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June 2019

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
ARTICLES CONTAINED
IN THIS ISSUE
Click on a title below to jump to the article.
Click the date located in the footer to return to page 1.

CODE ARTICLE...............................PAGE
(00)

STIS New Releases...................... 7

(01)

QMR of the Month........................ 1

(01)

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

Tech Tips Greatest Tips
(01)

Understanding DTCs and How to
Proceed Properly with Repairs........ 3

(01)

CPO Procedure for Turbocharged
Subaru Vehicles.......................... 4

(02)

H6 Cylinder Head Replacement
Precaution................................. 4

(07)

Identical Electrical Connectors........ 5

(07)

2019 Forester Door Mirror Reverse
Tilt-Down Feature........................ 5

(16)

Vibration After Transmission Or Engine
Removal.................................... 6

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Independence Day: (Closed)
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Labor Day: (Closed)
Monday, September, 2019

Mon. - Thurs.

8:30AM - 7:30PM EST

Friday

10:30AM - 5:00PM EST

Saturday

9:00AM - 3:00PM EST

01

© 2019 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:

Tau Jeppesen from
Young Subaru in Ogden, UT.
This month’s winning QMR involved a 2019 Outback 3.6R which
presented with a crank / no-start condition. After Tau confirmed
the reported condition, a failed fuel pressure test aimed him at the
fuel pump and related wiring as his first points of inspection. Tau
supplied an auxiliary power source to the fuel pump and the engine
started normally. He then proceeded with power supply checks while
working his way forward from the fuel pump to the fuel pump relay.
Further inspection revealed there was no ground signal coming from
the ECM to activate and close the fuel pump relay. Because his SSM
data for the ECM showed the pump was being commanded ON,
Tau felt there was a problem within the ECM which unfortunately,
was not the case. After replacement, the no-start condition persisted
although, the fuel pump relay was now operating normally. Next,
Tau removed the trunk trim panel to access the fuel pump controller
and proceeded with more voltage checks at the harness connection.
His checks revealed less than 1 volt was present on the controller’s
power supply wire. Using his DVOM and the split-half technique, Tau
isolated the root cause of the low voltage issue as a poor contact at
Pin 12 of harness connector B60. Repairing the poor connection
restored proper voltage to the fuel pump controller and normal engine
starting. Tau’s excellent QMR was accompanied by a selection of
detailed photos and test results to supplement his report.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience
with us, Tau will be receiving the following:
A $500.00 Snap-On gift card.

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, Ascent, Crosstrek Hybrid and “Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks.

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.

June 2019 TechTIPS

Page 1 of 8

01

QMR OF THE MONTH (CONTINUED)

The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during April 2019 were:
•

Alan Garza from Gillman Subaru Southwest in Houston, TX

•

Craig DeMeo from Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH

•

Daniel Loszko from Subaru South Boulevard in Charlotte, NC

•

Alejandro Guerrero from Subaru of Englewood in Englewood, NJ

Any Subaru Technician can participate in the QMR of the Month program. See the February 2013 and
January 2016 issues of Tech TIPS 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 April 2019,
was Tau Jeppesen, a Technician from Young Subaru
in Ogden, UT.
Tau is shown to the right being presented with his
$500.00 Snap-On Gift Card by SOA Field Service
Engineer, Alan Barton. Congratulations and THANK
YOU to our April 2019 QMR of the Month Award
recipient!

June 2019 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 2 of 8

This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month’s feature from
September 2015 helps Technicians understand which DTC to diagnose when multiple are present.

01

UNDERSTANDING DTCS AND HOW TO PROCEED PROPERLY WITH REPAIRS

The Techline has been receiving calls from Technicians who in some cases are following the wrong
trouble tree when diagnosing DTCs. When a vehicle comes in with multiple codes stored, you
should always look at the Freeze-Frame (FF) data and the Time Count PID first. This will be the best
place to get a direction as to what the first DTC to set in the affected system was. Never clear any
DTCs until all have been recorded and the corresponding FF data saved electronically.
In the example below, a customer could come in with a traction (VDC) light, Check Engine light and
A/T Temp light on. If the root cause issue is not current, they could come in with no warning lights
on at all. The Technician connects the SSM and the following DTCs are stored:

•

VDC code C1424 (ECM failure): DTC indicates there is a code in the ECM.

•

ECM code P0700 (AT request MIL on): DTC indicates there is a code in the TCM.

•

TCM code P0841 (Secondary Pressure Sensor malfunction): This DTC is the root-cause
issue and should be the code the Technician diagnoses first.

