ATTENTION:

CLAIMS PERSONNEL q

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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GENERAL MANAGER q
PARTS MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2014-2017MY Forester
SUBJECT: Rattling Sound from Instrument Panel

NUMBER: 10-87-17
DATE: 07/05/17

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a service procedure to address customer concerns of a rattling-type sound
coming from the defroster vent grille area of the instrument panel (IP) near the base of the
windshield. The sound may occur when driving on rough roads or over bumps. The cause of the
sound is contact between the instrument panel and the defroster duct and / or vent grille. Aging and
temperature variations can influence shape and tolerances between the plastic components. The
repair involves application of self-adhesive, non-woven cloth tape to the defroster vent duct and
grille.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The use of additional non-woven material was incorporated into production starting with VIN
H*476608.
PART INFORMATION:
Part Number SOA963W110 is an 8” x 11” sheet of self-adhesive non-woven cloth material which is
approximately .4 mm thick and can be “layered” as necessary to achieve the specified thicknesses as
described in the illustrations below.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
NOTE: This procedure involves working with components which are highly visible to the customer.
For that reason, it is especially important to take all the proper precautions to protect the trim panels
and the surrounding surfaces from damage during removal and reinstallation.
REMINDER: Record the customer’s radio station presets (and navigation favorites where
applicable) before disconnecting the battery.
Continued...
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.

Bulletin Number: 10-87-17; Date 07/05/17

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 5

•

After confirming the condition, CAREFULLY remove the IP assembly following the
procedure in the applicable Service Manual. REMINDER: If the “A” pillar trim tether clip
is damaged during IP removal, it MUST be replaced. Always use the plastic removal tool
(SOA635147 supplied to each retailer for completion of the “TKA” airbag campaigns) to avoid
damaging the tether clip.

•

CAREFULLY remove the defroster vent grille and defroster duct from the IP assembly. Pay
close attention and TAKE YOUR TIME when working with these items as they may become
brittle over time.

•

Using the photos and illustrations below, cut the non-woven material into the sizes specified.
NOTE: (t = thickness)

•

To insure proper adhesion, always wipe away any grease or dirt from the areas where the tapes
will be applied using a mild solvent on a clean shop cloth and thoroughly dry.

•

Using the illustration and photos below, position and apply the tapes [A], [B], [C] & [D] to the
defroster duct. Tapes may be layered or stacked to achieve the desired thicknesses.

•

Using the illustrations below, position and apply the 4 new tapes [E] to underside of the defroster
vent grille. The dimensions for the tapes (shown in blue in the first illustration) are:
[E] t = 0.7mm, 12mm x 35mm and may also be layered or stacked to achieve the desired
thicknesses.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 10-87-17; Date 07/05/17

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Continued...
Bulletin Number: 10-87-17; Date 07/05/17

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NOTE: The 42mm and 57mm
dimensions shown in the illustration
are approximate measurements to help
with proper positioning of the tapes.

[E]

FRONT

•

When complete, reassemble the IP and reinstall in reverse order of removal.

•

Reconnect the battery, reset the customer’s radio station presets (and navigation favorites where
applicable).

•

Road test the vehicle to confirm all affected systems are operating as designed to complete the
procedure.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be submitted using
the following claim information:
Labor Description

Labor
Operation #

Labor
Time

Fail Code

2014-17MY FORESTER DEFROSTER DUCT
A726-183
2.8
YOD-25
RATTLE REPAIR
NOTE: For claim submission purposes, use part number SOA635079, qty. 2 for the non-woven
cloth material. SOA635079 is for claim submission only and is not an orderable part number.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 10-87-17; Date 07/05/17

Page 4 of 5

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: 10-87-17; Date 07/05/17

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