NHTSA ID Number: 10165496
Manufacturer Communication Number: 15-245-19R
TSB/Document Date: 2019-10-01
Summary
This bulletin provides a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed above. Firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) is a process by which remote devices can receive updates to their operating software. This process has become second nature with smartphones, tablets and many other connected devices. FOTA for automotive infotainments systems has been designed with a similar type of customer convenience in mind. FOTA updates are designed to provide regular enhancements along with some software patches to our infotainment systems improving the user experience for our customers. The convenience factor comes not only with the supply of regular updates and the enhancements they provide but also through customer control of when these updates are applied by allowing them the freedom to choose when these updates are downloaded and installed. All that is required is a secure WiFi connection such as through a home network or the use of a secure WiFi hotspot to create a connection to the update server and any customer can obtain and install an available FOTA update to their infotainment head unit. In this bulletin we are focusing on FOTA for Harman Gen 3.0 MIDlevel audio systems and Gen 3.0 HIGH audio-navigation systems. BASE models are not FOTA capable. This bulletin will describe in greater detail the process for how FOTA is accomplished as well as provide insights and some procedures for how to resolve conditions that may arise as a result of audio or audio/ navigation head unit swaps or replacements performed outside of the Harman/ United Radio exchange unit program.
1.1.1) Check current vehicle position on the map screen. If position is correct, the Navi will
receive clock information correctly. Proceed to Step 1.3.5. If position is not correct, please go to
Step 1.3.1.b.
1.1.2) Move the vehicle to a location where the Navi can receive a strong GPS signal. (e.g.
outside with a clear view of the sky). If the vehicle position shown is correct, Navi should be
receiving and displaying clock information correctly. Proceed to Step 1.3.5.
1.2) Setting the clock using any smartphone (Phone MUST be paired to the H/U.):
Bluetooth Pairing Procedure (Follow this procedure if the phone is not already paired to H/U.):
REMINDER: The H/U clock must be set correctly in order to check for any available FOTA
updates. Always confirm the Clock Adjustment mode is set to Auto.
1.2.1) Select Phone on Home screen.
1.2.2) Select Yes on “No Device Connected” pop-up.
NOTE: If H/U display does not show the pop-up, please select “Add device” from the Phone
Overview.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 7 of 17
1.2.3) While the H/U displays the “waiting” screen shown below, operate the smartphone screens
and select “Subaru
BT” from the discoverable device list.
*If the device name is changed on setting screen (Settings > General > Change Device Bluetooth
Name), please select the proper device name.
1.2.4) Confirm the same PIN code is shown on the smartphone then select “Confirm”.
1.2.5) Select “Pair” on the smartphone screen.
1.3) Transfer phonebook Procedure:
1.3.1) On the “Change Device” screen, identify the most recently paired device (iPhone is shown
here).
1.3.2) Select the desired smartphone device.
1.3.3) Turn “Phonebook Download” on.
1.3.4) Operate the smartphone screen buttons to allow phonebook transferring.
1.3.5) Check Bluetooth setting of “Subaru
BT” on the smartphone. Confirm “Sync Contacts”
and “Show Notifications” are both set to ON.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 8 of 17
NOTE: Depending on the model (e.g. iOS or
Android), these settings may need to be changed.
Refer to the specific smartphone’s User Manual
for more detailed information / instructions.
iOS setting display
Android setting display
1.3.6) Restart the H/U:
Press and hold the Power button for 10
seconds or, turn the ignition OFF, open and
close the driver’s door then restart the engine.
1.3.7) Confirm both the Phonebook and Messages buttons on the display are highlighted
(activated) as shown below.
1.4 Connect to Network:
The following procedure outlines how to connect to a smartphone hot spot as a secure Wi-Fi network.
If the H/U is already connected to a secure Wi-Fi network, proceed to Step 1.5.
1.4.1) Prepare a Wi-Fi router device:
NOTE: Depending on the model (e.g. iOS or Android), these settings may need to be changed.
Refer to the specific smartphone’s User Manual for more detailed information / instructions.
iOS setting display
Android setting display
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 9 of 17
1.4.2) Select “Settings” from the H/U Home screen.
1.4.3) Make sure “Wi-Fi” is displayed on the General menu.
