July 2015
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter

ARTICLES CONTAINED
IN THIS ISSUE
CODE ARTICLE..................................PAGE

01

QMR OF THE MONTH

We are pleased to announce this month’s winner of QMR of the Month:

(00) June STIS New Releases......... 5
(01) QMR of the Month.................. 1
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentation........................ 2
(01) Subaru Oil Consumption.......... 4
(06) Brake Fluid Color Change........ 2
(11) Secondary Air Injection
Diagnostic Trouble Codes P2441
and P2442........................... 3
(15) Use of Aftermarket Accessory
Engine / Fuel Economy
Monitors............................. 4

2015 CALENDAR OF
SUBARU HOLIDAYS
Labor Day
Monday, September 7, 2015

© 2015 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Randy Bosworth

Shortline Subaru in Aurora, Colorado
Randy submitted a very detailed QMR on his diagnosis and repair
of a 2015 WRX with a crank, no-start condition. Randy did a great
job of documenting each step he took in diagnosing the root cause
of the condition. This included adding clear, detailed photos which
included call-outs (labels identifying specific areas of the photos to
call attention to along with adding comments). The end result of his
diagnosis was finding a partially backed out pin in the under-dash
fuse holder (F/B) which resulted in an open circuit.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience
with us in hopes of improving product quality, Randy will be
receiving the following from his FSE:

An Apple

iPad® Mini tablet with a custom

Subaru Confidence in Motion case

Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015

Any Subaru Service Technician can participate in QMR of the
Month. See the February 2013 TechTIPS for full details. You may
see your name here in a future TechTIPS.

Holidays
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Friday, December 25, 2015

If you have never entered a QMR before, have an idea for one,
or are not sure what should be reported, please discuss with
your Field Service Engineer (FSE) or District Parts and Service
Manager (DPSM) as they visit your store.

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

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,
L.L. Bean, Baja, Tribeca, BRZ, XV Crosstrek 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.

July 2015 TechTIPS

Page 1

01

QMR OF THE MONTH AWARD PRESENTATION

As part of our QMR of the Month recognition program, we will include a photo (when available) of the
recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month submissions
received during April was Michelle Garcia, a Technician at Gillman Subaru – Houston Southwest in
Houston, TX.
Michelle is shown below after receiving her new iPad mini from (l to r): Stacey Gillman Wimbish,
President Gillman Automotive Group, David Kemp, Fixed Operations Manager, Gillman Subaru
Houston, Eliel Ramirez, General Manager, Gillman Subaru Houston, Michelle Garcia, Service
Technician, Gillman Subaru Houston, Wally Mendez, Service Manager, Gillman Subaru Houston,
Patrick York, Chief Operating Officer, Gillman Automotive Group and Pat Hayes, Field Service
Engineer, Subaru of America.

06

BRAKE FLUID COLOR CHANGE

As new Impreza and XV Crosstrek models from the main assembly plant in Japan arrive at Subaru
retailers in June, you may notice a change in the color of the brake fluid from vehicles produced in
prior months and years and even between current production models. This is due to FHI adopting
the brake fluid currently used in the BRZ as the single-source brake fluid for all models produced at
the main plant in Japan. The other plant in Japan which builds Forester, Impreza and XV Crosstrek
will continue to use the existing brake fluid as before. FHI has informed us both brake fluids have
the same DOT3 rating and can be mixed with no compatibility concerns. As a result, SOA will NOT
be making any changes in our Genuine Subaru Brake Fluid. Genuine Subaru Brake Fluid (p.n.
SOA868V9220) can be used with either fluid.

July 2015 TechTIPS

Page 2

11

SECONDARY AIR INJECTION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P2441 AND P2442

When working on a vehicle with Secondary Air
Injection System DTCs P2441 or P2442, check
the vehicle history to see if there has been any
work done to the engine or the Secondary Air
Injection System prior to the
DTC setting.
If so, check to see if there appear to be traces
of carbon on the back of the right hand cylinder
head. Turbo Charger removal may be necessary
to get a good view of the pipe which bolts to
the back of the cylinder head. If carbon traces
are seen as shown in the photos below, there
is a good chance the gasket that seals the
secondary air pipe to the back of the cylinder
head is installed in the wrong direction (from
prior repair) causing secondary air flow to be
partially blocked.
As seen in the attached photos, this gasket is
pointed on one end. The correct way to install
this gasket is with the pointed end facing
towards the transmission.

