ATTENTION:

CLAIMS PERSONNEL q

IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with
NUMBER: 02-157-14R

2.5L FB Engine
DATE: 08/28/14
2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines
REVISED: 07/28/15
2012-13MY Impreza and 2013MY XV Crosstrek
Models with 2.0L FB Engine
SUBJECT: Surface Treatment Change To Oil Control Piston Rings
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously
outlined in Service Bulletins 02-143-13R, 02-144-13R and 02-145-13R. These bulletins provided
a repair procedure for the replacement of the piston rings to address verified concerns of unusual
engine oil consumption. Vehicles confirmed as having this condition which are within the supplied
VIN ranges will no longer be repaired with piston ring replacement. The revised repair procedure
to address verified unusual oil consumption concerns on these specific vehicles will consist of
replacing the engine short block assembly.
It is critical to understand the nature of the concern as reported by the customer and to confirm the
actual condition prior to attempting repairs. Some oil consumption can and should be expected
as a by-product of engine operation even where no concern exists. Failure to recognize this and
correctly diagnose the condition presented can result in unnecessary repairs. For example: a vehicle
which is presented with a report of a low engine oil level (as read on engine dipstick/ gauge or
indicated by illumination of the low engine oil level warning lamp), which is at or near the time /
mileage of the next service interval (based upon the date / mileage of the most recent oil change),
is not representative of unusual oil consumption. The information supplied in this bulletin is
only applicable to vehicles within the specific production ranges of this publication exhibiting the
condition(s) previously described.
IMPORTANT: Read and understand this bulletin COMPLETELY before starting an oil
consumption test or initiating any repairs.
Concerns related to a possible oil consumption condition are generally initiated when the customer
believes the engine oil level on the dipstick has dropped since the last time it was checked or when
the low oil lamp illuminates. These types of complaints by themselves do not directly indicate
a concern with the vehicle exists. It is important to understand all the factors involved in order
to make a sound decision regarding whether or not a repair is required or if an oil consumption
test should even be started. When speaking with customers about a reported or suspected oil
consumption concern, always keep the following in mind:
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.

Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 07/28/15

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
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Page 1

Some engine oil will always be consumed as part of normal engine operation. How much and
when it is consumed varies according to manufacturing tolerances, wear, and vehicle usage patterns.
With the extended service intervals commonly used for today’s engines combined with one or more
of the conditions listed below, typical engine oil consumption may require adding engine oil in
between scheduled maintenance intervals:
•

When the engine is new and within the break-in period (during the first 1000 miles of
operation)

•

When the engine oil being used is of lower quality (other than “Energy or Resource
Conserving” API Classification SM or SN or ILSAC, look for the starburst design with
GF-4 or GF-5)

•

When the incorrect oil viscosity is used (viscosity other than 0W-20 in
the case of these specific vehicles)

•

When engine braking is employed (use of the transmission’s gear ranges
to decelerate while using the engine to apply resistance)

•

When the engine is operated at high engine speeds (continually or under
frequent, hard acceleration)

•

When the engine is operated under heavy loads (frequent carrying of
heavy cargo, passengers or trailer towing)

•

When the engine idles for long periods of time (may be related to frequent
use of a remote engine start system)

•

When the vehicle is operated in stop and go and/or heavy traffic situations

•

When the vehicle is used under severe temperature conditions (cold or hot)

•

When the vehicle accelerates and decelerates frequently

Under these or similar operating conditions, the oil level should be checked more frequently. The
engine oil and filter may also need to be changed more often. As per the Owner’s Manual, engine
oil consumption under these conditions may be as high as 1 quart per 1200 miles.
As related information, the low oil level warning light (on models so equipped) is designed to
illuminate when the engine oil level in the sump drops below approximately 4 quarts with the engine
not running (engine is 1.1 quarts low on oil) and 2.4 quarts when the engine is running. While this
may seem very low, keep in mind that oil remains suspended in the engine while running and will
not fully drain back until the engine has been shut off for at least 5 minutes. In some rare cases, this
light may illuminate with more oil present when the engine is running due to specific road or driving
conditions such as repeated hard acceleration/ deceleration, tight turning, driving on undulating
roads. In these cases, the light will generally reset on its own once the actual level is determined
to be above the illumination threshold. However, this may take some time as certain driving
parameters must be met for the system to self-correct. As long as the oil level has been checked and
adjusted (if necessary), the immediate concern has been addressed. If the lamp does not extinguish
on its own after some time and the oil level remains full, an inspection of the circuit and components
should be performed. See Section 3 of the Owner’s Manual for more information on the oil level
warning system. See Service Procedure to reduce false illumination of low oil level warning
lamp (on models so equipped) later in this bulletin for instructions on how to address customer
concerns where the low engine oil level warning lamp illuminates when the engine oil level is either
full or nearly full.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 07/28/15

