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March 2020

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
Articles Contained
in this Issue
Click on a title below to jump to the article.
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CODE

ARTICLE................................................................PAGE

(00)

STIS New Releases................................... 13

(01)

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

(01)

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

(01)

Subaru National Technician Competition
Selection Announcement........................... 3

(02)

P0507 After Engine Service, Abnormal
Idle Speed................................................... 4

(02)

Rough Idle with AVCS DTCs....................... 5

(07)

Flashing Lights on Rain Sensor Equipped
Vehicles...................................................... 6

(07)

Heated Seat Operation............................6-8

(12)

Ascent Wind Rushing Noise..................9-10

(15)

Remote Engine Start (RES) Run
Time.....................................................11-12
WUM-98 Supplier and Date Codes........... 12

(17)

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Memorial Day: (Closed)
Monday, May 25, 2020
Independence Day: (Closed)
Friday, July 3, 2020
Labor Day: (Closed)
Monday, September 7, 2020

Mon. - Thurs.

8:30AM - 7:30PM EST

Friday

10:30AM - 5:00PM EST

Saturday

9:00AM - 3:00PM EST

01

© 2020 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:

John Cote from
Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru in Orangeburg, NY
This month’s winning QMR described the diagnosis and repair of
a 2020 Legacy with EVAP system DTCs P24BA and P1449. The
vehicle had already had the ELCM / Canister assembly replaced
during a prior visit for the same DTCs. While monitoring the PIDs
for atmospheric, barometric and EVAP system pressures, John
noticed the atmospheric pressure was fluctuating significantly
after putting the vehicle on a lift and while opening and closing the
doors. John was also able to initiate a pressure change when hitting
different interior trim panels with his hand. Although wiggle testing
the harness connectors starting at the ELCM and working his way
forward produced no fluctuations, tapping on the harness or other
places on the vehicle would initiate a change in the atmospheric
pressure value he was monitoring. Further wiring harness checks
led John to inspect the B42 connector behind the interior fuse box.
There, he found the red wire in pin #18 with the lock tab missing
resulting in a poor connection to the atmospheric pressure sensor
and isolated the root cause of the DTC. After replacing the bulkhead
wiring harness, all the previously monitored EVAP pressure
values were now stabilized. John cleared the memory and after
drive cycle testing, confirmed the successful repair with no further
CEL illumination. His detailed report included detailed results of the
testing performed along with a photo of the wiring diagram showing
the location of the failed connector.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience
with us, John 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.
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.

March 2020 TechTIPS

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.

Page 1 of 14

01

QMR of the Month (continued)

The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during January 2020 were:
•

Daniel Graas-Hernandez from Premier Subaru of Freemont in Freemont, CA

•

Rodney Albert from Secor Subaru in New London, CT

•

Chris Walker from Williams Subaru in Charlotte, NC

•

Henry Steingisser from Subaru of Little Rock in Little Rock, AR

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 Presentation

As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we will include a photo (whenever
available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month
submissions received during January 2020 was John Cote, a Technician and shop foreman from
Bill Kolb Subaru in Orangeburg, NY.

John is shown above after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card by Subaru Distributors
Corporation Field Service Engineer Jim Colamarino to his right. Pictured here (left to right) are: Bill Kolb
Jr. Subaru’s Assistant Fixed Operations Director Jessica Rolon, Jim Colamarino, January’s winning
Technician / Shop Foreman John Cote and Fixed Operations Director, Joe Minns, Congratulations and
THANK YOU to our January 2020 QMR of the Month Award recipient!
March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 2 of 14

01

Subaru National Technician Competition Selection Announcement

The SOA Technical Training Department is
pleased to announce we have officially begun the
Technician selection process for the 2020 U.S.
National Technician Competition. The purpose of
the competition will be to select the Technician
who will best represent Subaru of America, Inc. in Japan for the 2021 Subaru World Technical Competition.
The goal of the competition is to create a competitive environment that motivates Technicians to increase
their knowledge and skill levels. Ultimately, everyone benefits from this experience. Technicians increase
their confidence and skill levels and retailers benefit from improved customer satisfaction.
The first part of the selection process is a Pre-Selection test that will be administered through SKILS.
Technicians participating in the test will be given 1 hour to complete and submit 40 questions. Only
Specialist, Master and Senior-Master Technicians are eligible for this Pre-Selection test. When the test
is made available in SKILS, eligible Technicians (with a valid email in their profile) will automatically
receive an email notification stating the test has been assigned. NOTE: No action is needed to register
for the test. Technicians not automatically enrolled are not eligible. The Pre-Selection test will only be
open for two weeks beginning March 18th.
Technicians should consider the following before attempting the test:
1. If you have previously competed in the U.S. National Technician Competition you are not eligible to
compete again.
2. You must obtain permission and support from your retailer to compete in both the Subaru World
Technical Competition and the U.S. National Technician Competition. Please speak with your
retailer’s management team to discuss this.
3. You must be willing and able to travel to Japan to compete in the Subaru World Technical
Competition. Travel restrictions may apply. Please visit these websites for further details:
a. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-CountryInformation-Pages/Japan.html
b. http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/hourei/index.html
c. http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/newimmiact/pdf/RefugeeRecognitionAct01.pdf
(Specifically, Page 4, Section 2, Article 5 (1) (iv) – at the bottom of page 4)
4. You must currently possess or be able to obtain a valid Passport in advance of the 2021 Subaru
World Technical Competition in Japan.
5. You must plan to remain employed with your current retailer at the time of the 2021 Subaru World
Technical Competition.