Wrong Way (Point Towards the Valve Cover)

July 2015 TechTIPS

Correct Way (Point Towards the Short Block)

Page 3

15

USE OF AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY ENGINE / FUEL ECONOMY MONITORS

While gathering your initial information to aid
in diagnosis, it is always a good idea to inquire
from the customer if they have installed any
aftermarket accessories. Always inspect for
them on your own regardless of the customer’s
response. A QMR was received outlining a
driveability and stalling concern the customer
was experiencing. The Technician’s inspection
revealed an aftermarket engine / fuel economy
monitor similar to the unit shown below plugged
into the vehicle’s OBDII connector. After
further discussion with the customer about
the accessory, it came out that the driveability
concerns only occurred when the monitor was
connected.
Remember, the only accessories tested and
confirmed to be compatible with the various
operating systems used on Subaru vehicles are
those found in the Genuine Subaru Accessory catalogs and brochures.

01

SUBARU OIL CONSUMPTION

Oil consumption is an inherent feature of all internal combustion engines and the rate of consumption
can be affected by such factors as transmission type, driving style, terrain and temperature. Our
internal data shows that very few of our owners have experienced above-expectation oil consumption,
much less than 1% of Subaru vehicles overall. We have continued to develop our products and our
data suggests that this already low rate has been further reduced. The Subaru owner’s manual
includes a normal consumption example of 1 qt per 1,200 miles, and most owners will experience
consumption at lower rates with normal driving. However, if an owner feels they are using more oil
than they should be, retailers will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis and can perform a
consumption test to determine what actions should be taken. Different drivers in the same car may
experience different results. However, Subaru will continue to offer assistance to customers who feel
they are experiencing above-expectation consumption.

July 2015 TechTIPS

Page 4

00

JUNE STIS NEW RELEASES

ITEM TYPE

TITLE

CREATED
DATE

WQS-54

Subaru Product /
Campaign Bulletin

WQS-54 Driver Assist System
(EyeSight) Delay in Warning Indicator

30-Jun-15

H6710FJ000

Accessory Installation
Guide

Cigarette Lighter Kit (H6710FJ000)

29-Jun-15

15-182-15R

Technical Service
Bulletin

Procedures for Updating the Head Unit
Operating Software (AVN)

29-Jun-15

12-186-15

Technical Service
Bulletin

Paint Chipping between Hood Grille
(Scoop) and Hood

22-Jun-15

15-183-15

Technical Service
Bulletin

Procedures for Updating the Head Unit
Operating Software (DA)

18-Jun-15

WQR-53R

Subaru Product /
Campaign Bulletin

Takata Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator
Replacement

17-Jun-15

SUTTIPSLOC

Other / Miscellaneous

TechTIPS Article Locator Index
(Updated 06-2015)

16-Jun-15

J101SVA000...

Accessory Installation
Guide

Rear Aero Splash Guard Kit (WRX and
WRX STI)

15-Jun-15

07-91-15

Technical Service
Bulletin

Intermittent Wiper Operation with
Switch in Off Position

15-Jun-15

02-132-12R

Technical Service
Bulletin

Diagnosis and Repair for AVCSRelated DTCs P000A, P000B, P000C,
P000D, P0011, P0014, P0021 and
P0024

10-Jun-15

Subaru Product /
Campaign Bulletin

Repair Procedure for Subaru Recall
Campaign Stop Sale WQS-54 Driver
Assist System Delay in Warning
Indicator

5-Jun-15

ITEM CODE

WQS-54

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
July 2015 TechTIPS

Page 5

00

JUNE STIS NEW RELEASES

ITEM TYPE

TITLE

CREATED
DATE

18-181-15

Service Manual
Correction

Service Manual Corrections

3-Jun-15

H6710SG000xx

Accessory Installation
Guide

Cigarette Lighter Kit (2016 Forester)

3-Jun-15

TIPS0615

TechTIPS Newsletter

2015 June TechTIPS Newsletter

2-Jun-15

ITEM CODE

Be sure to always check the “What’s New” section on STIS for any updated
or recently released information that may not be listed here.

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
July 2015 TechTIPS

Page 6

*** NOW YOU CAN E-MAIL YOUR TECHTIPS INPUT AND SUGGESTIONS TO: TECH@SUBARU.COM ***

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 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.
Your Name:
Signature:
Dealer’s Name:
City:
Date:
Dealer Code:

SUBARU
TECHLINE
Hours of Operation
July 2015 TechTIPS

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm
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