Page 2

COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
The updated piston rings were incorporated into production as per the table below.
MODEL

STARTING VIN
n/a

2013-2014MY Legacy and Outback
2013MY Impreza 2.0L and XV Crosstrek
2011-2013MY Forester
2014MY Forester

DATE
n/a

n/a
Impreza - D*025244
XV Crosstrek - D*855330
n/a
n/a

2/20/2013
n/a
n/a

PART INFORMATION
The chart below provides a required part list for the short block replacement procedure. This list is
provided as a reference only and may not be totally complete depending on the needs of your specific
repair. Always verify with your Parts Department that all needed parts with the most up-to-date part
numbers are ordered.
PART NUMBER
10103AC590
10103AC600
10103AC390*
10103AC700*
10103AC420*
10103AC690*
10103AC610
11821AA660
44011AC030
44616AA200
14035AA580
14852AA040
14738AA150
806912190
806924120
806915100
806916080
10966AA040
13270AA240
13272AA170
13270AA27A*
13272AA21A*
806915170
11044AA790
10944AA080
11044AA780*
10944AA070*

DESCRIPTION

QTY. /REPAIR

APPLICABILITY

Short Block Assy.

1

2014MY Forester
2013-2014MY Legacy & Outback
2013MY XV Crosstrek 2.0L CVT
2013MY XV Crosstrek 2.0L MT
2012-2013MY Impreza 2.0L CVT
2012-2013MY Impreza 2.0L MT
2011-2013MY Forester

PCV Adaptor
Exhaust Gasket
Center Pipe Gasket
Intake Gasket

1
2
1
2
1
1
3
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1

EGR Pipe Gasket
O-Ring, Chain Cover
O-Ring, Tensioner
Seal, Spark Plug Tube
Rocker Gasket*
O-Ring, Cam Carrier
Head Gasket*

Up to 1/2012
2/2012 and Later
Impreza, Forester and
XV Crosstrek
*Legacy & Outback

Legacy, Outback and Forester
*Impreza and XV Crosstrek
w/ 2.0L

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 07/28/15

Page 3

PART NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QTY. /REPAIR

APPLICABILITY

11122AA350
806949060
806932030
21236AA050
806939060
806750080
16608KA000
16698AA110
15208AA15A
803916010
806933010
11136AA140

Sealing-Oil Pan
O-Ring, Pick-Up Tube
O-Ring, Upper Oil Pan
Thermostat Gasket
O-Ring, Crank Extension
Oil Seal, Front Crankshaft

2
1
3
1
1
1
4
4
1
1
2
1

All EXCEPT 2012MY Impreza

Injector O-Rings
Oil Filter
Gasket, Drain Plug
O-Ring, Coolant Cross-Over
Oil Level Switch

* IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

When the Short Block Assembly for your vehicle application is a 10103AC390, that
number is for CVT models only. For M/T models, when a 10103AC390 is specified, use
10103AC700.

•

When the Short Block Assembly for your vehicle application is a 10103AC420, that
number is for CVT models only. For M/T models, when a 10103AC420 is specified, use
10103AC690.
MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS (WARRANTY PART NUMBERS)
PART

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

SOA635065
SOA635041
SOA635045

ThreeBond 1280B / 1217G
Super Coolant, (qt.)
Engine Oil (qt.) 0W-20

1
8
6

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
Before starting any repairs, the first step is to always confirm the customer’s complaint. It is
critical to get as much information from the customer as possible to help you make the most accurate
diagnosis.
•

Review all the available service and repair history along with any other records the customer
can provide to establish whether or not the vehicle has been properly maintained.

•

Perform a thorough visual inspection to make sure there are no external oil leaks that could
be contributing to the condition.

•

It is also very important to not overlook the engine’s PCV system and to confirm it is
operating properly. Check the air filter assembly and throttle body / intake manifold for any
excessive oil residue which could be an indicator of a sticking or failed PCV valve.

NOTES:
•

An oil consumption test will need to be completed to determine the proper course of action.
There is a specific procedure and Oil Consumption Test form which must be completed. See
Subarunet \ Service \ Forms for the latest test form. Always print the latest form anytime a
new test is started.

•

Where applicable, available reprogramming to reduce the possibility of false low engine oil
level warning lamp illumination must be installed.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 07/28/15

Page 4

•

See Service Procedure to reduce false illumination of low oil level warning lamp (on
models so equipped) later in this bulletin for further instructions. This must be completed at
either the start or end of the consumption testing regardless of the final outcome.