In this case, the other codes (C1424 and P0700) are secondary codes. The TCM informed the other
control modules of its failure by setting the P0841. Whenever a control module has an issue and
stores a DTC, there is a strong possibility of DTCs in other modules due to the interdependence of
one system on another through operation of the high-speed CAN system.
You may also see CAN communication codes stored. These DTCs should be interpreted as
secondary or by-product codes unless no other codes are stored. Always check each system for
DTCs as once the issue has subsided, the only place you will see the DTC is in the affected system.
An All-System scan will only provide current codes which in the example above, would be the C1424.

June 2019 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 3 of 8

01

CPO PROCEDURE FOR TURBOCHARGED SUBARU VEHICLES

Due to the high number of phone
calls presented to the Techline, we
felt it necessary to remind retailers
of the correct CPO procedures for
Turbocharged Subar u vehicles.
Checking the CID/CVN over the phone
for CPO purposes is NOT the correct
procedure. The information below
was published in the September 2015
TechTIPS Newsletter:
Please ensure all criteria are met
before sending in a CPO CID/CVN
Certification request to avoid delays.
Once the vehicle has passed this part of the inspection process, you should proceed with the rest of the
decision-making process on certifying the vehicle.
As the CPO 152-point inspection form indicates, if a vehicle has ANY performance modifications, it cannot be enrolled as a Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. If there are any other non-performance related
modifications, the vehicle must be returned to stock, with all stock/OEM parts installed before it can be
enrolled as Certified. Non-compliance to these requirements may result in chargeback to the retailer for
replacements after it is sold as a Subaru CPO unit.

02

H6 CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT PRECAUTION

Techline has received reports from the field concerning
AVCS related DTCs after H6 cylinder head replacement.
When replacing H6 cylinder heads, thoroughly inspect
both the new and old cylinder heads to ensure all parts
not included with the new cylinder head have been
transferred. The image to the right shows one of the oil
galley plugs that must be transferred from the old cylinder
head.

June 2019 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 4 of 8

07

IDENTICAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS

Most electrical connectors in Subaru vehicles have unique designs that allow them to be plugged in to
only one component. However, this does not apply to all connectors. Some connectors have the same
physical shape and will connect to multiple components. These connectors don’t always have the same
power, ground, or signal pins. If the component receives the incorrect circuit path, the component could
be damaged. This is very common when installing Keyless Access Control Modules. Below are some
examples of identical connectors for different components.

07

2019 FORESTER DOOR MIRROR REVERSE TILT-DOWN FEATURE

When backing up the vehicle, the front passenger’s side outside mirror will turn downward automatically
to provide better rear visibility. The outside mirror glass will return to its original position approximately 9
seconds after shifting out of reverse or when the ignition is turned off. This feature is turned on and off via
the combination meter setting screen. By default, only the passenger mirror will tilt down. If requested by
a customer, the driver mirror can also be enabled to tilt down in reverse. This setting can be accessed by
using SSM and changing the appropriate power seat memory setting. Instructions to enable this are found
in the Service Manual under: POWER SEAT MEMORY(DIAGNOSTICS) > Customize.
Items

Initial setting
value

Seat retraction setting*1

OFF

Reverse-linked mirror ON/
OFF setting*1

ON

Reverse-linked mirror
target setting

Passenger’s
seat

Reverse-linked mirror
position last memory
setting

Setting value

Note

OFF

DMS seat retraction setting is turned to
OFF.

ON

DMS seat retraction setting is turned to
ON.

OFF

Reverse-linked mirror is set to OFF.

ON

Reverse-linked mirror is set to ON.

Both seats

Mirrors on both sides are set as a reverselinked mirror.

Passenger’s seat

Only passenger’s side mirror is set as a
reverse-linked mirror.

OFF

Reverse-linked mirror last memory is set
to OFF.

ON

Reverse-linked mirror last memory is set
to ON.

OFF

*1: For this item, customization through MFD or combination meter is possible. If a customization conflict
occurs, the latest customization request is accepted.

June 2019 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 5 of 8

16

VIBRATION AFTER TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE REMOVAL

Techline has received increasing concerns of vibration after transmission or engine removal. Multiple
cases have been identified where the vibration has been traced back to the snout of the torque converter
being broken. This can happen if the torque converter holder tool is not used. When removing an engine or
transmission the component needs to be released as straight as possible without any rocking or pitching.

