ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

q

PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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© 2017 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2017-18MY Impreza
NUMBER: 15-211-17R
2018MY Crosstrek DATE: 06/13/17
2018MY Legacy and Outback
REVISED: 11/23/20
2018MY BRZ*
SUBJECT:

Reprogramming File Availability for Additional
Optimization of Harman Gen 3 Audio and
Navigation Head Units
INTRODUCTION:
The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update
installation procedure to provide optimization to the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units
utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software
update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto
a flash drive for head unit installation. These files do NOT include Map Update data. It is VERY
IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely to understand all changes from
prior releases before proceeding. A time line chart along with a complete list of all the conditions
addressed by this and previous Harman 3.0 software updates is provided in “Appendix A” located at
the end of this bulletin.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

If a vehicle presents with a current blank or black screen condition, request an exchange unit.

•

Be sure to locate and re-format any existing USB drives used for updating Harman audio units in
order to fully clear them before adding these new files to them.
If a Map update is pending, please follow the instructions posted on Subarunet: Service
Operations & Technical > Forms/Downloads > Navigation System Map Updates and select the
applicable link.

•

CAUTION: NEVER attempt to install this software on
any 2019 MY vehicles as they are equipped with Gen 3.1
Audio/ Navigation systems. This update is ONLY for models
equipped with Gen 3.0 Audio/ Navigation systems. Should
an attempt be made to install any of these files into a Gen 3.1
head unit, the authentication error screen to the right will be
displayed.
* NOTE: On BRZ models, this update applicable to HIGH / Navigation - equipped head units only.
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: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 1 of 21

•

If the navigation maps have been recently updated, the newest software may have already been
installed at the same time. This may eliminate the need to attempt any further update of the
software. ALWAYS check the head unit’s software version prior to attempting any new software
installation.

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
These latest updates (June 2019) apply to the models listed above equipped with Harman Gen 3.0
Audio and Navigation head units only. They include all previous enhancements implemented in all
prior software updates INCLUDING the previously released WTN-74R updates. Therefore, if
WTN-74R is still open, these latest updates will continue to satisfy the campaign. See the
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION section at the end of this bulletin for further instructions.
The latest software version (including all available updates) was incorporated into production per the
starting VIN table below:
Model

Starting VIN

Legacy
Outback
Impreza 4-Door

Post Production

Impreza 5-Door
Crosstrek
BRZ
Multimedia System Type

Descriptive Features

6.5 Inch Display Audio System (Base)

No CD slot / Eject Button

8.0 Inch Display Audio System (Mid)

Phone Button

8.0 Inch Audio / Navigation System (High)

Map Button but no Phone Button

2018MY Legacy and Outback Harman Audio / Navigation system Faceplate images

BASE

MID

NO CD Player

PHONE Button

HIGH
MAP Button

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 2 of 21

Materials Required:
16GB (MINIMUM) USB 2.0 or 3.0 flash drives which are readily available at most office supply
retailers will be needed to perform these updates.
Recommended Flash Drives:
•

Kingston®: Data Traveler G3, G4, SE9 or the Hyper-X Series

•

SanDisk®: Cruzer Series, Ultra Flair

•

Transcend®: JetFlash 300, 600 or 790

•

Verbatim®: Store ‘n’ Go

NOTES:
• The USB flash drives can be USB 2.0 or 3.0.
•

The USB flash drive MUST be reformatted to NTFS before loading any files to it. NTFS is
not the standard format on most USB flash drives.

•

The update files are not overly large but, during the reprogramming procedure, the head unit
backs up some files to the USB drive. For this reason, sufficient USB drive memory size is
required, especially for the High / Navigation units.

•

The flash drives should be dedicated to storing these reprogramming files only. Do NOT
use any flash drives which contains or requires the use of file management, encryption, file
backup or other software to function properly.

•

Re-format (see Step 2) any prior USBs you may have used for WTN -74R as that version of
software must no longer be installed. This update includes all WTN -74R updates.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 3 of 21

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
Affected Vehicles / Audio Units:
Vehicle Model

2017-18MY Impreza &
2018MY Crosstrek

Audio Unit Type (High, Mid, Base)

Audio Unit
Part Number

NAVIGATION (HIGH)

86271FL60A

8-Inch Display Audio (MID)
6.5-Inch Display Audio (BASE)
NAVIGATION (HIGH)

2018MY Legacy / Outback

2018MY BRZ

8-Inch Display Audio (MID)

86201FL62A
86201FL63A
86201FL60A
86201FL61A
86471AL65A
86471AL66A
86431AL65A
86431AL66A

6.5-Inch Display Audio (BASE)

86431AL61A

NAVIGATION (HIGH ONLY)

86271CA670

STEP 1- Verify the currently installed Software Version ID using the following steps:
•

After starting the engine, from the HOME screen, touch “Settings”.