1.4.4) Select the desired Wi-Fi device from the “Wi-Fi Settings” list.
1.4.5) Confirm a secure WiFi connection has been established. The H/U display will show a
Wi-Fi icon on top bar.
1.5) Check for Available Update:
1.5.1) Press the Home button on the H/U and select “Settings” from the Home screen.
1.5.2) Select “Check for Updates” from the General menu.
NOTE: This button is grayed-out during H/U initialization. It usually takes about 1 minute for it to
become active. If “Check for Updates” remains grayed out, try re-booting the H/U by pushing and
holding the volume knob for 10 seconds or, turning OFF the ignition, opening the driver’s door, and
waiting for 2 minutes.
1.5.3) If the screen displays a “Software Update Ready to Download” pop-up, select “Download
Now” to update the H/U software. (Picture below is for illustration only and does not show the
latest software version.)
Proceed to Step 1.6.
1.5.4) If the H/U screen shows the “Connect to Wi-Fi” pop-up, try re-connecting to the network
again as outlined in Step 1.4 above.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 10 of 17
1.5.5) If the H/U screen shows “Your device’s software is up to date.” and confirmed as outlined
in Step 1: “Check current software version”, no further action is required. The head unit
software is current.
IMPORTANT: If the H/U software cannot be updated using FOTA, update the H/U following
the USB flash drive procedure outlined in TSB 15-211-17R. In such a case, a VIN/ H/U Serial
Number mismatch may exist. If this occurs, the H/U must be removed and the serial number
recorded as shown below. In these cases, the COMPLETE 28-digit serial number is required
to be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission (no spaces or special
characters). Also, capture a photo of the serial number label for reference in case any question
arises about the serial number submitted. Examples of the serial number label are shown below.
VERY IMPORTANT: Always record
all 4 “segments” of the 28-digit H/U
Serial Number. Take and retain a
photo of this small label in case it is
needed in the future for confirmation.
H/U Serial Number Identification
START
1
2
4
3
EXAMPLE
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 11 of 17
1.5.6) If the H/U display shows “Software download failed. Do you want to retry?”, there is
possibility the H/U is not receiving the clock information correctly.
1.5.7) Move the vehicle to a location where the Navi can receive GPS signal or connect to a
smartphone via Bluetooth. Ensure that transferring of phonebook data has been approved on the
phone. (To review clock setting procedures, refer to Step 1 above.)
1.6) Software Update:
NOTE: Initially, it may appear that no action is occurring.
THIS IS NORMAL. Wait at least 2 minutes for progress percentage to appear in the upper right of
the H/U screen before attempting to restart the process.
1.6.1) Wait until the download progress reaches 100%. During the software download, the H/U
is fully functional. NOTE: It is normal for the progress to hang at some points for 1-2 minutes.
This does not indicate a concern. BE PATIENT.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 12 of 17
NOTE: When downloading via Wi-Fi, it may take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes for the update
to complete depending on the provider transfer rate signal strength.
1.6.2) The image below shows the pop-up window which will appear once the download
completes and the update is ready to install.
1.6.3) Select “Install Now” to start the update installation.
NOTE: If “Cancel” is selected, it will be necessary to download the update file again before
installation can be attempted.
1.6.4) Stay with the vehicle until the install has completed.
NOTE: It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete the update installation.
1.6.5) The H/U will automatically shut down and restart after the installation completes.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 13 of 17
NOTES:
• The next step of update will be different depending on the software version installed prior to
FOTA.
•
Depending upon the installation required, the H/U may repeatedly shut down and restart up
to 3 times. The screen shown below does not indicate an unsuccessful or failed installation.
1.6.6) Wait until all the H/U restarts complete and the Home screen is displayed again.
NOTE: The volume will go to default level suddenly even if the volume was previously turned
down during or prior to the update. This is normal operation.
NOTE: Station presets will display as “Initializing” until the data is fully loaded for SXM stations.
In case of FM and AM presets, the text will change from “Initializing” to “Hold”. To reset each
preset, tune to the desired station then press and hold the corresponding preset button until the “beep”
is heard to signal the reset was successful.
1.6.7) If the Home screen does not appear automatically, press the Home button to display the
Home screen.
