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October 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....................8-9

(01)

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

(01)

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

(05)

2019 Ascent Noise from Rear Over
Rough Roads.............................. 3

(06)

Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)Important Information.................3-4

Tech Tips Greatest Tips
(11) Elcm Self Testing For Diagnosis.....4-6
(15)

2020 Legacy & Outback RES Fob
Programming Procedure................ 6

(15)

2020 Legacy & Outback Immobilizer
Registration Process
TSB 15-246-19R........................... 7

(15)

Speed volume control................... 7

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Thanksgiving: (Closed)
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Day After Thanksgiving (10:30am-3:30pm)
Friday, November 29, 2019
Holiday Break: (Closed)
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Wednesday, December 25, 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:

Craig Berndt from
Team Gillman Subaru North in Houston, TX.
Craig submitted his winning QMR detailing his diagnosis and repair
on a 2018 Outback 2.5i with a customer concern of an intermittent
popping / crackling-type sound coming from the R/F speaker area.
During mid-day test drives when the ambient temperatures were close
to 100°, he confirmed the right front speaker would occasionally cut
out completely and other times, produce the popping / crackling-type
sound as described. At first, he disconnected the R/F tweeter, test
drove the same route again and was able to confirm the condition again,
initially ruling out the tweeter speaker. A review of the wiring diagram
showed the R/F door speaker and tweeter are on the same circuit with
the tweeter wiring spliced directly into the door speaker wiring harness.
Craig then directed his attention to the splice connection. With the
car inside their air-conditioned shop, he was unable to duplicate the
condition while wiggle-testing the speaker connections and the splice
area of the harness. This led Craig to think temperature may be a
factor in the root cause of this problem. While using a heat gun set
on low and heating up the suspect area of the harness to duplicate
the high outside ambient temperatures, he was able to confirm the
condition while wiggling the suspected splice area of the harness. To
further confirm the faulty splices, Craig determined the circuit would
go OL while using his DVOM and checking resistance between pin 12
of i271 and pin 3 of i159. After carefully stripping the heat shrink from
around both tweeter wiring splices, he found there were no crimps or
solder holding them together. Craig repaired and re-shrink wrapped
both splices as needed. After multiple road tests during the heat of
the day, he was unable to hear any more abnormal sounds or cutting
out of either R/F speaker. Craig’s detailed report included his stepby-step diagnosis along with quality photos of the affected wiring with
before and after shots attached to document the repair.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his
experience with us, Craig will be receiving the following
from his Field Service Engineer.

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.

October 2019 TechTIPS

Page 1 of 11

01

QMR OF THE MONTH (CONTINUED)

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

Thomas Slaughter from Motor Mile Subaru in Christiansburg, VA

•

Scott Clark from Carr Subaru in Beaverton, OR

•

Oscar Perla from Mid-Hudson Subaru in Wappinger’s Falls, NY

•

Nick Thomson from Clay Subaru in Norwood, MA.

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 August 2019 was Craig Berndt, a Technician from Team Gillman Subaru
North in Houston, TX.

Craig is shown above after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card by SOA Field Service Engineer Pat Hayes.
Pictured are (left to right): Gillman Subaru Service Manager Tony Webb, Pat Hayes, SOA, Technician Craig Berndt, Dealer
Principal Chris Gillman and his General Manager, Raad Obaidy.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to our August 2019 QMR of the Month Award recipient!

October 2019 TechTIPS

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Page 2 of 11

05

2019 ASCENT NOISE FROM REAR OVER ROUGH ROADS

The Techline has received several calls involving customer concerns of sound coming from the rear
suspension over bumps. The concern is often described as a creak or squeak and the source can be traced
to the rear strut assembly. A close inspection of the coil spring strut contact area should be performed.
Coil spring variations may result in the final coil winding having too tight of a diameter. When this occurs,
the abnormally formed lip at the end of the spring rubs the strut mount rubber coating causing noise as
the suspension operates. Technicians finding this condition should replace the affected spring and strut
mount following procedures outlined in the applicable Service Manual. Additionally, a burr on either end
of the original or replacement coil spring is normal and should not be removed. Strut replacement is
not necessary.
NEVER attempt to remove the burr found at the end of the coil by grinding or any other means. It is a
normal product of the manufacturing process and on properly formed parts will never make contact with
the mount.

