HVAC Control Panel Removal Precautions – 2013-2016 Subaru

NHTSA ID Number: 10093914

Manufacturer Communication Number: 10-83-15

Summary

THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN PROVIDES PRECAUTIONS TO USE WHEN REMOVING THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL TO PREVENT DAMAGING THE BLOWER FAN SPEED SWITCH. WHEN REMOVING THE CONTROL PANEL, IF THE FAN SPEED SWITCH WIRING HARNESS IS PULLED TAUGHT OR BECOMES STRESSED, THE SWITCH MAY BE DAMAGED. IF THE CONNECTOR (LOWER) PORTION OF THE SWITCH BECOMES SEPARATED FROM THE SWITCH BODY EVEN SLIGHTLY (SEE FIG. 1 ON PAGE 2), THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED. THE SWITCH ITSELF IS NOT SERVICEABLE. NOTE: FOR 2012MY IMPREZA, SEE TSB 10-78-12, DATED 4/18/2012.

 


NUMBER: 10-83-15
DATE: 11/25/15

APPLICABILITY:2014-16MY Forester with Manual HVAC Systems
2013-16MY Impreza 2.0L with Manual HVAC Systems
2013-16MY Crosstrek with Manual HVAC Systems
SUBJECT:HVAC Control Panel Removal Precautions

 

INTRODUCTION

This Service Information bulletin provides precautions to use when removing the HVAC control panel to prevent damaging the blower fan speed switch.  When removing the control panel, if the fan speed switch wiring harness is pulled taught or becomes stressed, the switch may be damaged.  If the connector (lower) portion of the switch becomes separated from the switch body even slightly (see Fig. 1 on page 2), the HVAC control panel assembly must be replaced.  The switch itself is not serviceable.  NOTE:  For 2012MY Impreza, see TSB 10-78-12, dated 4/18/2012.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION

  • CAREFULLY  remove the center panel following the procedure in the applicable Service ManualALWAYS take proper precautions to protect the face of the panel and the surrounding trim surfaces from scratching / damage as shown in the photo below.
  • DO NOT allow the blower fan switch harness to become stressed or taught.
  • While maintaining slack on the blower switch wiring harness, disengage the lock tab by pressing it in gently and remove the connector from the switch.
  • Set the center panel aside in a safe place to protect it while removed from the vehicle.
  • Follow the same precautions when reconnecting the blower switch harness. Always avoid placing any stress or tension on the harness during the panel installation process.
HVAC Control Panel

blower switch

 

IMPORTANT: If any of the alignment tabs or the lower portion of the switch become disengaged from the body of the switch, the HVAC control panel assembly must be replaced.  DO NOT attempt to snap it back together as damage to the internal contacts has most likely already occurred.  The resulting high resistance inside the switch may cause it to be damaged and become inoperative.

 


10 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
SUBARUeBay logoCROSSTREK2013-2016
SUBARUeBay logoFORESTER2014-2016
SUBARUeBay logoIMPREZA2014-2016

 


1 Associated Document

Service Bulletin Document

NUMBER: 10-83-15
DATE: 11/25/15

SB-10093914-2280.pdf 358.822KB

 


 

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