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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 15-240-19R

2018-19MY Legacy and Outback
2018-19MY Crosstrek
2017-19MY Impreza
2019MY Forester
2019MY Ascent

DATE: 04/18/19
REVISED: 07/08/20

New Harman Audio Amplifiers

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal
logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns:
Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the
knob
Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob
Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers
Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short
amount of time
Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while
using navigation guidance
Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new amplifiers were incorporated into production as per the table below:
Model

Starting VIN

Legacy

TBD

Outback

TBD

Impreza 4-Door

J3623775

Impreza 5-Door

J3748957

Crosstrek

K8398122

Forester

TBD

Ascent

K3489882

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
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 this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 07/08/20

Page 1 of 3

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
The causes of Symptoms 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are software concerns where in some cases, the amplifier
status is not judged properly by the head unit. As a result, volume output is either muted (no output)
or at the maximum.
The cause of Symptom 3 is a hardware concern within the amplifier circuitry which also requires
the unit be replaced with an exchange unit. Follow the procedure below to confirm this condition
BEFORE ordering an exchange amplifier.
1. Enter the vehicle and turn the ignition ON.
2. Turn the audio unit on and listen for any unusual sounds from any of the speakers.
3. Pull the hood release lever.
4. Open the Driver’s window fully to retain access to the inside of the vehicle.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Exit the vehicle and close all the doors.
7. Wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding further.
8. Open the hood and remove the PDI (backup power) fuse.
9. Turn the ignition back on and listen again for any unusual sound from any of the speakers.
10. If the unusual sounds heard originally can no longer be verified, replace the amplifier with an
exchange unit. If unusual sounds persist while the fuse is removed, there is another cause which
will require further diagnosis.
After confirming the symptom(s) as outlined in the Introduction above exists, order the applicable
replacement amplifier following the Audio Exchange Program instructions. Install the exchange unit
following the current Service Manual procedure.
NOTE: All exchange amplifiers have the new software and circuitry installed.
PART INFORMATION:
Description

Exchange Part Number

Application

86221AL01E

Legacy / Outback

86221FL00E
86221FL01E
Power Amplifier Assembly

86221FL014
86221SJ002
86221SJ012
86221XC01C

Impreza
Crosstrek
Forester
Ascent

REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being
repaired.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 07/08/20

Page 2 of 3

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
After the customer concern has been confirmed, the service procedure for replacing the power
amplifier assembly remains unchanged. Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review
the full requirements of the repair being performed. The Service Manual procedures contain
information critical to performing an effective repair the first time and every time.
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 #

Applicability

Fail
Code

Labor
Time

2019MY Ascent
HK POWER AMPLIFIER EXCHANGE

B850-815

AUDIO SYSTEM TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS

C031-001

2018-19MY Legacy & Outback
2018-19MY Crosstrek
2017-19MY Impreza
2019MY Forester

0.2
ZSE-43

0.3

All

0.3

NOTES:
• HK Exchange Units require the Exchange Number be shown as Misc. Detail.
•

Power amplifier exchange replacements require the entry of an exchange part number on
the claim. An “EX” added to the end of the part number being installed will identify it as an
exchanged part. (EXAMPLE: 86221AL01DEX)

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.

Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 07/08/20

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