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August 2018

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) STIS New Releases........... 6-10

Leo Gilmore from
Ruge’s Subaru in Rhinebeck, NY

(01) QMR of the Month............... 1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations...................... 2
(01) 2019 Ascent Launch Quality
Monitoring Team Underway..... 3
(07) Quick Reference Immobilizer
Type................................. 3
(07) Replacing B-Type BIU............ 4
(15) Harman Version 4
Application......................... 5
(15) DCM Information................5-6

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Labor Day: (Closed)
Monday, September 3, 2018

Mon. - Thurs.

8:30AM - 7:30PM EST

Friday

10:30AM - 5:00PM EST

Saturday

9:00AM - 3:00PM EST

© 2018 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Leo’s QMR involved diagnosis and repair of an inoperative L/Rear
window on a 2014MY Forester. After confirming the customer’s
concern, he started by performing electrical tests at connector D25
for the L/R door window switch. Testing revealed although Pin 6
always had proper voltage, the ground on Pin 7 was lost as soon as
the switch was operated to load the circuit. Leo then moved to the
driver’s door master switch (connector D7) and proceeded with further
testing. The L/R window would not operate from the driver’s door
master switch either. While Leo was setting up to begin performing
voltage drop tests on the wiring between the master switch and the
L/R door switch, he noticed the illumination in the master switch
was flickering. Closer inspection of the master switch connector D7
revealed excessive in and out movement of the wires. Leo determined
that despite the wires being held in place by their individual terminal
anchors (lock tabs), the connector body itself was allowing all the
terminals to back away from their respective pins in the master
switch. This was due to a partial dislocation of what appears to be
a secondary lock which goes around the perimeter of the harness
side of the whole connector. After properly locking this portion of the
D7 connector back in place and reassembly, normal operation of
the power window system was restored. Leo provided 3 excellent
quality videos of the root cause for the concern in his report along with
detailed results of his diagnostics every step of the way.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience
with us, Leo will be receiving the following from his Field Service
Engineer:

A GoPro Hero 5 Camera Kit plus credits to be
used for additional award items of his choice.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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, Baja, Tribeca,
BRZ, XV Crosstrek and “Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks. Ascent is a trademark.

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.

August 2018 TechTIPS

Page 1 of 11

01

QMR OF THE MONTH

The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during June 2018 were:
•

Gaspar Aguilar from Suburban Subaru in Troy, MI

•

Scott Clark from Carr Subaru in Beaverton, OR

•

Kominh Thongphok from Fitzgerald Subaru in Gaithersburg, MD

•

Tyler Hubbard from Suburban Subaru in Vernon, CT

Any Subaru Technician can participate in the QMR of the Month program. See the February 2013 and
January 2016 issues of TechTIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a future
issue of Tech TIPS!

01

QMR OF THE MONTH AWARD PRESENTATIONS

As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we will be including a photo
(whenever available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of
the Month submissions received during June 2018, was Leo Gilmore a Technician at Ruge’s Subaru in
Rhinebeck, NY.

Leo is shown receiving his GoPro Hero 5 while being joined by (l to r): Jim Colamarino, Field Service
Engineer and Jason McDade, Director, Field Operations from Subaru Distributors Corporation,
Leo Gilmore, Technician, Jack Cleary, Service Manager and Dealer Principal, Lewis Ruge.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to June’s QMR of the Month Award recipient!
August 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 2 of 11

01

2019 ASCENT LAUNCH QUALITY MONITORING TEAM UNDERWAY

The all-new 2019MY Subaru Ascent Quality Monitoring Team (QMT) is underway and in full force. As
a reminder, the Team is interested in everything related to the Ascent. They are looking for specific
and detailed information on EVERY condition identified. This includes any repairs performed including
those cases where a customer comments on a function or condition which is considered to be a
normal operational characteristic. The Team is also interested in any opportunities where a feature or
function could be improved. We are asking you to be our eyes and ears with this new model.
Recently, there have been many cases where a condition of interest is reported and visuals (picture/
video) are requested by the QMT but none are available. Please remember to always take pictures
and/or videos to document the original, as found, condition. These are immensely beneficial,
especially for items which may be manufacturing or vehicle assembly related. The Team feeds this
valuable information directly back to the SIA assembly plant.
A picture can be worth more than a thousand words.
QMRs are the best and preferred reporting method for communicating any new model feedback. For
high priority, unusual, or serious concerns, we ask that you call SOA’s Techline and open a new case.
We THANK YOU all for your great support thus far during this pivotal launch for our Subaru brand.