•

IMPORTANT: At the start of the Oil Consumption Test Form, specific information
regarding what prompted (reason for) the testing must be collected. Once this questionnaire
section of the form is completed, it must be faxed to 856-488-3199. Upon completion of the
actual consumption test, the remainder of the form must be completed and faxed AGAIN to
856-488-3199. This information is being collected for quality assurance purposes only. You
will not receive any response from these submissions. This is NOT an authorization process.
Proceed with any necessary testing or repairs as indicated by the information provided in
this service bulletin, the Oil Consumption Test form results, Subaru’s Claims Policies and
Procedures, and your evaluation of the actual condition presented based upon your review
of all three areas. Keep in mind, these repairs should only be completed when unusual oil
consumption has been confirmed.

Before initiating the consumption test, all basic checks must be completed. These include (but are not
limited to): confirming the actual oil level, noting if any oil has been added prior to this visit and how
much, checking for any external leaks, confirming PCV operation, and verifying that a consumption
test has not already been started or completed previously. Always use the latest Oil Consumption
Test form form found on Subarunet in the Service Forms area. Follow the instructions outlined on the
form.
NOTE: The oil and filter change is only necessary if no prior consumption test has been completed
or is already in process. There is no need for duplicate or repeat testing. One-time documented results
are all that is required to move forward with these repairs. Always close the repair order on the day
the oil change has been completed and submit the claim for the oil consumption test using the coding
provided at the end of this bulletin. Indicate “Oil Consumption Test” in the comments field / box
when entering your claim. DO NOT hold the repair order open until the vehicle returns. Have the
customer drive the vehicle then return for inspection when any of the following have occurred:
•

At least 1200 miles have elapsed

•

When the low engine oil level warning lamp illuminates (when equipped)

•

When the oil level reaches the lower hole in the dipstick/ gauge (as determined by the
customer).

The customer should be advised to not add oil unless there will be a significant delay before they can
return for inspection once a low oil condition occurs. A one-time check of the oil consumption by the
retailer is all that is needed to establish if the condition outlined in this bulletin applies.
SPECIFIC SERVICE PROCEDURES
The following information is provided to underscore service procedures specific to the repairs
outlined in this bulletin. They are not meant to represent the entire repair process from start
to finish. The procedures provided here are specific to certain steps in the overall process.
In some cases, they will differ greatly from the Service Manual instructions and should be
followed in place of the Service Manual for these specific areas only. For the balance of the
repair procedure, refer to the Service Manual. It is highly recommended to review all of the
Service Manual procedures for short block replacement then review these specific procedures to
become familiar with the differences.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 07/28/15

Page 5

•

When draining the engine oil, do not remove the engine oil filter. Leave the existing oil filter
in place through engine disassembly, reassembly, installation and initial startup after engine
reassembly.

•

When removing the engine, there is no need to remove the transmission case cover (CVT
only) or to disconnect / disturb any of the transmission harness connectors. While raising
the transmission with the service jack placed under the front differential as shown in the
illustration below, only raise it enough to access and remove the engine mounting
hardware. Raising it too high can push the transmission up into the bulkhead / transmission
tunnel and possibly cause damage.

•

When removing the CVT fluid cooler (if equipped), leave it attached to its mounting bracket
and remove as an assembly (3 bolts) from the transmission. Disconnect just the engine
coolant hoses from it and do not disturb the 2 short CVT fluid lines. Hook one of the cooler’s
mounting bracket “ears” behind the bulkhead harness as shown in the photo below to keep
the cooler assembly out of your way. Use a shop cloth between the “ear” and the bulkhead
harness to prevent any chafing.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 07/28/15

Page 6

•

To make separating the transmission (CVT) from the engine easier, there is a pry relief
shown below in the machined mounting surface of the transmission case near the engine
number. Use caution when applying any prying pressure and avoid twisting the tool to
prevent case damage.

•

Once the engine is removed, if you are using a generic engine stand (preferable since engine
rotation is necessary), use the four mounting holes on the engine block shown below to
mount it. NOTE: Do not use the mounting studs in the upper oil pan.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 07/28/15

Page 7

•

When removing the intake manifold, as shown in the photos below, leave the TGV
assemblies attached to the upper intake, remove the 2 nuts holding the EGR tube to the water
pipe then remove the complete assembly from the cylinder heads as a unit.

•

There is no need to remove the oil dipstick tube or the original oil filter from the front chain
cover. While the cover is removed, store it face (front side) down to minimize the chances of
damaging the machined sealing surface on the block / head side. Also, don’t use it as a tray
to store other removed parts.

•

IMPORTANT: After all 32 bolts securing the chain cover are removed, be EXTREMELY
careful where you pry and what you pry on to break the silicone sealant’s bond. The photos
below show an example of where NOT to pry. In this case, the cam cap became cracked
requiring a complete cam carrier replacement. Patience is the key!

Reference View

Rear View