Technicians will have one opportunity to complete the test. Technicians should not begin until they are
ready. We recommend the Technician is in a comfortable location with a stable internet connection and
free of distractions. If for some reason the internet connection is lost during the test, the session and
test will end. After the two-week testing period ends, the top 10% of scorers will be presented to Zone
Directors along with ASE, FRFT and QMR information to be considered for selection as Zone Champion.
Subaru of America is proud to host this event and honored to provide recognition for the dedication,
talent and professionalism found in all Subaru Technicians.

March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 3 of 14

02

P0507 After Engine Service, Abnormal Idle Speed

When servicing the 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected engine, a common mistake made by Technicians
will result in an abnormal idle and may set DTC P0507 Idle control system RPM – higher than expected.
When removing the timing chain cover there are two vacuum hoses that run parallel to each other and
transition to a metal pipe then back to rubber hoses before connecting to the turbocharger air inlet and
air bypass valve.

These hoses come from canister purge control solenoid #2 and the intake manifold. When the hose
intended for CPC 2 is connected from the turbocharger air inlet to the intake manifold it causes an
internal vacuum leak. Normally, this hose would be sealed from the turbocharger air inlet by the CPC 2
solenoid valve.

When the air bypass valve hose is connected to the CPC 2 solenoid the air bypass valve will not operate.
The best way to avoid these costly mistakes is to mark the hoses or take photos before removal.

March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 4 of 14

02

Rough Idle with AVCS DTCs

When diagnosing AVCS DTCs P0014, P0024, P000B, P000D or P0017, P0019 there is a possibility of
a rough idle with the check engine light illuminated. The rough idle is due to false learning caused by a
high deviation from the VVT exhaust retard angle at idle. If the VVT angle is excessively deviated from
the target angle the learning will be affected and may cause a rough idle. The diagnostic method for
this condition is as follows:
1. Check all DTCs and record all ECM PIDs while idling and driving with the engine at
operating temperature.
2. Clear the ECM memory.
3. Record another ECM data file with all PIDs selected.
4. Confirm the rough idle is no longer happening after clearing the ECM memory.
5. Refer to the appropriate trouble tree if the rough idle is gone.

Affected vehicles:
2017MY+ Impreza
2018MY+ Crosstrek
2019MY+ Ascent
2019MY+ Forester
2020MY+ Legacy and Outback

March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 5 of 14

07

Flashing Lights on Rain Sensor Equipped Vehicles

Technicians have reported after installing a BIU or Rain Sensor, the vehicles parking lights will flash
when the key is in the on position. This is due to the Rain Sensor not being initialized. This initialization is
memorized in the BIU. Since many states have laws requiring headlights to be on when driving through
rain, the Rain Sensor communicates this to the BIU for the Automatic Light and Wiper and Wiper Link.
Since this initialization is unknown, the vehicle will react in a light cycling fashion. Simply reinitialize the
rain sensor to resolve the concern.
Body & Electrical/WIRING SYSTEM -> Glass/Windows/Mirrors -> Rain Sensor ->
Inspection

07

Heated Seat Operation

Techline has received several calls regarding heated seat operation. When diagnosing a concern, be sure
to gather as much detail from the customer as possible. This should include if the seat had been sitting in
direct sunlight for an extended period of time and temperatures the customer is operating the seat. NOTE:
Due to the seat material, leather vs. cloth, seats will heat and cool at faster rates. A collection of previous
TIPS articles for heated seat operation is provided below. NOTE: 2015MY+ Legacy & Outback and &
2019MY+ Ascent are all capable of monitoring heated seat operation through PIDS in the SSM. Always
refer to STIS for the proper inspection procedure.
FEATURED NOVEMBER 2013 ON PAGE 3