1.6.8) Perform Step 1 again to check the currently installed software version and confirm a
successful update / installation. The new version ID should be: Rel_A1.19.12.20.
1.6.9) Using the notes or photos collected at the start of this process in Step 2, reset all the
customer’s preset stations and volume settings.
1.6.10) Go to the Home screen.
1.6.11) Turn the engine off and open the driver’s door to turn the H/U off and complete the
procedure.
If the software version does not match the one shown in Step 1.6.8, attempt the update process a
second time. If after a second attempt the update still has not completed successfully, update the head
unit software with USB flash drive following the steps outlined in TSB 15-211-17R.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: If the H/U software cannot be updated using FOTA, update the H/U
following the USB flash drive procedure outlined in TSB 15-211-17R. In such a case, a VIN / H/U
serial number mismatch may exist. The H/U must be removed, and the serial number recorded. In
these cases, the serial number is required to be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim
submission. In addition, capture a photo of the serial number tag for reference in case there is any
question about the serial number submitted. See the H/U serial number sample photos presented on
page 11 as reference.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 14 of 17
2: FOTA Procedure Using Head Unit Connected to Secure Wi-Fi (Home Network or Hotspot
Device):
NOTE: The H/U clock must be set correctly in order to check for available FOTA updates.
2.1) If necessary, set the clock via GPS signal (Navi -equipped models only) or by smartphone
following steps from 1.1 or 1.2 above: “Navi/Radio internal clock settings”.
2.2) Connect to the network.
2.3) Select “Settings” from H/U Home screen.
2.4) Make sure the “Wi-Fi” is displayed on the Settings > General screen.
2.5) Select the desired Wi-Fi device from the “Wi-Fi Settings” list.
2.6) Select “Connect” and input the password of the Wi-Fi device to be used. When a connection
is established, the screen will display a Wi-Fi icon on top bar.
2.7) Perform Check for Available Update: (same as 1.5 above).
2.8) Perform Software Update: (same as 1.6 above).
2.9) Re-check Software version (same as Step 1 above) after update installation is complete.
2.10) Using the notes or photos collected at the start of this process in Step 2, reset the
customer’s preset stations and volume settings.
2.11) Go to Home screen.
2.12) Turn the engine off and open the driver’s door to turn the H/U off and complete the
procedure.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 15 of 17
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru![]()
Added Security Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
Labor Description
Labor
Operation #
Labor
Time
S/WARE VERSION CHECK, LATEST VERSION ALREADY INSTALLED,
UPDATE SUCCESSFUL BY FOTA
A031-271
0.3
S/WARE VERSION CHECK, LATEST VERSION ALREADY INSTALLED,
UPDATE DONE BY MOTA* OR USB, R&R H/U, RECORD SERIAL #
A031-272
0.7
S/WARE VERSION CHECK, S/WARE UPDATE REQUIRED,
UPDATE SUCCESSFUL BY FOTA
A031-278
0.4
S/WARE VERSION CHECK, S/WARE UPDATE REQUIRED, FOTA UPDATE
FAILS, UPDATE VIA USB, R&R H/U, RECORD SERIAL #
A031-288
1.3
Fail
Code
ZTA-48
*MOTA: Map Over The Air Update (H/U software updates are bundled with MOTA map updates.)
REMINDER: The COMPLETE 28-digit serial number is required to be entered in the
Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission (no spaces or special characters).
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: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 16 of 17
Appendix A
Harman 3.0 Software / Map Update Chronology
Release Date:
NEW H/U Version ID #:
Map Update Software ID #
2/24/2017
Rel1.17.08.20
n/a
6/13/2017
Rel.2.17.22.20
n/a
12/19/2017
Rel.2.17.43.20 (or .30)
n/a
7/25/2018
Rel_U0.18.22.20
Rel_U0.18.30.20**
1/3/2019
Rel_U0.18.43.20
n/a
6/25/2019
Rel_A1.19.12.20
Rel_A1.19.17.20**
** NOTE: These Map Update Software I.D. numbers contain the same
functional updates as the corresponding New H/U Version I.D. numbers.
Bulletin Number: 15-245-19R; Revised: 09/03/19
Page 17 of 17
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