ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2015 MY Legacy & Outback
SUBJECT: Service Campaign – Electronic
Parking Brake Reprogramming

NUMBER: WTB-63R
DATE: April 28, 2016
Revised: August 12, 2020

INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for all 2015 model year Legacy
and Outback vehicles. Subaru has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program
require reprogramming of the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system.
The EPB system is designed such that the parking brake will apply upon initial activation and
re-apply approximately 150 seconds (2 ½ minutes) after initial activation. Due to improper
software programing of the EPB system, if an affected vehicle’s ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position at the same time the parking brake is re-applying, electric current will be provided
continuously to the left rear EPB motor, eventually causing the motor to seize and prevent
release of the parking brake. Should the left EPB motor seize, it will be necessary to replace the
EPB Motor Gear Unit- EPB LH.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
•

All 2015 model year Legacy vehicles

•

All 2015 model year Outback vehicles

Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry
function on subarunet.com. This data is now available.
MODEL YEAR

VEHICLE MODELS

STARTING
PRODUCTION DATE

ENDING
PRODUCTION DATE

2015

Legacy and Outback

December 9, 2013

July 21, 2015

OWNER NOTIFICATION
Notification letters will be sent by first class mail to owners of all potentially affected vehicles
in April, 2016. A copy of the letter is included at the end of this bulletin.
RETAILER AFFECTED VIN LISTS
Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone office when owner
notification begins. Vehicles will be assigned to retailers in the affected VIN list as follows:
•

Original vehicle owners are assigned to the original selling retailer when
their current address is within a 100-mile radius of that retailer.

•

If the original selling retailer is inactive, the VIN has been assigned to the
nearest active retailer.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: WTB-63R; Revised: August 12, 2020

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•

For any new owners or when original owners live more than 100 miles from the
original selling retailer, the VIN has been assigned to the nearest active retailer.

IMPORTANT: Retailer affected VIN lists include owner name and address information for
vehicles affected by this service program. This information will enable retailers to follow-up
with owners of potentially affected vehicles. The lists contain owners’ names and addresses
obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle
registration data for any other purpose is unlawful. Accordingly, retailers are urged to limit
the use of these lists for the purpose of completion of this service program.
SUBARU RETAILER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected
vehicles in their inventory. Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this service program
is taken into inventory or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the service
program has performed before selling or releasing the vehicle.
Any vehicles listed in a service program that are in the retailer’s stock must be:
•

Immediately identified

•

Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to
inspection and/or repair

•

Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this
Service Program Bulletin.

PAK FILE APPLICABILITY:
MODEL

OLD VDCCM PART
DECRYPTION
NUMBERS
KEYWORD
27596AL00A,
27596AL00C.pak
27596AL00C
D13C880A
27596AL00B
NOTE: These PAK files are temporarily unavailable
on the SDS Notebooks.
PAK FILE NAME

NEW VDCCM
PART NUMBER

2015MY Legacy & Outback
w/o EyeSight
2015MY Legacy & Outback Please contact the SOA Techline for assistance when these files are needed.
27596AL01B.pak
27596AL01B
27596AL01A
46951139
w/ EyeSight

NOTE: These new reprogramming files will be included in the April, 2016 SSM software
version update (FlashWrite version 5.0.2.4.). When making your Vehicle Spec. choices, scroll
to the bottom of the list of CPU types and click on VDC to access the WTB-63 update file.
PART INFORMATION (only if necessary)
Description
MOTOR GEAR UNIT KITEPB LH

Part Number
26669AL010

Application
Legacy /
Outback

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTB-63R; Revised: August 12, 2020

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SERVICE PROCEDURE/INFORMATION:
This Service Procedure involves reprogramming of the Vehicle Dynamics Control module
(VDCCM). In addition, if a concern exists with the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) not
releasing (this is an extremely rare occurrence), replacement of the left side (only) Motor
Gear Unit (a.k.a. Actuator) will also be required.
IMPORTANT: If there is a customer concern of not being able to release the EPB, the leftside (only) EPB Motor Gear Unit and o-ring (the o-ring is one-time use and included in the
new actuator kit) must be replaced following the Service Procedure (see 4. A: 2. for removal
and 4. B: 2. for installation of the Parking Brake Actuator) in the applicable Service Manual
BEFORE reprogramming the VDCCM.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) highly recommends connecting the Subaru Midtronics GR8
Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a vehicle control module is being reprogrammed. Follow the procedure as outlined in
document GR8-1100 on STIS for use of the GR8’s Power Supply Mode:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Confirm all electrical loads such as lights, audio, HVAC, seat heaters, and rear
defroster are all switched OFF before setting up for Power Supply Mode.
Select the correct battery type (Flooded, AGM or AGM Spiral).
Select the CCA which matches the vehicle’s battery (NOTE: OE and replacement
batteries have different CCA ratings. Always confirm the battery rating before
proceeding.)
If the “Charge Battery” WARNING appears, the battery MUST be charged before
attempting reprogramming.
DO NOT connect the DSTi or SDI until the GR8 Power Supply mode has
completed its battery test mode and the Charging Voltage has dropped to a steady
13.5 Volts on the display.
If the GR8 “beeps” or the Status Light flashes, a diagnostic charge should be performed on the battery before proceeding further.
Once Power Supply Mode reaches a steady 13.5 volts, connect the DSTi or SDI
to the OBD connector and initiate the reprogramming process.
Amperage will fluctuate based upon the vehicle’s demand for power. NOTE: If
the voltage rises beyond 14V while programming is in process, the procedure will
abort. This can indicate a need to test or charge the vehicle battery before any further
attempt at programming.

