30-Jun-20
B321SFL020 Accessory Installation Guide PORT INSTALLATION: 2021MY… 30-Jun-20
SOA801P031xx Accessory Installation Guide 2021MY Crosstrek Sport Door Ed… 30-Jun-20
WRD-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Fuel Pump Impeller Failure 25-Jun-20
J131SXC100 Accessory Installation Guide Ascent Cupholder Insert 25-Jun-20
H671SXC200 Accessory Installation Guide 2021MY Ascent Wireless Charger 25-Jun-20
H4510FL100 Accessory Installation Guide 2021MY Crosstrek Fog Light Kit 25-Jun-20
03-85-20 Technical Service Bulletin Propeller Shaft- High-Pitched … 24-Jun-20
12-295-20 Technical Service Bulletin Front Leather Seat Cushion Cov… 24-Jun-20
15-261-20R Technical Service Bulletin Reprogramming File Availabilit… 24-Jun-20
15-246-19R Technical Service Bulletin New Immobilizer Registration P… 22-Jun-20
12-203-16R Technical Service Bulletin Squeaking Sound from Front Sea… 22-Jun-20
MSA5M2004S Owner Manual 2020MY Legacy/Outback Own… 22-Jun-20
MSA5M2003S Owner Manual 2020MY Legacy/Outback STARLI… 22-Jun-20
SUTTIPSLOC Other/Miscellaneous TechTIPS Article Locator Index… 18-Jun-20
TIPS_SE_AC TechTIPS NewsLetter Air Condition Season Special E… 18-Jun-20
00 STIS New Releases (CONTINUED)
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 11 of 12
Continued on the next page
*** Now you can e-mail your TechTIPS input and suggestions to: tech@subaru.com ***
SUBARU TECHLINE Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Hours of Operation Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 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:
July 2020 TechTIPS Page 12 of 12

SEOCONTENT-END