•

From the Settings > General screen, scroll down to and then touch “System Information”.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 4 of 21

•

Confirm the current Software Version ID. If the Current Version is Rel_A2.20.07.20, Rel_
A2.20.18.20, Rel_A2.20.28.20 or Rel_A2.20.40.20, STOP as this latest update has already
been installed.

STEP 2- Prepare the USB:
CAUTION: Do not use any USB flash drive which utilizes file organizing software or an
operating system.
•

Make sure the USB flash drive contains
no other files.

•

Right click on the corresponding
“Removable Disk”.

•

Select “Format”.

•

From the File System drop-down menu,
select “NTFS”

•

Check the “Quick Format” box (if not
already done).

•

Click on “Start” to format the USB flash
drive.

STEP 3The files are available for download on Subarunet (see “A” below).
The applicable reprogramming files have also been sent directly to retailers by Nuspire in the same
way a Select Monitor Update would be pushed out. (see “B” below).
Follow “A” when using files downloaded from Subarunet.
Follow “B” when using the files sent directly to the SDS notebook from Nuspire.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

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“A” When using update files downloaded from Subarunet:
Click Here to Access the Downloads for Audio/Navigation Information on Subarunet

IMPORTANT: Files downloaded from Subarunet will be .zip files and must be unzipped before
they can be used.
Using the normal audio / navigation system file update download procedure: Go to Subarunet, select
Service Operations & Technical>>Forms/Downloads>> Gen 3/Harman for Audio/Navi then click
on the applicable Hyperlink to download the file(s) to your SDS Notebook or PC:
“BASE-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2020”
“MID-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2020”
“HIGH-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-BRZ-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2020”

•

Go to Downloads.

•

CAUTION: After download is complete, NEVER change the file or folder names.

•

Once the files have been downloaded from Subarunet, click on the Downloads folder and then
sort by Date Modified to bring the most recent files to the top of the list.

•

Open / display the contents of File folder, for example (BASE-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2020).

•

Click on “Extract All Files”.

•

From the dialog box, browse to My Documents then click on “Extract”.

•

Double-click on the required file (for this example, select the file entitled “BASE-17-18
Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2020”).

•

Copy ONLY the “update” folder then paste (or click / drag) it to the “clean” USB flash drive
as listed (Removable Disk) in the directory.

•

To avoid confusion, label the flash drive with the file contents (e.g. BASE 3.0, MID 3.0 or
HIGH 3.0).

•

Go to Step 4.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 6 of 21

“B” When using update files sent directly from Nuspire:
•

Go to My Documents on the GUI screen to display the list of available update files shown
below.

•

CAUTION: After download is complete, NEVER change the file or folder names.

•

Sort by Date Modified to bring the most recent files to the top of the list. The folder is named:
_Harman Audio-Navi Update Files.

•

Double-click on the required folder (for this example, select the folder entitled “BASE”),
then double-click on folder name “SystemOnly” to get to folder “update”. It will display as
shown.

•

Select the update folder and either copy / paste or click / drag it to the USB flash drive.

NOTE: Do not copy the entire “BASE …” File folder. Copy ONLY the File folder named
“update” to the flash drive
•

Once the folder named “update” is loaded onto the USB flash drive, right click on the drive
and select “Eject”.

•

Remove the USB flash drive after the prompt appears that says “Safe to Remove Hardware”.

•

Mark the USB to indicate the head unit it will update (BASE in this example).

•

Repeat the above steps to create the MID and HIGH USB flash drives as needed using a
separate USB drive for each update folder.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

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STEP 4- IMPORTANT: Confirm the update folder on the USB flash drive is for the head unit being
reprogrammed ONLY. NEVER install multiple update folders onto the same flash drive at the same
time.
• After confirmation, move to the car and either start the engine or connect either the Subaru
Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System or the Subaru Midtronics
GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilize the Power Supply Mode.
BASE-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2019

Copy ONLY the folder named “update” to the USB.

•

Never change the folder name from “update”.

•

Confirm there is only a folder named “update” on the flash drive.