06

REVERSE AUTOMATIC BRAKING (RAB)- IMPORTANT INFORMATION

On models prior to the all-new 2020MY Legacy and Outback, the RAB feature defaults to ON after the
ignition is switched off. On the new 2020MY Legacy and Outback, there is no default setting. Therefore,
RAB will remain either ON or OFF depending on how the Customer sets the status before switching off
the ignition. For this reason, there is a possibility a new vehicle could be delivered with the RAB feature
switched off. Follow the procedure below to confirm the RAB feature is ON prior to retail delivery as
the setting may have been adjusted at some point to OFF. During the Port PDI process, this feature is
confirmed as set to ON.
1) Start the engine, allow it to idle for 6 seconds or more then shift the CVT into Reverse.
2) Confirm if the RAB OFF indicator lamp is illuminated in the combination meter.

NOTE: If the RAB lamp remains illuminated, please check the system as there may be a malfunction.
October 2019 TechTIPS

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Page 3 of 11

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REVERSE AUTOMATIC BRAKING (RAB)- IMPORTANT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

3) Confirm the RAB warning is displayed on the back-up camera display of the navigation system
and “RAB” and “P∆” indicators are illuminated in green. OFF will be highlighted as shown below
(right) when RAB has been switched OFF.

4) Press and HOLD the RAB touch switch on the back-up camera display screen for more than 2
seconds to switch RAB from OFF to ON (the same process can be used to turn the RAB feature
OFF should the customer request help with making this change). A short “beep” sound confirms
the change has been completed successfully.
IMPORTANT: RAB (and all other driver assist systems) must always be confirmed as set to ON prior to
retail delivery so customers may receive the vehicle with these systems in an active state.

This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month’s feature is for
ELCM Self Testing For Diagnosis from March 2017

11

ELCM SELF TESTING FOR DIAGNOSIS

The Techline continues to receive calls for codes related to the Evaporative Emissions system that
Technicians are struggling to diagnose. In 2011, Subaru introduced the Evaporative Leak Check
Module better known as the ELCM. This was released to give Technicians the ability to run a force
test on the evaporative system to confirm if the system is operating normally or not. The system also
has an automatic test the vehicle performs on its own. A full description of the system can be found
in the 2011 Forester New Technology Training Technician Reference Booklet.

October 2019 TechTIPS

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Page 4 of 11

11

ELCM SELF TESTING FOR DIAGNOSIS (CONTINUED)

If you run into an evaporative emissions code, it is recommended to use the force test to diagnose
and verify the issue is repaired. In order to run this test, you need to meet the following conditions:
1. Battery Voltage must be greater than 10.9 volts.
2. Coolant Temperature higher than 39.9 degrees F. and lower than 113 degrees F.
3. Intake Air Temperature higher than 39.9 degrees F. and lower than 122 degrees F.
4. Engine must not be operating
5. The inspection mode connectors must NOT be connected.
6. The fuel level in the tank must be lower than 90%.
After all conditions are verified met, clear the memory of the ECM. Next turn on the key and navigate
to the OBD menu and select Evaporative System Leak Test. Press OK to confirm the test is running.
You will get a message indicating the conditions have been met and the test is now running. If you get
a conditions not correct message, review and recheck parameters 1-6 above. While the test is running
navigate to the ECM menu and select current data. Select the PIDs for the ELCM switching valve and
ELCM pump. These PIDs will change when the testing is complete. There is no other indication of the
test completing. After the PIDs change, navigate to the OBD menu (do NOT cycle the key) and select
Temporary Code Display. If there is a stored code, diagnose the car according to that specific code.
If no code is stored, the system has passed and there is no current failure.
Never cycle the key before checking for temporary codes as cycling the key will delete the code.
Never run the ELCM force test more than 5 times.
For models using SSM III, specific screenshots are provided in 2011 Forester TRB
See below for SSM 4 screenshots of how to access the self-test.

