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:
2014-15MY Forester Models
2015MY WRX and STI Models

NUMBER: 15-184-15
DATE: 08/03/15

SUBJECT:
“Please Check Audio System” Message Displayed on
MFD (Multi-Function Display)
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin reviews two possible causes for a “Please Check Audio System” message to appear
in the MFD on the above listed vehicles. It is very important to interview the customer carefully
to determine which repair is required. Please read the Service Procedure portion of this bulletin
thoroughly in order to determine which scenario applies and how to repair the condition properly.

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new MFD unit was incorporated into production starting with the following VINs:
•

Forester: F*820316

•

WRX / STI: G*800043

PART INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION

MULTI
DISPLAY
AY

PART NUMBER

85261SG114
85261SG303
85261VA012

APPLICABILITY

Forester
WRX / STI
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: 15-184-15; Revised: 08/03/15

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.

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SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
When receiving a report of this condition, it is important to interview the customer and establish
when the “Please Check Audio System” message was displayed. Depending on the scenario,
there are two different procedures to repair the vehicle:
Scenario #1: The message appeared on the display following engine start after the vehicle
had been sitting in the sun for an extended period of time (heat soak) with cabin temperatures
exceeding 100° F.
In this scenario, replace the MFD unit with the applicable new part from the parts table above
following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
Scenario #2: The message appeared on the display while using the Bluetooth feature of the audio
system or after Bluetooth connection was terminated (this is applicable to Clarion audio units only).
In this scenario, order the applicable Clarion exchange unit following the procedures outlined in
Section 8.4.9.1 of the Policies and Procedures Manual. Once the exchange is received, replace the
audio unit following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
VERY IMPORTANT: When ordering an exchange unit for this scenario, always make sure to
clearly indicate “BT Issue” on the Exchange Form as shown in the illustration below.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or with an active Added Security
Gold Service Agreement, this repair may be claimed using the following information:
LABOR DESCRIPTION

MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY R&R

AUDIO UNTI R&R

VEHICLE MODEL

FORESTER &
IMPREZA
IMPREZA w/
AUTO A/C
ALL

LABOR
OPERATION #

FAIL
CODE

LABOR
TIME

0.3
A067-351

ZLK-43
0.4

B031-101

ZGE-43

0.3

REMINDER: SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as
previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 15-184-15; Revised: 08/03/15

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