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November 2018

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
ARTICLES CONTAINED
IN THIS ISSUE
CODE ARTICLE...............................PAGE
(00)

STIS New Releases.................... 7-9

(01)

QMR of the Month...................... 1-2

(01)

QMR of the Month Award
Presentations............................. 2

Tech Tips Greatest Tips
(02)

Fluid Leak Detection Made Easier...3-4

(05)

New Model Alignment Specifications.4

(07)

2019MY Forester, Driver Monitoring
System (DMS) Inoperative............4-5

(07)

2019MY Forester, Loose Negative
Battery Cable / Terminal
Connections............................... 6

(12)

Water Draining from Body Panels..... 6

(15)

Air Conditioning Leak Diagnosis
Revisited................................... 7

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Thanksgiving: (Closed)
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Day After Thanksgiving: 10:30-3:30
Friday, November 23, 2018
Holiday Break: (Closed)
Monday, December 24, 2018
Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Mon. - Thurs.

8:30AM - 7:30PM EST

Friday

10:30AM - 5:00PM EST

Saturday

9:00AM - 3:00PM EST

ATTENTION:
Modified Operation Hours
Claims & TechLine

12/7/2018
Open 10:30 - 11:15
Closed 11:15 - 2:00
Re-Open 2:00 - 5:00

01

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

QMR OF THE MONTH

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

David Wood from
Riverhead Bay Subaru in Riverhead, NY
David’s QMR outlined his detailed diagnosis and repair of the headlight
system. During his Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of a new 2019
Outback 2.5i Limited, David noticed the SRH (Steering Responsive
Headlight) OFF and the AHL (Automatic Headlight Leveler) warning
lights were both on in the combination meter. After connecting the
SM4 to check for DTCs, he found a DTC B2902 was stored. The
DTC indicated a potential circuit problem with the rear height sensor.
After checking for proper signal voltage at the sensor, he found none
when there should have been 2.5v. Pushing down on the back of the
vehicle to change its posture did not change the voltage reading. After
confirming the output signal voltage from the Automatic Headlight
Leveler Control Module (AHLCM) was within specification, he began to
diagnose the related wiring harness using the split-half technique.
David determined he was losing voltage at the b60 and i112 connection
on pin 70. He disconnected the battery then checked for continuity
between AHLCM connector b150 pin 3 and i112 pin 70. When his
DVOM registered OL, he opened the b60 / i112 connector and found
pin 70 in i112 to be bent and causing the open circuit. David repaired
the damaged pin, re-checked for continuity (now OK) and after
reconnecting the battery, confirmed the specified voltage back at the
sensor. After clearing the DTC, he attempted to perform the system
reinitialization procedure as outlined in the Service Manual but was
unsuccessful. After numerous attempts, David determined Step #6 in
the Service Manual procedure to be unclear; the headlight switch must
be in the ON position before turning the ignition on, NOT in the OFF
position. He then performed the procedure with the headlight switch
in the ON position prior to turning the ignition on and it completed
normally on the first attempt. After clearing the DTC and road testing
to confirm the repair, normal system operation was restored.
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.

November 2018 TechTIPS

Page 1 of 10

01

QMR OF THE MONTH

In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us, David will be receiving the following
from his Field Service Engineer:

A $500.00 Snap-On gift card.
The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during September 2018 were:

•

David Calendar from Roy Robinson Subaru in Tulalip, WA

•

Brad Fera from Dan Perkins Subaru in Milford, CT

•

Brian Freeman from Bob Moore Subaru in Oklahoma City, OK

•

Sean Ernest from Annapolis Subaru in Annapolis, MD

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 September 2018, was David Wood, a Technician at Riverhead
Bay Subaru in Riverhead, NY.

Field Service Engineer Scott Nichol from Subaru Distributors Corporation and Riverhead Bay Subaru’s
General Manager, Anthony Mauro (left) are shown here presenting David with his $500.00 Snap-On
Gift Card. Congratulations and THANK YOU to our September QMR of the Month Award recipient!
November 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 2 of 10

This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month’s feature from
April 2011 shows the recommended method of fluid leak detection using leak tracing powder. There
are several commercially available leak tracing powders. The article below features Magnaflux
SKD-S2 Developer.
REMINDER: Leak tracing powder is considered a shop supply and subject to Subaru – Policies
& Procedures 8.4.36 Shop Supplies. Dye is NOT an approved method of leak detection, unless
explicitly directed.

02

FLUID LEAK DETECTION MADE EASIER

Identifying the true origin of fluid leaks/seepage can be a time consuming and frustrating process.
Misdiagnosis can, and often does, result in a costly shop comeback which can erode your profit
margins along with your dealership’s customer satisfaction index. You can help to minimize these
costly shop comebacks by using Magnaflux SKD-S2 developer. Simply clean the suspect area,
apply the developer and watch the results. The SKD-S2 quickly and accurately finds the source
of the leak so you can “fix it right the first time”. This tool can be used to help illustrate to your
customers the true nature of what is happening with their vehicle. Being able to demonstrate the
source of the leak will build the confidence of both you and your customer that the repair will be
effective. The pictures below show how the product works.
This product is available in 16oz. aerosol cans from suppliers such as MX Industrial,
www.mxindustrial.com (215)322-8909 for $219 / case of 16 cans or from Grainger,
www.Grainger.com (P/N 3WU60) at $21.80 / can. Product information, including MSDS and PDS
sheets can be downloaded from the Magnaflux website: www.magnaflux.com.
RH side: Before cleaning

