ATTENTION:

CLAIMS PERSONNEL q

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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

GENERAL MANAGER q
PARTS MANAGER

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SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

2017-2019MY Impreza
2018-2019 Crosstrek

NUMBER: WTT-79R

SUBJECT:

ECM Reprogramming for DTC P1603 /
Engine Idle Drop or Stall

REVISED: 08/29/18

DATE: 08/13/18

INTRODUCTION:
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is initiating a service program for certain 2017-2019 MY Impreza
vehicles, and certain 2018-2019 MY Crosstrek vehicles. This service program involves installation of
reprogramming files to optimize the ECM.
Subaru has determined that due to an engine programming issue, the affected vehicles may stall when
coming to a stop or driving at a low speed (under 15 MPH) when the air conditioning is operating at
maximum capacity.
Under certain hot weather conditions, when the vehicle’s air conditioning is running at full capacity,
the engine programming may not account for the additional load placed on the engine when slowing
down or coming to a stop. In some cases, this could cause the engine to stall requiring the driver to
immediately restart the vehicle.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
Certain 2017-2019 MY Impreza* and certain 2018-2019 Crosstrek* CVT models equipped with A/C variable
compressor.
* The 2017-2018 MY Impreza and 2018 MY Crosstrek vehicles included in this campaign have been
identified through warranty history records of reprogramming using certain previous PAK file data.
Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on
subarunet.com. This data is now available.

OWNER NOTIFICATION:
Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail. Owners with a valid email address on
file with MySubaru.com will also be notified by email. Owner notification is expected to occur in
September, and retailers will be advised when the notification begins.
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: WTT-79R; Revised 08/29/18

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 of 7

RETAILER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY:
Any vehicles listed in a recall or campaign that are in retailer stock must be:
•

Immediately identified.

•

Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.

•

Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the applicable bulletin.

RETAILER AFFECTED VIN LISTS:
Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office when owner notification
begins. Vehicles will be assigned to retailers in the affected VIN list as follows:
•

Original vehicle owners are assigned to the original selling retailer when their current address
is within a 100-mile radius of that retailer.

•

If the original selling retailer is inactive, the VIN has been assigned to the nearest active
retailer.

•

For any new owners or when original owners live more than 100 miles from the original
selling retailer, the VIN has been assigned to the nearest active retailer.

IMPORTANT: Retailer affected VIN lists include information for vehicles affected by this
service program. This information will enable retailers to follow up with owners of potentially
affected vehicles. The lists contain owners’ names and phone numbers obtained from State Motor
Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose
is unlawful. Accordingly, retailers are required to limit the use of these lists for the purpose of
completion of this service program.
PACK FILE APPLICABILITY:
The new PAK files address an engine idle drop or in some cases, a stall condition which may occur as
the vehicle is coming to a stop and an engine load is applied simultaneously. These files also include
new logic for DTC P060A “Internal Control Module Monitoring Processor Performance.” The A/F
Correction logic and Ignition Timing control logic have been enhanced for improved driveability.
Model
2017MY Impreza CVT
CAL w/ AGS
2017-18MY Impreza CVT
CAL w/o AGS
2018MY Impreza CVT
CAL w/ AGS
2018MY Crosstrek CVT
CAL w/o AGS
2019MY Impreza CVT
CAL w/o AGS
2019MY Impreza CVT
CAL w/ AGS
2019MY Crosstrek CVT
CAL w/o AGS

New ECM Part Old ECM Part
Number
Numbers
22765AJ60A,
22765AJ60F.pak
22765AJ60F
B, C, D & E
22765AL71A,
22765AL71F.pak
22765AL71F
B, C, D & E
22765AM28A,
22765AM28D.pak 22765AM28D
B&C
22765AJ620,
22765AJ623.pak
22765AJ623
621 & 622
PAK File Name

Decryption
Keyword

New CID
Number

6E5D28A8*

XH3J261D

01439B4E*

XH3J261B

C4C8776B*

XH3J601D

60483C97*

XH3J261F

22765AM67B.pak

22765AM67B

22765AM67A

49DEB664

XH3N101B

22765AM66B.pak

22765AM66B

22765AM66A

9FA6DB82

XH3N101D

22765AM821.pak

22765AM821

22765AM820

BD65FF81

XH3N101F

*As of 8/28/2018, contact Nuspire if update has not been received.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTT-79R; Revised 08/29/18

Page 2 of 7

SERVICE PROCEDURE:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
•

Reprogram the ECM following the normal FlashWrite procedure.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) highly recommends connecting the Subaru Midtronics GR8
Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a
vehicle control module is being reprogrammed. Follow the procedure as outlined in document GR81100 on STIS for use of the GR8’s Power Supply Mode:
•

Confirm all electrical loads such as lights, audio, HVAC, seat heaters, and rear defroster are
all switched OFF before setting up for Power Supply Mode.

•

Select the correct battery type (Flooded, AGM or AGM Spiral).

