TIPS0323 – 2023 March TechTIPS Newsletter

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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 1 of 16
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter ©2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
01 TechShare QMR of the Month
We are pleased to announce this month’s TechShare QMR of the Month
Winner:
Humprey Esguerra from
Sheehy Subaru in Springfield, VA
Humprey created a high quality QMR using TechShare reporting on
customer’s concern of a clicking noise coming from the left rear cargo
area. Humprey’s report included detailed diagnostic steps and highquality
photos/ videos.
Please refer to the following link to review the TechShare QMR in detail:
https://subarutechshare.com/qmrs/TS-226665
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with
us, Humprey will be receiving the following from his District Service
Quality Manager:
$500.00 Snap-On gift card
SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon. – Thurs. 8:30AM – 7:30PM EST
Friday 10:30AM – 5:00PM EST
Saturday 9:00AM – 3:00PM EST
Articles Contained
in this Issue
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 Releases14-15
(01) QMR of the Month1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations 2
Tech Tips Greatest Tips
(01) UNDERSTANDING READINESS CODES. 3
(07) Parasitic Draw (Dark Current)
Diagnostics3-8
(10) HVAC Temperature Sync8-10
(11) EGR, Evap & AVCS Readiness
Monitors 21MY+10-11
(20) Solterra Wheel Hanger 12
(20) Solterra AC refrigerant check,
use the scan tool!12-13
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
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March 2023
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, Solterra and “Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 2 of 16
01 QMR of the Month (CONTINUED)
The other Regional winners selected from TechShare QMRs submitted during January 2023 were:
• Brandon Moller from Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru
• Dave Jodat from Subaru City of Milwaukee
• David Callender from Kendall Subaru of Marysville
• Rodney Albert from Reynolds Subaru
Any Subaru Technician can participate in the TechShare QMR of the Month program. See the November
2022 issues of TechTIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a future issue of
TechTIPS!
01 QMR of the Month Award Presentations
As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we will include a photo (whenever
available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month
submissions received during January 2023 was Humprey Esguerra, Shop Foreman at Sheehy Subaru,
Springfield, VA.
Pictured from left to right is Sheehy Subaru Service Director Ben Ong, Sheehy Subaru Managing Partner Russ
Zakeri, Sheehy Subaru Shop Foreman & QMR of the Month winner Humprey Esguerra after being presented
with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card, Subaru of America inc District Parts and Service Manager Cory Hiken,
Subaru of America inc District Sales Manager Andrew Raszewski, and Subaru of America inc
District Service Quality Manager Dan Rockholt.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our January 2023 QMR of the Month Award recipient!
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 3 of 16
This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month’s feature is from
June 2018.
01 UNDERSTANDING READINESS CODES
The Techline continues to receive
calls about readiness codes and
their purpose. Readiness codes
represent the selfdiagnostic
condition on each DTC. If the DTC
is displayed, this means the selfdiagnostic
has not completed. After
the selfdiagnostic is completed, the
DTC goes away, regardless of the
result.
Example: DTCs P000A and P0011
are stored
07 Parasitic Draw (Dark Current) Diagnostics
Techline continues to receive calls with questions regarding Parasitic draw testing and the best practices
needed to diagnose these concerns correctly. Refer to the previous TSB’s and TechTIPs covering this
topic:
TSB 07-199-21 – Measurement of Dark Current (Standby Current Draw)
TSB 07-85-14 – Measurement of “Dark Current” (Parasitic Battery Draw)
May 2020 TechTIP – Parasitic Draw (Dark Current) Testing and Telematics DCM
October 2021 TechTIP – Parasitic Draw Testing, A Different Approach
It is always recommended to search Flashwrite for possible ECM updates, there are multiple years and
models that have ECM charging logic updates available.
March 2023 TechTIPS Page 4 of 16
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07 Parasitic Draw (Dark Current) Diagnostics (CONTINUED)
Tips & Tricks
Interview the customer
It is important to have a clear understanding of how the vehilce is being operated. For example, when
does the battery die? How often is the vehicle driven? How is it driven, lots of short trips? Are the
hatch/trunk/doors being left open for a long period of time? Where are the keys when the vehicle is
not in use? Being able to reproduce the customers concern can be helped by understanding how they
use the vehicle. Perform testing in the same condtions as the custromer describes. Having a clear
understanding of the customers concern can also help when no excessive draw is found.
1. How does the customer use the vehicle daily?
a. The customer’s routine can uncover usage that the retailer was not aware of. For example,
the customer opens the power rear gate every night to get their gym bag out of the car.
b. Are the door switches working correctly, do they show open/closed on the combination
meter?
c. Do all the doors lock and stay locked?
d. Look at BIU live data, do the door switches show open/closed correctly?
e. Based on the customer interview, how often do the doors or PRG get used?