07

2014 FORESTER SEAT HEATER OPERATION AND SWITCH FUNCTIONS

Subaru vehicles 2013MY and prior equipped with seat heaters generally have an operating range of 86
degrees F to 104 degrees F. See the March, 2003 issue of TechTIPS for information on older style seat
heaters. The 2014 Forester seat heaters have a different operating range. The 2014 Forester seat heaters
come on at 98.6 degrees F. and shut down at 109.4 Degrees F. Depending upon conditions such as
interior cabin temperature, seat fabric and thickness, these temperature ranges are target ranges and may
feel or read slightly different when checked by a technician.
The system uses seven (7) contact points on the seat cushion and four (4) contact points on the seat
back to keep the system within this operating range by utilizing two thermostats located within the seat
elements. They are positioned so the customer cannot feel them when seated. See the attached illustration
below for thermostat locations. The switch functions are not a high and low type system like those used
in previous models. When the seat heater switch is put in the high position, the elements heat up and into
the operating range as fast as possible. When the switch is placed in the low position, the same amount of
heat is generated but at a slower rate to reach maximum temperature. Once the maximum temperature is
reached, the elements shut off until they cool below operating range then cycle back on again. The switch
stays illuminated whenever the system is in use.

Continued on the next page
March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 6 of 14

07

Heated Seat Operation (Continued)

07

2014 FORESTER SEAT HEATER OPERATION AND SWITCH FUNCTIONS (Continued)
Switch testing can be performed
as follows:
Inspect for continuity between the seat heater switch
terminals.
Connector & Terminal

HI

LOW

No 4- No 5
No 4 – No 3
No 4 – No 6

No 4 – No 5
No 4 – No 6

If no continuity exists, replace the seat heater switch with a new part.
For other models equipped with seat heaters, use the appropriate Service
Manual for diagnostics as there are differences between systems and testing
procedures differ between model years.

FEATURED DECEMBER 2018 ON PAGE 5

12

2015MY LEGACY / OUTBACK SEAT HEATER OPERATION OVERVIEW

The front seat heater system used in the 2015MY Legacy / Outback is a new design compared to prior
systems. It utilizes a thermistor sensor which allows the front seats to remain at warmer temperatures
more consistently than the prior system. The new system is very different due to the change in sensors.
The seat heater system on 2014MY and prior Legacy / Outback is a thermostat sensor-based system
which makes the front seats heat up periodically and then cool down until the sensor indicates a need
to turn the element on again. When this sensor-based system is operating, the temperature increases
until the sensor determines the heating element has reached approximately 50 degrees C (roughly 122
degrees F). At that point, the element is switched off until the sensor reads approximately 40 degrees
C (104 degrees F). At that temperature reading, the element is turned back on again to re-heat the seat
resulting in an approximate 18-degree range. This cycle continues as long as the seat heater switch is on
in either the low or high position.
In comparison, the thermistor sensor used in the new system also cycles on and off but, the operating
range (temperature difference) is much smaller with a slightly lower upper limit temperature. The new
system turns on the element until the thermistor sensor determines approximately 38 degrees C (roughly
100 degrees F) then cycles the element off until the temperature (at the thermister) reaches approximately
37 degrees C (roughly 98 degrees F) before the element cycles on again, yielding only an approximate
2-degree range. As you can see, the upper and lower temperature range on the new system is significantly
reduced. However, this is an apples and oranges comparison as the actual seat temperature felt is very
similar. As you can see on the chart below, the average surface temperature of the front seat for each
system ends up being very close. The RED line on the graph shows the temperature on front seat surface
of the new 2015MY Legacy / Outback while the GREEN line represents the previous model year. You can
see the fluctuations of the previous system have been virtually eliminated and the temperature stability
enhancement the new system provides.

Continued on the next page
March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 7 of 14

07

Heated Seat Operation (Continued)

12

2015MY LEGACY / OUTBACK SEAT HEATER OPERATION OVERVIEW (Continued)

Average
Seat Surface
Temperatures

Heating Condition:
Switch Is Set to HI
2015MY Legacy / Outback
2014MY Legacy / Outback

Outside Temp. is
-20 deg. C
(-4 deg. F)