The photo above shows the nose of the torque converter is broken off and remaining in the crankshaft.
Also note, there is no torque converter holder tool installed to the transmission.

Torque converter with broken nose.
During component removal it is imperative to follow all steps of the procedure as outlined in the Service
Manual. In addition, always confirm both dowel pins are installed in the engine block before engine reinstallation to insure proper engine to transmission alignment.
June 2019 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 6 of 8

00

STIS NEW RELEASES

ITEM
CODE

16-122-19
18-196-19
WTV-81R
12-267-19
A091SFL000
07-155-19
TIPS_SE_
June19
12-265-19
12-266-19

ITEM TYPE

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

Technical Service Bulletin
Service Manual Correction
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Accessory Installation Guide
Technical Service Bulletin

DTC P0842- Revised Diagnostics...
Service Manual Corrections
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)...
Front Bumper Cover Gap / Loose...
2020MY Impreza Engine Block He...
Power Rear Gate (PRG) Control ...

19-Jun-19
17-Jun-19
14-Jun-19
13-Jun-19
13-Jun-19
12-Jun-19

TechTIPS NewsLetter

2019 June TechTIPS Air Conditi...

12-Jun-19

EyeSight Camera Cover (Sunglas...
Door Trim Panels- Small Dents...
2020 Ascent Service Manual V0
Harman Kardon Gen 3 Audio Ampl...
Revised B1650 Diagnostics and...
EyeSight Camera Cover Removal...
Reprogramming File Availabilit...
2020 Outback Rear Bumper Cover
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)...
Left Rear Door Glass Replaceme...
Sunshine Orange (Code AK) Pain...
2019 Forester Crossbar
2019 Forester Crossbar
Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Repla...
Tumble Generator Valve (TGV) -...
DTC B2513, Revised Power Rear ...
Harman Kardon Head Unit FMVS...
2020MY Outback 2nd Row Sunsh...
Replacement Ignition Switch Re...
2020MY Legacy Rear Seat Covers
2020MY Outback Rear Seat Cover...
Power Rear Gate (PRG) Control...
Telematics System Diagnostic Q...
PORT INSTALLATION: 2019MY...

11-Jun-19
11-Jun-19
11-Jun-19
10-Jun-19
7-Jun-19
4-Jun-19
3-Jun-19
3-Jun-19
3-Jun-19
3-Jun-19
30-May-19
29-May-19
29-May-19
28-May-19
28-May-19
28-May-19
23-May-19
23-May-19
22-May-19
22-May-19
22-May-19
22-May-19
21-May-19
21-May-19

Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Service Diagnostics
15-235-18R
Technical Service Bulletin
07-84-14R
Technical Service Bulletin
12-261-19R
Technical Service Bulletin
15-205-16R
Technical Service Bulletin
E771SAN100 Accessory Installation Guide
06-58-17R
Technical Service Bulletin
WUG-92
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
12-256-19R
Technical Service Bulletin
S0A367010
Accessory Installation Guide
SOA367021
Accessory Installation Guide
WUB-87
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
02-182-19
Technical Service Bulletin
07-154-19
Technical Service Bulletin
WTZ-85R
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
F501SAN000 Accessory Installation Guide
WUF-91R
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
F411SAN010 Accessory Installation Guide
F411SAN000 Accessory Installation Guide
07-143-18R
Technical Service Bulletin
15-242-19
Technical Service Bulletin
H461SXC000 Accessory Installation Guide

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
June 2019 TechTIPS

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Page 7 of 8

*** NOW YOU CAN E-MAIL YOUR TECHTIPS INPUT AND SUGGESTIONS TO: TECH@SUBARU.COM ***

This is your chance to offer suggestions for use in future issues of TechTIPS! Make sure
that if you e-mail us, you place in the subject line of your e-mail “For TechTIPS Newsletter”.
Thank you!
MODEL:
YEAR:
VIN:
Description of situation encountered:

Your suggestion for repair procedure, product improvements, etc.:

Please attach separate sheets, if necessary. You may also want to include Service Manual
diagrams or references, or your own drawings to assist in describing your suggestion. All
information submitted becomes the property of Subaru of America, Inc. Permission is granted to
Subaru of America, Inc. to print your name and suggestions in TechTIPS and other Subaru of
America, Inc. publications. Mail items to: PO Box 9103; Camden, NJ 08101-9877.
Your Name:
Signature:
Dealer’s Name:
City:
Date:
Dealer Code:

SUBARU
TECHLINE
Hours of Operation
June 2019 TechTIPS

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm
Page 8 of 8