2. Where does the customer park at night?
a. Does the customer park in the garage?
b. Does the customer leave the key?
c. Where is the key kept, inside the house, near the vehicle?
3. How far does the customer drive the vehicle on a regular basis?
a. How many miles is the vehicle driven per week?
b. How frequently is the vehicle being driven?
4. Is there anything being brought into the vehicle?
a. Third party electrical devices can affect the BIU and Central Gateway sleep cycle, make sure
all electrical devices are removed and not plugged in. Review the November 2021 Techtip
covering aftermarket devices – 2021 November TechTIPS-JUSTIFIED.pdf (subarunet.com)
b. Was anything removed by the customer at the time of drop off?
March 2023 TechTIPS Page 5 of 16
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07 Parasitic Draw (Dark Current) Diagnostics (CONTINUED)
Inspect the vehicle
It is recommended to perform a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle. Are there any interior lights
that have been left on? Is there anything plugged into the OBD, USB or 12V ports? Is there any
aftermarket wiring or devices wired into the vehicle? Look under the dash for aftermarket remote starts,
alarm systems or buy here/pay here devices. Is there anything hard wired into the vehicle, such as a
dash cam or radar detector? Inspect the battery terminals for added wiring to power aftermarket stereo
equipment or trailer hitch wiring.
Test the battery
The first step of parasitic draw testing should begin with a battery charge/test using the Midtronics DCA-
8000, refer to TSB 07-178-21 – Battery Testing and Charging for the correct battery testing procedures.
Understanding the Meter
Are the fuses in the DVOM okay? If the meter leads are in the wrong ports when performing testing it
could pop the meter fuses. If those fuses are open, parasitic draw testing will not work. You can check
the meter fuses with a simple continuity check. Always test your DVOM fuses before testing!!
When performing parasitic draw testing make sure to pay close attention to the meter. Does the meter
have auto-ranging, is it turned on? Where is the decimal point, is the meter set to A or mA?
Milliamps (mA) Amps (A)
20mA .02 A
30 mA .03 A
40 mA .04 A
50 mA .05 A
100 mA .1 A
250 mA .25 A
500 mA .5 A
750 mA .75 A
1000 mA 1 A
March 2023 TechTIPS Page 6 of 16
07 Parasitic Draw (Dark Current) Diagnostics (CONTINUED)
Amp Clamp vs DVOM Testing
Try using an amp clamp when testing for a parasitic
draw. The system does not need to be disturbed
when using this tool to perform testing. This could
also be used in conjunction with a meter, testing at
the fuse with the meter for specific draw and the
amp clamp providing a total draw. Refer to the
Electrical Theory and Diagnostics TRB for more
information on amp clamps.
Using STIS for diagnostic information
There are multiple TSB’s and TechTIPs to assist technicians with performing parasitic draw testing. An
overlooked resource for information is STIS. It also has the specific procedures for performing this
testing. It can be found by following this click path:
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 7 of 16
07 Parasitic Draw (Dark Current) Diagnostics (CONTINUED)
A critical piece of information that can be found in the STIS testing procedure:
STIS states if the draw is found to be over 70 mA wait for 55 minutes and then continue to monitor the
draw. Performing parasitic draw testing for a short time will often lead to the incorrect diagnosis.
Make sure to perform the testing for hours checking the meter frequently.
Another step in this testing from STIS should also be mentioned:
If the tech chooses to follow this method for diagnosis, make sure NOT to reinstall the fuses after
removal. Reinstalling the fuse may wake up modules or effect other circuits which may change the
results of the testing.
Once a draw is confirmed on a specific fuse, a Technician could go a step further. Unplug the part the
fuse indicates has the draw. Reinstall the fuse, wait 30 minutes to let everything go to sleep again, is
the draw on that fuse now gone?
Example 1 – “I pulled all of the fuses and the draw did not change”
All of the circuits in Subaru vehicles are fused. If there is an above 70 milliamp draw, it must be on
a fused circuit. This is a good opportunity to use the 10/21 TechTIP. Techline recommends following
the instructions in the 10/21 TechTIP for initial inspection of a draw concern. Technicians should follow
STIS to verify the condition after the initial inspection. The service manual states removing fuses one
by one is an acceptable method for diagnosis. Techline would caution to review the Power Supply
diagram to verify the power flow of fuses being removed. Removed fuses should not be reinstalled as
they could cause a module to “wake up” and disturb the system. This could cause a misdiagnosis while
performing draw testing.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 8 of 16
07 Parasitic Draw (Dark Current) Diagnostics (CONTINUED)
Example 2 – “I removed the back-up fuse, the draw went to 0 milliamps”
Techline does not recommend removing the back-up fuse when performing draw testing. The back-up
fuse powers multiple other fuses/circuits. Using STIS, find the Power Supply wiring diagram. Follow the
circuit for the back-up fuse, find what fuses and circuits it powers, then test those for the draw. Once
all circuits past the Backup fuse have been eliminated as the source of the draw, it may be necessary to
find what the back-up fuse is powering directly and verify that is the cause of the draw. Use the power
supply diagram to determine all circuits that the back-up fuse is powering.
