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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

2017-18MY Forester
Chattering Sound from A/C Compressor

NUMBER: 15-237-19
DATE: 01/28/19

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c
compressor assembly. In the case where a refrigerant leak is identified as coming from the a/c
condenser, the level of refrigerant oil may also drop and cause the internal vanes of the compressor
to make a chattering-type sound. A new-style A/C condenser has been established with enhanced
corrosion resistance.
NOTE: Additional information regarding this new a/c condenser is provided in TSB 15-223-18.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new condenser assembly was incorporated into production starting with VIN J*469234.
PART INFORMATION:
The part number for the new condenser assembly is 73210SG011.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The service procedures for diagnosis and replacement of the a/c condenser remain unchanged. A new
procedure for adding refrigerant oil directly to the compressor is provided below. Always refer to
the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being performed. The
Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an effective repair the first
time and every time. This includes but is not limited to: important SAFETY precautions, proper
inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time-use parts needed
for a complete and lasting repair.

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.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-237-19; Date: 01/28/19

Page 1 of 4

See the Flow Chart below for the diagnostic and Service Procedures and additional instructions.

When adding oil directly to the compressor there are two (2) methods:
Method 1:
Evacuate the A/C system completely.
•

Remove the low-side hose from the compressor.

•

Use a small PLASTIC (no small screw drivers or wooden toothpicks) stick (e.g. a modified
plastic trim stick or mixing “swizzle” stick), to LIGHTLY press on the spring-loaded metal
(brass-colored) plate in the base of the compressor’s low side hose orifice. This plate acts as
a check valve and the spring holding it closed is very low-tension.

IMPORTANT: BE CAREFUL to not scratch the low-side hose o-ring sealing surface.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-237-19; Date: 01/28/19

Page 2 of 4

NOTE: Unless it is being replaced, A/C compressor removal is NOT necessary for this repair. The
photos provided below for reference show the compressor assembly removed.

•

CAREFULLY add the measured amount (40cc) of refrigerant oil. Turn the armature of the
compressor CLOCKWISE while filling as needed.

•

Refit the low-side hose assembly ALWAYS using a NEW o-ring. Torque the retaining bolt to
10 NM (7.4 ft. lbs. or 89 inch-pounds).

•

Recharge the A/C system following the applicable Service Manual procedure.

Method 2:
Use of a readily available “injector” tool (which in most cases), eliminates the need to evacuate and
recharge the A/C system. The injector body is filled with the specific amount of oil then injected (like
a regular syringe) into the compressor through the low-side service fitting which is also part of the
tool.
CRITICAL CAUTIONS: Use ONLY a tool labeled for R134A refrigerant systems
(e.g. Robinair #16256). Using a tool designed or labeled for R1234YF systems will result in
contaminated refrigerant oil and extensive damage to the A/C system. In addition, NEVER try
to “flush” a tool previously used for injecting a different type of refrigerant oil or UV inspection
dye so it can be used on a R134A system.
VERY IMPORTANT: ALWAYS follow ALL the tool
manufacturer’s instructions and CAUTIONS closely.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-237-19; Date: 01/28/19

Page 3 of 4

Once the refrigerant oil has been added (using Method 1 or 2):
• Start the engine and allow it to idle for about 5 minutes with the system set to:
○○
○○
○○
○○
•

VENT
Temperature set to FULL COOL
Recirculate ON
Fan speed HIGH

Confirm normal A/C operation to complete the procedure.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru
Added Security Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim
information:
Labor
Operation #

Labor Time

1)- CHATTER SOUND VERIFIED, NEW-STYLE CONDENDER
INSTALLED, ADD 40cc OF PAG OIL, CHATTER SOUND GONE

A014-213

EVACUATE, ADD OIL,
RECHARGE- 1.1

A014-243

INJECT OIL- 0.5

2)- CHATTER SOUND VERIFIED, NEW-STYLE CONDENDER
INSTALLED, ADD 40cc OF PAG OIL, CHATTER SOUND PERSISTS,
REPLACE COMPRESSOR (INCLUDES EVAC. / CHARGE TWICE)

A014-333

EVACUATE, ADD OIL,
RECHARGE- 2.1

Labor Description

A014-323

INJECT OIL- 1.5

3)- CHATTER SOUND VERIFIED, OLD-STYLE CONDENDER
INSTALLED / LEAKING, REPLACE CONDENSER, ADD 40cc OF
PAG OIL, CHATTER SOUND GONE

A014-241

1.4

4)- CHATTER SOUND VERIFIED, OLD-STYLE CONDENDER
INSTALLED / LEAKING, REPLACE CONDENSER, ADD 40cc OF
PAG OIL, CHATTER SOUND PERSISTS, REPLACE COMPRESSOR
(INCLUDES EVAC. / CHARGE TWICE)

A014-214

2.2

Fail Code

DTB-02

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.

Bulletin Number: 15-237-19; Date: 01/28/19

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