IMPORTANT:
This information is applicable to the Midtronics GR8 Diagnostic Battery Charger ONLY. It
does not apply to any other brand / type of “generic” battery charger whatsoever. ONLY the
GR8 and its Power Supply Mode feature has been tested and approved by SOA.
Once the GR8 is connected to the vehicle, as long as the battery is fully charged, it takes
less than 3 minutes to boot-up the charger, select Power Supply Mode, and have the battery
voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming.
REMINDER: If the GR8 indicates the vehicle’s battery must be charged, charge the battery
using the GR8 before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTB-63R; Revised: August 12, 2020

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NOTE: Control module failures as a result of battery discharge during reprogramming are
not a matter for warranty. Should any DTCs reset after the reprogramming update is performed, diagnose per the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.
NOTE: The pak file listings provided in this bulletin are the latest available at the time of
publishing. Updates are often released thereafter without revision to the original bulletin. For
this reason, it is critical to always have the latest version of Select Monitor software installed
on your system. You can confirm if a later version is available by entering the CID listed in
this bulletin into FlashWrite. If a newer CID is shown as available in FlashWrite, reprogram
using that file.
•

•

Reprogram the VDCCM using the normal FlashWrite procedure. When

completed successfully, the screen shot shown below will be displayed.
If the update is not completed as shown in the previous screen shot, perform
the reprogramming again and check to see if the “Latest logic has already been
installed” screen shot below is displayed. If so, the procedure is complete. If

not, perform the reprogramming procedure again.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTB-63R; Revised: August 12, 2020

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SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Campaign Identification Label. The completed
label should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through normal parts ordering channels. The part number is
MSA6P1302, which comes as one sheet of 20 labels.
Part Number

Applicability

MSA6P1302

All models

Description
Campaign Completion Labels (contains one sheet of 20 labels)

Order Quantity
1

WTB-63

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this service campaign will be based on the submission of properly
completed repair order information. Retailers may submit claims through subarunet.com.
Labor Description
EPB REPROGRAMMING
EPB LR MOTOR GEAR UNIT R&R

Labor Operation #
B154-428
C154-422

Labor Time
0.4
0.3

Failure Code

Claim Type

WTB-63

RC

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.

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”
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: WTB-63R; Revised: August 12, 2020

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OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
This notice applies to the VIN identified
in the address section printed below.

Subaru Service Program WTB-63
April 2016

Dear Subaru Owner:
We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. We take pride in our products and are
committed to your continued satisfaction.
Subaru has developed a modification to the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) software logic for 2015
model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This software update is intended to ensure the proper operation
of your vehicle’s EPB system.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system is designed such that the parking brake applies upon
activation of the parking brake switch and, as a safeguard, automatically re-applies at approximately
150 seconds (2 ½ minutes) following initial activation. Due to improper software programing of the EPB
system, if your vehicle’s ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position at precisely the same time the
parking brake is re-applying, an electric current will be provided continuously to the left rear EPB motor,
eventually causing the motor to seize and preventing release of the parking brake. Should the left rear
EPB motor seize, it will be necessary to replace the left rear EPB motor.
REPAIR
Subaru will reprogram the EPB system with corrected software. Following reprogramming, the EPB
system will function as designed and the condition previously described will no longer be a concern. This
repair will be performed at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have this repair
performed. This repair will be performed at no cost to you.
To prevent this condition from occurring prior to having the EPB system reprogrammed, do not turn
the ignition switch to the “ON” position at precisely 150 seconds (2 ½ minutes) following initial activation of the parking brake. The ignition switch may be turned on approximately 15 seconds before or
15 seconds after this time period.
If your vehicle experiences the condition previously described and the parking brake will not release
while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position and the brake pedal depressed, do not drive the vehicle. Contact your Subaru retailer for assistance.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTB-63R; Revised: August 12, 2020

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HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time to perform the reprogramming is approximately 30 minutes. However, it may be necessary
to leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow
your Subaru retailer flexibility in scheduling.
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to
us. Or if you prefer to update this information online, please go to www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer
Support,’ then select ‘Address Update’ or ‘Ownership Update’ from the drop down menu.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru retailer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select “Find a
Retailer”.
For additional information and the most Frequently Asked Questions, please go to:
• http://www.wtb63service-campaign.com
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
• By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”
• B
y telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET
• B
y U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: Customer-Retailer Services
Department, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs
free of charge.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken
this action in the interest of your vehicle’s proper operation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have this
repair performed.

Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.

Notice to Lessors: Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s)

within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the
applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve
months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A
leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)

A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Bulletin Number: WTB-63R; Revised: August 12, 2020

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