Example 3 – “I tested for a draw, it is below 70 milliamps, but the
customer’s battery has died multiple times”
If the parasitic draw seems to be intermittent, set up the vehicle for testing. “Trick” the hood latch and
driver door to think they are closed so there is acces to both the M/B and F/B fuse boxes. This way
the testing can continue undisturbed but there is still access to all the fuses in the vehicle. Try to find a
spot in the shop that the vehicle can be left in this state for as long as possible. Ask everyone to keep
an eye on the meter when they walk by. If the draw goes above 70 mA, determine where that draw is
coming from. Remember the ELCM could be performing an Evap test. If there is still no draw found, try
unlocking/locking the vehicle, then let it go back to sleep. Unlock the vehicle, turn the ignition on (do not
start the engine), let it sit for a few minutes, turn the igntion off and lock the vehicle again. Continue to
monitor the draw trying to “catch” the intermittent draw. The DSTi interface can also be used to record
this testing. The DSTi oscilloscope feature could be used with an amp clamp connected to record the
draw test. The DSTi can record around 40 hours of testing. Below is a screen shot of the settings
needed to get around 40 hours of recording time from the DSTi.
10 HVAC Temperature Sync
Techline has received calls for concerns of passenger temperature setting automatically syncing with
the drivers side. This is a feature that started with the 19MY Forester. When the Occupant Detection
System (ODS) identifies the seat as empty, it will automatically sync the HVAC settings to improve
usability. This feature also includes increasing/decreasing the air volume/temperature for the front seats
based on occupation of the rear seats when applicable. See the images below taken from the 19MY
Forester New Car Info.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 9 of 16
10 HVAC Temperature Sync (CONTINUED)
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 10 of 16
10 HVAC Temperature Sync (CONTINUED)
Information about this was also published in the “Air Condition Season Special Edition Newsletter”.
11 EGR, Evap & AVCS Readiness Monitors 21MY+
Techline has received reports of Readiness Monitors not completing or setting to “Ready”. This could
prevent a vechile from passing a state mandated emissions test. Technicians have attempted extended
test drives with no change to the concern. Starting with ’21 MY vehicles, the required condtions for
these monitors has changed, the minimum ambient air temperature has increased. The “Execution
Condition” are listed in the “General Description” section of the DTC. See the example below, after
navigating to DTC P0455, select the “GD” tab.
The “Execution Condition” can be found by scrolling down in the General Description section.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 11 of 16
11 EGR, Evap & AVCS Readiness Monitors 21MY+ (CONTINUED)
The “Execution Condition” are listed below for EGR, Evap and the AVCS systems. All the conditions
listed under each must be met before the test will run.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 12 of 16
20 Solterra Wheel Hanger
Since Solterra is not equipped with wheel studs, bolts are used to attach
the wheels. This is new to Subaru Technicians but may be familiar to those
who have worked on other brands of vehicles. There are “Wheel Stud Pilot
Pin” (wheel hanger) tools available which make it easier to service the
wheels on the vehicle. This will not be an Essential tool. One version will
be available on the Subaru Equipment website found here:
https://www.subaruretailersolutions.com/equipment/product/15828
After removing one of the wheel bolts, this tool is inserted in place of that bolt. Once the other wheel
bolts are removed, the wheel will “hang” in place instead of falling to the floor. The wheel hanger makes
reinstalling the wheels much easier as the wheel does not need to be balanced while trying to line up
the wheel bolts.
There are numerous options for these tools. The thread size is M14x1.50. A quick internet search will
return many options:
20 Solterra AC refrigerant check, use the scan tool!
When presented with an AC concern, the first step a Technician may take is to recover the refrigerant to
verify the system is not over or under charged. On all Solterra’s, this check can be performed with
the Global Techstream scan tool instead of having to use the dedicated EV/Hybrid AC machine.
This can save time and limit the chances of contaminating the AC system. The Solterra uses the high
voltage AC compressor to heat AND cool the vehicle, so a technician may be presented with an AC
related concern all year round.