October 2019 TechTIPS

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11

ELCM SELF TESTING FOR DIAGNOSIS (CONTINUED)

Below is the result of a failed self-test.

15

2020 LEGACY & OUTBACK RES FOB PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE

The procedure for programming the RES fobs used with the H001SFL020 Remote Engine Starter
accessory installed on (turn) Key Start-equipped vehicles is supplied below. Follow this procedure
whenever programming (or re-programming) a fob is needed. This information is also supplied in TSB
15-252-19.
1. Open the driver’s door and enter the vehicle. IMPORTANT: The driver’s door must remain open
throughout this entire programming process. Ensure all the other vehicle doors, trunk, hatch / rear
gate are closed.
2. Verify the transmission shifter (selector lever) is in the “park” position.
3. Cycle the ignition switch “ON” then “OFF”, “ON” then “OFF”, “ON” then “OFF”, then back “ON” (3 “cycles)
and leave “ON” throughout the entire programming process. IMPORTANT: These three ON/OFF
ignition key cycles must be completed within five (5) seconds.
4. The RES system will now flash the side marker lights, tail lights, parking lights and honk the horn
three (3) times to indicate the system has entered “fob learn” (programming) mode.
5. Press and hold the button on the fob being programmed for three (3) seconds. The side marker lights,
tail lights, parking lights will flash and the horn honk one (1) time to indicate the system has learned
the fob successfully. Release the button on the fob. In addition, the fob itself may flash / beep one
(1) time to indicate successful programming.
6. Repeat Step Five (5.) above for each additional fob. The system is capable of accepting up to eight
(8) fobs.
7. Turn the ignition “OFF” to exit fob learn mode and complete the procedure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The system will exit fob learn mode if the ignition is turned OFF, the driver’s door
is closed or after thirty (30) seconds of inactivity.

October 2019 TechTIPS

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15

2020 LEGACY & OUTBACK IMMOBILIZER REGISTRATION PROCESS TSB 15-246-19R

There have been an increased number of calls to Techline from Technicians looking for the Authentication
Key when trying to complete the immobilizer registration process. This information can be found in TSB
15-246-19R. This code will change in the future so, please always refer to Subarunet announcements,
STIS, and the 20MY Registration Manual for the latest updates and service information.

15

SPEED VOLUME CONTROL
OTHER SETTINGS

SOUND SETTINGS SCREEN

3
Settings

The Techline has received SOUND SETTINGS
c a lls re c e n t ly i nvo lvi ng 1. Select
.
customer concerns about
ra d i o vo l u m e s u d d e n ly
changing with an increase or
decrease in vehicle speed.
Please keep in mind, some
non-Harman sound system
2. Select Settings (Settings).
models still integrate a speed 3. Select Sound (Sound).
volume control setting. These 4. Select the items to be set.
units contain an internal
amplifier which regulates
the volume when active. The
sequence for turning this
feature on and off can be
OTHER SETTINGS
found in the Subaru Starlink
No.
Owner’s Manual.

Function

No.

Select to set sound settings. (→P.120)
Select to set audio volume.
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73

Select to set AUX volume gain.
Select to adjust the mic sensitivity. This adjusts the
speaker’s voice during hands-free communication.

*1

*2

Function
Select to set the speed volume.
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The system adjusts to the optimum volume and tone
quality according to vehicle speed to compensate for
increased vehicle noise.

*1: 7-inch with Navi system only

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*2: This setting can be made depending on the connected amplifier type.

Select to set the navigation prompt volume.
Select to set to adjust the default volume of the other
party’s voice.
Select to adjust the ringtone volume.
Select to set the voice recognition prompts volume.
Select to turn the alert sound when traffic, weather, or
SXM game information is updated on/off.
Select to turn the sound beeps on/off.

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October 2019 TechTIPS

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