07

QUICK REFERENCE IMMOBILIZER TYPE

A type: Key start with security code | B type: Key start with no security code
D type: Push start with no security code | C and E type are for Canada vehicles

August 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 3 of 11

07

REPLACING B-TYPE BIU

The Techline has been receiving calls from Technicians replacing BIUs where the keys cannot be
successfully registered. Keep in mind on a B-type system, the BIU and combination meter store key IDs
when programmed. These key IDs remain stored and must match when installing a new component to
the immobilizer. If the car came with three keys, then the BIU and combination meter will have three key
IDs stored. When replacing a BIU, you should collect all the keys from the customer. However, if you did
not do that and are looking to program the BIU, you will need to delete the keys from the immobilizer
before installing the new BIU. When you program the new BIU you will only need the one key from the
ignition which was not deleted, program that key, then when all the original keys are obtained, you can
program them. This could also be used if the customer has lost a key and does not want to replace it
but wants to repair the car. However, if you run into a scenario where you cannot communicate with the
BIU to delete the keys, then you will need to get the original keys that were programmed to the vehicle to
successfully finish the programming.
Example 1: A 2015 Legacy comes in and has BIU failure. You cannot communicate with the BIU; the
customer has supplied three original keys. Replace the BIU and program the keys.
Example 2: A 2015 Outback comes in and has been diagnosed with a BIU issue. Communication is
normal. The customer only has one key for the car all others were lost. Go into immobilizer and delete
all keys. This will delete all except the one in the ignition. Next, install the new BIU and program the only
one key you have. Extra keys can be added upon the customer’s request.
Example 3: A 2015 Forester comes in and has been diagnosed as having a faulty BIU. Communication
is normal. The customer has supplied all original keys to the Technician. Replace the BIU and program
the keys. When replacing a BIU always follow the applicable Service Manual procedure.
Information below can be found in the Immobilizer Registration Manual. Navigate to STIS- online
reference- publication type- other/miscellaneous- search.

August 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 4 of 11

15

HARMAN VERSION 4 APPLICATION

The Techline continues to receive calls about 2019MY Ascent, Impreza and Crosstrek models
equipped with Gen3.1 Harman head units. As a reference, the table below provides the current
Harman Head Unit software versions as they relate to Version 4. It should be noted a variation of
Version 4 was included in all 2019 models from the start of production. Due to differences in head
unit hardware and functionality from Gen 3 to Gen 3.1 including new STARLINK telematics functions,
the software is not the same. Never attempt to install Gen 3 software into a Gen 3.1 head unit.
Always confirm the software version of the head unit being worked on prior to attempting any software
update and, reference the latest Service Bulletin information before proceeding.

Remember, whenever reporting a concern with a head unit or a power amplifier, Gen 3 and Gen 3.1
head units are manufactured by Harman. Gen 2 and 2.1 head units are manufactured by Fujitsu10
now known as Denso10 (D10) and Clarion. Power amplifiers are manufactured by Harman Kardon.
Accessory amplifiers are Rockford Fosgate. Be sure to clearly express in all documents and
discussions with Techline which components by part number and name are installed on the vehicle
in question. This will help greatly in obtaining the proper assistance and technical support. Not sure
what the head unit type is? Refer to the Audio/Navigation Exchange Component Identification and
Procedures for the MY vehicle you are working on in the Technical Service Bulletin area of STIS.