•

Select the CCA which matches the vehicle’s battery (NOTE: OE and replacement batteries
have different CCA ratings. Always confirm the battery rating before proceeding.)

•

If the “Charge Battery” WARNING appears, the battery MUST be charged before
attempting reprogramming.

•

DO NOT connect the DSTi or SDI until the GR8 Power Supply mode has completed its
battery test mode and the Charging Voltage has dropped to a steady 13.5 Volts on the display.

•

If the GR8 “beeps” or the Status Light flashes, a diagnostic charge should be performed on
the battery before proceeding further.

•

Once Power Supply Mode reaches a steady 13.5 volts, connect the DSTi or SDI to the OBD
connector and initiate the reprogramming process.

•

Amperage will fluctuate based upon the vehicle’s demand for power. NOTE: If the
voltage rises beyond 14V while programming is in process, the procedure will abort.
This can indicate a need to test or charge the vehicle battery before any further attempt at
programming.

IMPORTANT:
This information is applicable to the Midtronics GR8 Diagnostic Battery Charger ONLY. It does
not apply to any other brand / type of “generic” battery charger whatsoever. ONLY the GR8 and its
Power Supply Mode feature has been tested and approved by SOA.
Once the GR8 is connected to the vehicle, as long as the battery is fully charged, it takes less than
3 minutes to boot-up the charger, select Power Supply Mode, and have the battery voltage stabilized
and ready for reprogramming.
REMINDER: If the GR8 indicates the vehicle’s battery must be charged, charge the battery using
the GR8 before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle.
NOTE: Control module failures as a result of battery discharge during reprogramming are not a
matter for warranty. Should any DTCs reset after the reprogramming update is performed, diagnose
per the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTT-79R; Revised 08/29/18

Page 3 of 7

SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL:
Type or print the necessary information on a Campaign Identification Label. The completed label
should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through normal parts ordering channels. The part number is
MSA6P1302, which comes as one sheet of 20 labels.
Part Number

Applicability

Description

Order Quantity

MSA6P1302

All models

Campaign Completion Labels (contains one sheet of 20 labels)

1

WTT-79

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES:
Credit to perform this recall will be based on properly completed repair order information. Retailers
may submit claims through Subarunet.com.
Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

WTT-79 MFI OBDII ECM REPROGRAMMING

A145-548

0.4

WTT-79 CID NUMBER INSPECTION ONLY*

A145-540

0.2

Fail Code

Claim Type

WTT-79

RC

*Applicable for certain 2019MY Crosstrek vehicles only.

IMPORTANT: Always note the original Calibration Identification number (CID) the vehicle came
in with on the repair order before reprogramming and, make sure to list the NEW CID for any
newly-installed programming (as confirmed from the actual control module AFTER installation).
The NEW CID MUST also be noted on the repair order as this information is required for entry in
the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission.
NOTE: The pack file listings provided in this bulletin are the latest available at the time of
publishing. Updates are often released thereafter without revision to the original bulletin. For this
reason, it is critical to always have the latest version of Select Monitor software installed on your
system. You can confirm if a later version is available by entering the CID listed in this bulletin into
FlashWrite. If a newer CID is shown as available in FlashWrite, reprogram using that file.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTT-79R; Revised 08/29/18

Page 4 of 7

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

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 check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTT-79R; Revised 08/29/18

Page 5 of 7

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
This notice applies to the VIN identified in
the address section printed below.

Subaru of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 9800
Camden, NJ 08103-9800
844-373-6614
www.subaru.com

Subaru Service Program WTT-79
August 2018

Dear Subaru Owner:
We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. We take pride in our products and are
committed to your continued satisfaction.
Subaru has determined that due to an engine programming issue, your vehicle could stall when coming to a stop
or driving at low speed (under 15 mph) when the air conditioning is operating at maximum capacity.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. In the interest
of your continued satisfaction, we would like to provide a FREE software update for your vehicle to avoid any
future potential concerns.

DESCRIPTION
Under certain hot weather conditions, when the vehicle’s air conditioning is running at full capacity, the engine
programming may not account for the additional load placed on the engine when slowing down or coming to a
stop. In some cases, this could cause the engine to stall requiring the driver to immediately restart the vehicle.
REPAIR
Subaru will reprogram your vehicle’s Engine Control Module with an updated software program FREE of charge.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have this update
performed.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time to reprogram the ECU is under 30 minutes. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle for
a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your Subaru retailer flexibility in
scheduling.
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us. Or if
you prefer to update this information online, please go to www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer Support,’ then select
‘Address Update’ or ‘Ownership Update’ from the drop down menu.

IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru retailer, you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select ‘Find a Retailer.’
For additional information, please go to: http://www.wtt79.service-campaign.com.
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•

By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”

•

By telephone: 1-844-373-6614
Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET

•

By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer-Retailer Services Department
P.O. Box 9800, Camden, NJ 08103-9800

Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action
in the interest of your vehicle’s proper operation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may
cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have this repair performed.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.

Notice to Lessors: Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s)

within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the
applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve
months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A
leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)

A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION