To:

All Subaru Retailers

From:

Subaru of America, Inc. – Service Department

Date:

October 9, 2019

Subject:

Midtronics Battery Test Equipment Software Update

Today, we are pleased to announce the release of a software update to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000
Battery Diagnostic Service System and the DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System. The releases will
update the software to revision “G” for the DSS-5000 controller and revision “C” for the base and to revision
“B” for the DCA-8000.
What’s New – DSS-5000:
• Updated make/model table. The internal database has been updated with the latest information so
that once the VIN is entered the correct testing parameters are applied
• Custom dual battery test flow for batteries that have different CCA ratings and chemistries
What’s New – DCA-8000:
• Updated make/model table. The internal database has been updated with the latest information so
that once the VIN is entered the correct testing parameters are applied
• Custom dual battery test flow for batteries that have different CCA ratings and chemistries
• The default voltage level for Power Supply Mode has been changed from 14.5 to 13.5
• System Test alternator ripple issue has been fixed
Update Notes:
• For issues related to the DSS-5000 or DCA-8000 please contact Midtronics customer support at 800776-1995.
• For issues related to the SDS network or the Brother printer please contact Nuspire at 877-782-7404
• Please consult the DSS-5000 and DCA-8000 knowledge bases for more information.
o https://subaru.dss5000.com/
o https://subaru.dca8000.com/
Update Instructions:
• The DSS-5000 unit connected to the Nuspire “Subtronics01” Wi-Fi network will automatically check for
updates. The easiest way to ensure your DSS-5000 automatically performs any available software
updates is to always dock your DSS-5000 at the end of the day. Make sure the dock is connected to
power, and that the Controller has Wi-Fi Internet access. The DSS-5000 will automatically wake itself
up overnight to check for any available software updates and perform the installation without manual
user intervention. If the update is skipped, it can be prompted at a later time manually using the
“Check For Updates” prompt on the Settings / Version Information menu page.
• The DCA-8000 connected to the Nuspire “Subtronics01” Wi-Fi network will automatically check for
updates when the tool is powered up for the first time each day. A notification is displayed on the
screen when a new software update is available. Upon accepting the prompt, the update will
download and install. The easiest way to ensure your DCA-8000 automatically performs any available
software updates is to leave the DCA-8000 plugged into power overnight so the tool can automatically
check for and install any available software updates. If the update is skipped, it can be prompted at a
later time manually using the “Check For Updates” prompt on the Settings / Version Information menu
page.

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Warning: If the update is accepted, do not power off or otherwise stop the update from
completing. If the update is stopped there is a risk that the firmware can become corrupted and if
so, the tool must be sent to Midtronics for servicing.
Please note: Battery testing using Midtronics Battery Test and Charge equipment is required when performing
battery replacement in all Subaru warranty cases except for leaking batteries.
Test results from DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System and DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic Analyzer
including the Battery Test Code required for claim submission are automatically uploaded to the BMIS website
for easy retrieval. Claims for battery test results not uploaded to BMIS may be rejected or debited. Please
ensure your machines are updating test results to the BMIS server on a regular basis.
The DSS-5000, DCA-8000, GR8-1100 EST and EXP-1000S user manuals can be found on STIS.
If you have questions, please contact Subaru Service Operations at [email protected].

a subsidiary of Subaru Corporation