15

DCM INFORMATION

All SUBARU STARLINK Safety & Security (Telematics) equipped vehicles contain a Data
Communication Module (DCM). A DCM is an embedded mobile device, which allows the vehicle to
communicate through a cellular network. The chart below outlines which recent production vehicles
are equipped with Generation 1 and Generation 2 Telematics DCMs. There are distinct differences
between Gen1 and Gen 2 DCMs.
As an example: Interactions between the Gen 2 DCM and the audio / navigation head unit allow new
services such as service appointment scheduler to function through the head unit. To accomplish this
type of interaction, the Gen 2 DCM serves as a sort of peripheral to the head unit similar to the rear
view camera. It is critical to ensure the DCM is connected to the head unit prior to head unit bootup to avoid a loss of communication between the two, similar to the rear view camera. Should this
occur, services such as WiFi will become unavailable from the head unit menu options requiring an
extended battery disconnection to reset the head unit and restore the lost functionality. Always review
the applicable Service Manual whenever diagnosing or working in or around the DCM to ensure
customer’s services are not interrupted.
August 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 5 of 11

15

DCM INFORMATION

The Gen 2 DCM also allows for Remote Engine Start (RES) functionality through the MySubaru
mobile App. In order to support this feature, the Gen 2 DCM must now be registered with the
vehicle’s immobilizer system. This is a new requirement for DCM replacements. Please refer to the
applicable Service Manual for additional information as well as to the new, “2019 Registration Manual
for Immobilizer Other Than BRZ” found on STIS under Other Publications for full details. A failure to
register the DCM will prevent the RES from being activated through the customer’s MySubaru App and
will also introduce a DTC B2A16 in the DCM for a failure of Immobilizer Key Collation.

NOTE: STARLINK Safety & Security now offers 3 different plan types: Safety Plus, Security Plus
and Concierge. All vehicles equipped with Generation 2 STARLINK Safety & Security Telematics are
eligible to enroll in these three plan types. AT&T WiFi plans which make the DCM a WiFi hot spot are
available separately from these packages.
IMPORTANT CAUTION: DCMs must NEVER be swapped or the customer’s services will not function
and DCM replacement may be required to restore normal operation.

00

STIS NEW RELEASES

ITEM TYPE

TITLE

CREATED
DATE

J1010SJ100

Accessory Installation Guide

2019 Forester Sport Grille

9-Aug-18

12-248-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

Trunk Hinge Flange Bolt Change

9-Aug-18

07-139-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

LED Headlamp Deformation -Desi...

9-Aug-18

MSA5P3609T

Technician
Reference Booklet

Vehicle Communications

6-Aug-18

WTU-80

Subaru Product/
Campaign Bulletin

STOPSALE/Recall - Possible Mis...

2-Aug-18

ITEM CODE

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
August 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 6 of 11

00

STIS NEW RELEASES

ITEM CODE

ITEM TYPE

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

TECH_SRVY_18

Other/Miscellaneous 2018 Subaru Technician Survey

2-Aug-18

02-177-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

Remanufactured FB Engine Short...

1-Aug-18

S1081BE

Service Manual

2019 Registration Manual for I...

1-Aug-18

02-157-14R

Technical Service
Bulletin

Engine Oil Consumption

1-Aug-18

15-219-18R

Technical Service
Bulletin

Error Code 202 and / or 204 Ge...

31-Jul-18

05-65-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

Ball Joint Boots Cracking

31-Jul-18

12-247-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

Cargo Cover Installation Remin...

31-Jul-18

15-205-16R

Technical Service
Bulletin

Reprogramming File Availabilit...

30-Jul-18

07-138-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

IG2 and ACC Relay Change

30-Jul-18

02-175-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

PCV Valve- Design and Material...

27-Jul-18

H451SXC000

Accessory
Installation Guide

Ascent Fog Light Kit

27-Jul-18

H001SAL003

Accessory
Installation Guide

LONG RANGE TURN START REMOTE
E...

27-Jul-18

H001SAL102

Accessory
Installation Guide

LONG RANGE PUSH START REMOTE
E...

27-Jul-18

H001SVA900

Accessory
Installation Guide

WRX Smart Engine Start (French...

27-Jul-18

H001SVA900

Accessory
Installation Guide

WRX Smart Engine Start

27-Jul-18

H001SFL400

Accessory
Installation Guide

LONG RANGE KEY START REMOTE
EN...