There are three levels of front seat heating available for 2015MY Legacy and Outback, HIGH (1), MID (2)
and LOW (3). The difference among these modes is an upper limit temperature change of about 2 to 4
degrees C. Similar to the older system the speed at which the seat actually heats up varies with the level
settings. The high setting will heat the seat the quickest, mid will increase the temperature more gradually
and low will increase it at the slowest rate.
In contrast, the rear seat heater system used on 2015MY Legacy / Outback is a similar design as the
previous model year but, the cycle and surface temperatures for those seats are lower than the front seats
on previous model by a few degrees C.
Another operational difference between the old and new seat heater systems is how each functions
in higher ambient temperatures conditions. Naturally, ambient temperatures which are at or above
the upper limit of either system’s sensor function may keep the seat heater from operating. Simply stated,
if the ambient temperature inside the car is higher than the upper cycle limit for that sensor, the system will
not allow the element to heat. This is not a malfunction; the seat heater system is operating as designed.
Should you receive a customer concern stating their seat heaters do not work, start your diagnosis by
first confirming the conditions under which the system was reported to be inoperative. If the ambient
temperatures were close to or higher than the seat heater sensor’s upper limit (remember, inside vehicle
temperatures will be higher than outside ambient temperature in most cases), the concern may be a
normal operating characteristic of the system. If this is not the case, diagnose the system using the
applicable Service Manual. On the 2015 Legacy and Outback, temperatures of the thermistor sensor can
be viewed using the SSMIII as shown in the screen shot below.
This data may be used to check if the sensor is functioning correctly or not. NOTE: Temperatures shown
on SSMIII are not the actual temperatures felt on the seat surface. Actual seat surface temperatures will
be higher than those shown for the thermistor sensor on the SSMIII data.

March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 8 of 14

12

Ascent Wind Rushing Noise

The Techline has received a few calls with customer concerns of a wind rushing noise while driving at
speed. In some cases, this noise will fluctuate when the HVAC mode is changed from recirc to fresh air.
During the Technician’s diagnosis, the cowl area should be inspected. There have been isolated cases
where some of the body plugs were missing or not installed.

Located behind the sound
deadening material.

Remember to check the upper part of
the cowl under the windshield. These
plugs are smaller and can easily be
overlooked. There are four located on
this model and examples are found
below.

Continued on the next page
March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 9 of 14

12

Ascent Wind Rushing Noise (Continued)

Technicians can refer to the Body & Electrical/WIRING SYSTEM -> Body Structure -> Plug/
Grommet Sheet section for proper plug / grommet location and types. In all cases where any are
found missing, a QMR should be submitted.

March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 10 of 14

15

Remote Engine Start (RES) Run Time

The Techline often receives inquiries regarding the time-out function of the Remote Engine Start (RES)
system. When utilizing the RES feature, the system will automatically shut the engine off after 15 minutes
of initial run time. 15 minutes is the default setting but, instructions are supplied with the system to
customize this setting and allow owners to stay compliant with their specific state and local laws. Using
the default 15-minute parameter, if the vehicle is restarted using the RES without the system seeing an
ignition “ON” signal (from the vehicle’s mechanical or “smart” key) to “reset” it, the engine will only run
for an additional 5 minutes for a 20-minute maximum total run-time. The 20-minute total run-time is
fixed (not adjustable), regardless of what the initial time-out setting is. For example, if the initial setting
is changed from the default 15 minutes to 5 minutes, the RES can be used to start the car 4 times (20
minutes total) without the system seeing an ignition “ON” signal to reset (see TechTIPS edition February
2017.) It is also important to note, the audio head unit (H/U) will stay powered up for an additional 3
minutes after the ignition is switched off UNLESS there is an active Bluetooth phone call in process. In
that case, the additional 3 minutes of H/U on-time will be extended to a maximum of 10 minutes after
the ignition is switched off.
Starting with the 2015 Legacy/Outback Remote Engine Start systems there is now an optional Selectable
Run Time option. This information is in the Remote Start Quick Reference Guide. It also can be found
in the OIK or on STIS > Owner’s Manual and TechTIPS edition March 2015. There is also a Trouble
Shooting Guide for this system on STIS under Online Reference tab, Publication Type “Troubleshooting
Guides”. Before determining any RES issues, verify the Run Time has not been changed from the
factory default setting of 15 minutes.
The remote engine start module is equipped with a diagnostic mode to help Technicians with
troubleshooting abnormal shut down conditions. The diagnostic mode saves the last abnormal shut
down in memory. This is particularly helpful in determining a past failure when the system may not be
currently exhibiting the observed failure mode. Normal shutdowns will not be included in the diagnostic
table. Normal shutdowns include run time expiration, shut down or failure to start when the vehicle door
is opened, shut down via RES transmitter and failure to start when the service mode is active.
See chart below for details on how to access these two modes:
NOTE: The difference between these modes is the amount of key cycles “on and off.” RES runtime
mode is 4 cycles; RES Diagnostic mode is 6 cycles.

Continued on the next page
March 2020 TechTIPS

Page 11 of 14

indicating that the system has learned the transmitter. Upon successful programming, the remote start
confirming transmitter button will flash one (1) time (within five (5) seconds).
7. Repeat step five (5) for any additional transmitters (the system will accept up to eight (8) transmitters).

Remote
Start
(RES) Run
(Continued)
8. The
system willEngine
exit transmitter
programming
mode ifTime
the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position, the door is
15
closed or after two (2) minutes.

Remote Engine Start Run Time Selection