After cleaning: Leaking location

November 2018 TechTIPS

LH side: Before cleaning

LH side: Leaking location

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 3 of 10

02

FLUID LEAK DETECTION MADE EASIER

RH side: Leaking location

05

NEW MODEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

As new models are released, Technicians often find their alignment machines do not have the alignment
most up-to-date specifications stored. To ensure a vehicle handles properly and to provide the highest
quality repair for our customers, it is imperative to properly adjust alignment angles to specification.
Alignment specifications are found in every Service Manual by clicking Suspension > Front Suspension
> Wheel Alignment > Inspection. Once you have the specifications, you can enter them into your
alignment equipment. If you are unsure how to manually enter alignment specifications, please contact
your equipment supplier.
REMINDER: Always ensure your alignment software is up to date. Never use incorrect specifications.

07

2019MY FORESTER, DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM (DMS) INOPERATIVE

A small number of field reports have been received with a concern involving the DMS system being
inoperative. One of these reports stated a DTC U0156 for Lost Communication was stored in multiple
modules. In addition, the seat memory feature was also found to be inoperative. After performing
extensive electrical diagnostics, the root cause was traced to a loose harness connector located
behind the exterior trim cover of the driver’s door mirror assembly. The upper and lower covers were
CAREFULLY removed using a plastic trim tool. With the covers removed, access to this connector was
made easier by removing the turn signal lamp from the mirror housing (A). After re-seating the connector
and confirming it was fully locked in place, all systems returned to normal operation. The photos below
show the loose connector and its location.
TIP: When removing the covers, remove the lower cover first, then the top. On re-installation, refit the
top cover first then the bottom.

November 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 4 of 10

07

2019MY FORESTER, DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM (DMS) INOPERATIVE
Turn Signal Removed

Loose Connector

Turn Signal

(A)

Loose Connector Location
Turn Signal

November 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 5 of 10

07

2019MY FORESTER, LOOSE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE / TERMINAL CONNECTIONS

During review of reports received by the Quality Monitoring Team supporting the launch of the new
2019MY Forester, there have been several cases involving damaged or deformed battery sensors.
These reports usually describe a loose negative battery terminal (battery sensor) and / or cable
connection. As a reminder, unless the battery or the battery sensor is being replaced, the sensor
should not be removed from the negative battery post. When disconnecting the negative battery
cable, it should be removed from the battery sensor NOT the sensor assembly from the battery post.
VERY IMPORTANT: When removing or installing the negative battery cable from or to the battery
sensor, always support it and hold it in place with one hand while loosening or torqueing either
retaining nut. Doing so will prevent battery sensor damage / deformation from unnecessary movement.
NOTE: The torque specification for the battery sensor retaining nut (secures the sensor to the post) has
been changed from 6 Nm (4.4 ft. lbs.) to 2.9 – 3.9 Nm (2.1 – 2.9 ft. lbs.). The torque specification for the
negative battery cable retaining nut is unchanged: 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft. lbs.). Never over-torque either nut.
Sensor Harness

Sensor to Post
Retaining Nut:
T= 2.1-2.9 ft. lbs.

12

Negative
Battery Cable
Retaining Nut:
T= 5.5 ft. lbs.

WATER DRAINING FROM BODY PANELS

When presented with a customer concern of water entering door panels, it is important to understand
water entry is a normal condition. All doors, rear gates, and deck lids are equipped with drain ports for
this reason. If water can be heard inside the panel or is entering the cabin, ensure the drain ports are
free of debris and flowing properly.

November 2018 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 6 of 10

15

AIR CONDITIONING LEAK DIAGNOSIS REVISITED

With today’s modern refrigerants, we would also like to remind all Technicians the use of dyes in Subaru
air conditioning systems is strictly forbidden. The proper use of a recently calibrated refrigerant sniffing /
leak detection tool is the most effective method for finding leaks.
The following is from Subaru Policies & Procedures section 8.4.5 Air Conditioning:
“The use of dye to diagnose an air conditioning refrigerant leak is not an approved Subaru of America
diagnostic procedure.”

00

STIS NEW RELEASES

ITEM TYPE

TITLE

CREATED
DATE

C1010CA100

Accessory
Installation Guide

PORT INSTALLATION: 2017-2019MY...

16-Nov-18

07-143-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

Power Rear Gate (PRG) Control ...

16-Nov-18

07-133-18

Technical Service
Bulletin

Knock Sensor Design Change, DT...

15-Nov-18

14-22-16R

Technical Service
Bulletin

Special Service Tool Cross Ref...

15-Nov-18

04-13-14R

Technical Service
Bulletin

New Electric Power Steering (E...

14-Nov-18

H671SSJ000

Accessory
Installation Guide

PORT INSTALLATION: 2019MY Fore...

13-Nov-18

H461SXC000

Accessory
Installation Guide

PORT INSTALLATION: 2019MY Fore...

13-Nov-18

H001SFL100

Accessory
Installation Guide

PORT INSTALLATION: 2019MY Fore...