CAUTION: Confirm one final time the head unit you are about to update matches the USB flash
drive you have selected. Attempting to install the incorrect update file will disable the head unit.
STEP 5- Update Installation:
IMPORTANT: Always record the customer’s radio station presets and navigation favorites (where
applicable) before proceeding further as they will most likely need to be reset once the update and
re-boot procedures are completed. In addition, some customizable system settings may need to be
reset as they may return to the default setting during the update.
•

With the engine idling (or DCA-8000 / GR8-1100 connected), plug the flash drive into the
USB Port.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the head unit does not recognize the USB flash drive during the
reprogramming process, this may be due to an incompatible Controller IC in the USB flash drive
or it is otherwise incompatible with the head unit. If this occurs, delete all files from the flash drive
and re-format it to “FAT32”, instead of “NTFS” and reload the appropriate “update” folder to the
USB flash drive. If the USB flash drive is still not recognized, please discontinue the use of that
drive and instead use a USB flash drive from a different manufacturer.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 8 of 21

•

After the unit “authenticates” the USB flash drive, press “Next” and after the second screen is
displayed, press “Next” again.

NOTE: If an attempt is made to install the wrong “grade” file into the wrong grade head unit
(EXAMPLE: “Base” update file into a “Mid” or “High” head unit), the USB Authentication error
screen below will be displayed:

•

The current and available software version information will be displayed. The Available
Version I.D should be Rel_A2.20.07.20.
NOTE: The displayed Available Version as shown below does not show the _U0 after the
Rel. This is normal.

•

After confirming the Available Version, press “Install Now” to start the reprogramming
process. The screen will go blank (black) for a brief period after installation begins.

•

Each of the updates (Base, Mid and High) should take less than 10 minutes to install.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

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IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

Do not leave the vehicle once the update begins as ignoring pop-up requests may lead to
battery discharge.

•

Do not touch any of the buttons on the head unit while the updating process is taking place.

•

If during the updating an error screen is displayed asking “Do you want to Retry”, press
“Retry” to restart the update.

•

Once the updating process is complete, the head unit will perform a “soft” reboot.
(NOTE: several “hard” reboots are required to fully install the update. This procedure is
covered in Step 6 below.)

•

button to
CRITICAL STEP: After the reboot process completes, press the HOME
return to the HOME screen. (NOTE: If the “install message” is displayed asking if you
want to start the update process again, press “Cancel”, press the HOME button again and
return to the HOME screen.)

STEP 6- Turn the ignition OFF, open and close the driver’s door then remove the flash drive from
the USB port. If an error screen is displayed asking “Do you want to Retry”, press “Cancel”.
IMPORTANT: Wait AT LEAST 3 MINUTES before proceeding to Step 7.
STEP 7- Verify the newly-installed Software Version ID using the following steps:
•

Turn the ignition back ON. Confirm the “SUBARU STARLINK” screen is displayed. If
“SUBARU STARLINK” screen is NOT displayed on the first screen, system did not fully
enter “sleep mode” and reboot properly. Perform Step 6 again and wait AT LEAST 3
MINUTES before proceeding.

•

In some cases, the radio presets may not appear initially.

•

From the HOME screen, touch “Settings”.

•

From the Settings > General screen, scroll down to and then touch “System Information”.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 10 of 21

•

Confirm Software Version is now “Rel_A2.20.07.20”.

•

Press
(Home) to return to the Home screen and shut the engine OFF. Open and close the
driver’s door.

STEP 8- CRITICAL: Operation Check and Full Re-Boot Procedure:
1) Turn the ignition back ON (ACC) and confirm normal system operation.
2) Confirm the Home screen is displayed.
3) Turn the ignition OFF, open and close the driver’s door then WAIT AT LEAST 3
MINUTES to confirm the unit “times out” or “goes to sleep”.
4) Perform 1), 2) and 3) above again (a total of 5 cycles if completing WTN-74R OR only 2
cycles (1 additional cycle to Steps 1 & 2) if WTN was previously completed). If normal
to return to the Home screen and shut the ignition OFF to
operation is confirmed, press
complete the procedure.
IMPORTANT: If during this procedure, the screen goes blank (black) and the STARLINK
screen does not appear, the head unit must be replaced. THIS SHOULD BE A VERY RARE
OCCURRENCE. Contact SOA Techline should this condition occur.
STEP 9- If lost during the update process, reset the customer’s radio station presets, navigation
favorites (where applicable) and if necessary, reset the clock to complete the procedure.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 11/23/20

Page 11 of 21

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 #