Follow the click path shown here to find this
information in the Service Manual. After
connecting the scan tool, verify all conditions
required.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 13 of 16
20 Solterra AC refrigerant check, use the scan tool! (CONTINUED)
Make sure to review the “Hint” in this test.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 14 of 16
00 STIS New Releases
ITEM CODE ITEM TYPE TITLE
CREATED
DATE
07-217-23 Technical Service Bulletin Security & Locks – Additional . 17-Apr-23
16-132-20R Technical Service Bulletin Diagnostic Information for All. 14-Apr-23
15-302-22R Technical Service Bulletin 2023 Audio/Navigation & Power . 11-Apr-23
WRH-23 Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Safety Recall/STOP SALE – Tire. 7-Apr-23
J101SFN205 Accessory Installation Guide 2024MY Impreza – SPLASH GUARD . 6-Apr-23
J101SFN200 Accessory Installation Guide 2024MY Impreza – SPLASH GUARD . 6-Apr-23
E771SFN100 Accessory Installation Guide 2024MY Crosstrek (Wilderness O. 6-Apr-23
15-266-20R Technical Service Bulletin Telematics Function and Operat. 5-Apr-23
12-281-20R Technical Service Bulletin Hood Panel Vibration 5-Apr-23
07-189-21R Technical Service Bulletin Front Door Window Regulator- E. 5-Apr-23
12-247-23R Technical Service Bulletin Rear Gate Stay / Design Change 5-Apr-23
12-320-21R Technical Service Bulletin Front Outer Door Garnish -Desi. 5-Apr-23
TKA-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Takata Front Passenger Airbag . 4-Apr-23
E4010FL001 Accessory Installation Guide 2017-24MY Impreza and 2018-24M. 30-Mar-23
09-53-12R Technical Service Bulletin Judgment Standards for Water P. 29-Mar-23
MSA5B2404A Owner Manual 2024MY Outback Getting Started. 28-Mar-23
MSA5B2403A Owner Manual 2024MY Legacy Getting Started . 28-Mar-23
15-221-18R Technical Service Bulletin Harman Audio / Infotainment: H. 28-Mar-23
07-75-13R Technical Service Bulletin DTC P0606 after Vehicle Batter. 27-Mar-23
07-219-23R Technical Service Bulletin Genuine Alternative Battery Re. 27-Mar-23
WRB-23R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Telematics Data Communications. 27-Mar-23
07-218-23R Technical Service Bulletin Genuine Alternative Battery Re. 27-Mar-23
15-226-18R Technical Service Bulletin Harman Audio / Infotainment: T. 27-Mar-23
L1520BE Service Manual 2024MY Impreza / Crosstrek Bod. 23-Mar-23
E5610FN000 Accessory Installation Guide 2024MY Impreza (all trims) – S. 23-Mar-23
E2610FN000 Accessory Installation Guide 2024MY Impreza (RS trim only) . 23-Mar-23
E2410FN000 Accessory Installation Guide 2024MY Impreza (all trims) – S. 23-Mar-23
15-285-21R Technical Service Bulletin Gen 2-4 Head Unit Identificati. 23-Mar-23
15-307-23 Technical Service Bulletin Discontinuation of SUBARU STAR. 20-Mar-23
15-259-20R Technical Service Bulletin Denso Gen 4 Cockpit One (CP1) . 15-Mar-23
16-128-20R Technical Service Bulletin DTC P0842 / Transmission Harne. 15-Mar-23
15-270-20R Technical Service Bulletin 2020-2022 Outback & Legacy FOT. 15-Mar-23
15-268-20R Technical Service Bulletin USB Map Data Update Procedure . 15-Mar-23
15-240-19R Technical Service Bulletin New Harman Audio Amplifiers 15-Mar-23
15-273-20R Technical Service Bulletin Denso CP1 BASE (Dual 7” Displa. 15-Mar-23
All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 15 of 16
ITEM CODE ITEM TYPE TITLE
CREATED
DATE
WRK-21/22R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin CVT Chain Guide Breakage 15-Mar-23
MSA5M2414A Owner Manual 2024MY Legacy/Outback Eyesight. 13-Mar-23
MSA5M2411A Owner Manual 2024MY Legacy/Outback Subaru S. 13-Mar-23
MSA5M2403A Owner Manual 2024MY Legacy Owner’s Manual 13-Mar-23
MSA5M2404A Owner Manual 2024MY Outback Owner’s Manual 13-Mar-23
MSA5M2305B Owner Manual 2020-22MY Legacy/Outback/Outba. 13-Mar-23
E4010SJ001 Accessory Installation Guide 2019-23MY Forester (Excluding . 13-Mar-23
15-261-20R Technical Service Bulletin Reprogramming File Availabilit. 13-Mar-23
WRH-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Rear Visibility FMVSS 111 Non-. 10-Mar-23
WRI-20R Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin Reprogramming of Denso CP1 Inf. 10-Mar-23
E7210VC210 Accessory Installation Guide 2022-23MY WRX – Trunk Spoiler 10-Mar-23
All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
00 STIS New Releases (CONTINUED)
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March 2023 TechTIPS Page 16 of 16
*** 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:

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