ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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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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© 2021 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

Manual Transmission Vehicles with
NUMBER: 15-279-21R
Push Button Start ONLY
DATE: 03/18/21

SUBJECT:

Gen1 Telematics DCM Replacement
for 3G Sunset

REVISED:

03/31/21

APPLICABILITY:
Applicable Vehicle

Specification

MY

IMPREZA

Telematics equipped with active subscription, with MT, with Push Button Start

16 - 18

WRX/STI

Telematics equipped with active subscription, with MT, with Push Button Start

17 - 18

OVERVIEW:
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) will be offering all active Gen1 STARLINK subscribers a
complimentary Data Communication Module (DCM) update at any Subaru retailer for a
predetermined period ending in February 2022. When the subscribed customer’s vehicle is equipped
with a manual transmission with push-button start, the DCM must be replaced due to an inability
to keep the CAN system “awake” during the SSM4 update. A manual transmission vehicle equipped
with ignition key start will follow the SSM4 / DCM update procedure as detailed in TSB 15-280-21:
Gen1 Telematics Reprogramming for 3G Sunset.
•

Flow Charts to support the procedures below are provided starting on pg. 13.

•

A copy of the Customer Letter is supplied for reference at the end of this bulletin.

SCOPE OF WORK:
Replacement DCMs will have the new software preinstalled. The new DCMs will NOT come with a
backup battery (BUB). Technicians must transfer the existing BUB to the replacement DCM. If the
BUB requires replacement due to failure (DTC B2A07) or, the repair date is five (5) years past the
date stamp on the BUB (see image for decoding the BUB date stamp), the replacement BUB must
be ordered and installed separately as a maintenance item. For the purpose of this TSB and the 3G
Sunset reprogramming service TSB, a BUB replacement due to expiration cannot be claimed.

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: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 1 of 15

THE TELEMATICS SYSTEM MUST BE DTC FREE AND DISPLAY A GREEN LED
BEFORE ANY DCM REPLACEMENT IS COMPLETED. Customers must be notified if
their vehicle arrives at the retailer with a RED LED and any current DTCs. The presence of any
DCM DTCs may prevent the completion of this no-charge DCM replacement service. Resolution of
a RED Telematics LED possibly combined with active Telematics DTCs before DCM replacement is
outside the scope of this update procedure if the DTCs are a result of a condition found outside of the
DCM itself. Internal failures of the DCM, which would require DCM replacement to repair, would
not preclude completion of this DCM replacement service.
PROCESS:
Technicians should never attempt a DCM replacement on any vehicle with a RED Telematics
LED, any current Telematics DTCs, or the inability to complete a Telematics functional system
check. Failure to follow this essential requirement may result in the failure of the new DCM, leaving
it non-recoverable. Technicians are strongly urged to use an abundance of caution when preparing
for DCM replacement procedure and keep strict adherence to the guidelines detailed in this document
and related Service Manual procedures, cautions, and notes.

DCM REPLACEMENT POPULATION:
ONLY those vehicles which are part of the affected Gen1 Telematics population, equipped with
manual transmission and push-button start, and currently subscribed to STARLINK Telematics
services are eligible for the no-charge DCM replacement. Unsubscribed vehicles are not included
in this no-charge DCM replacement service.

CUSTOMER CONSIDERATION:
All subscribed vehicles have Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) in all levels of subscription.
Technicians and Retailers MUST make every effort to ensure ACN is functioning when the vehicle
repair is complete. Strict adherence to the procedures outlined in this document is necessary to
ensure ACN operation. If a vehicle enters the repair facility with a GREEN Telematics LED,
working as expected, and some unforeseen condition causes the Telematics LED to become RED or
not function as expected, the condition must be resolved BEFORE releasing the vehicle.
NEVER RELEASE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CUSTOMER UNTIL THE GREEN
TELEMATICS LED IS ILLUMINATED AND THE TELEMATICS SYSTEM PASSES
ALL FUNCTION AND OPERATIONAL CHECKS. The only exception to this requirement
would be an external concern affecting DCM operation and, the customer has been informed but
elects not to correct it to receive this update.
SUBSCRIPTION AND REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION:
Vehicles included in this replacement service must have a currently active subscription to any level
of Telematics services. Coverage and an active subscription for all affected vehicles must be
confirmed using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 2 of 15

IMPORTANT: Before beginning the no-charge DCM Replacement Service:
Vehicles affected by this replacement service may also have an open service program WQZ-61R. The
replacement DCM contains software which includes the WQZ-61R update. If the Vehicle Inquiry
indicates WQZ-61R is open, proceed as follows:
1. The vehicle IS currently subscribed to Telematics: WQZ-61R and 3G Sunset replacement
service are indicated as Open: perform the 3G Sunset replacement service ONLY. Both
the WQZ-61R and 3G Sunset programs will close.
2. The vehicle IS NOT currently subscribed to Telematics: WQZ-61R and 3G Sunset service
programs are indicated as Open: perform the WQZ-61R ONLY. Refer to the WQZ-61R
program bulletin for full details and procedures.

VERY IMPORTANT: If the vehicle is equipped with a Manual Transmission and a physical
ignition key / lock cylinder OR a CVT, THIS REPLACEMENT SERVICE DOES NOT APPLY.
Refer to TSB 15-280-21 for cars requiring DCM reflash for how to proceed.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Any Technician or other retailer personnel who, despite service
documentation and training to the contrary performs a DCM swap on a subscribed vehicle
must NEVER release the vehicle back to the customer until after successfully confirming
operation of the Telematics system.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 3 of 15

PARTS INFORMATION:
New TELEMATICS UNIT Part # (VOLTE)

Old TELEMATICS UNIT Part # (NON-VOLTE)

86229AL10B

86229AL00A
86229AL00B
86229AL00C

86229AL10B

86229AL10A

86229AL11B

86229AL01A
86229AL01B
86229AL01C

86229AL11B

86229AL11A

86229FL002

86229FL000
86229FL001

86229FL012

86229FL010
86229FL011

86229FL00C

86229FL00A
86229FL00B

86229FL01C

86229FL01A
86229FL01B

86229VA100

86229SG000
86229SG001
86229SG002

86229VA110

86229SG010
86229SG011
86229SG012

NOTE: The OLD part numbers listed above may not be an exact match to those installed in the
vehicle as production part numbers are different from service/ repair part numbers. Always refer to
the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) using the vehicle VIN to ensure the correct DCM replacement
part is selected. Use the EPC part number and the chart above to determine the correct DCM part
number to install. Never install the OLD part number.
VEHICLE PREPARATION:
1. Enter the vehicle and observe the Telematics LED status.
•

Is LED GREEN? If NO, proceed to Step 2. If YES, continue to Step 3 below.

2. If the Telematics LED is RED or NO LEDs are illuminated, DO NOT replace the DCM.
Inform the customer of needed repair activity outside of the scope of this replacement
service. DTCs must be retrieved from the Telematics system. A repair of the Telematics
system may be required at the customer’s expense if they wish to continue preparation for a
no-cost 3G Sunset upgrade. See NOTES: below for some exceptional cases.
•
•

Connect the SSM4 and check the DCM’s condition.
Are there any Telematics DTCs present?

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 4 of 15

NOTES:
•

DTC B2A0E: Mute Line Circuit may be found in many older DCMs without a current hard
fault. Clear DTC B2A0E and see if it resets after an ignition cycle.
○ If DTC B2A0E resets as current, it should be considered a “hard” DTC, and Step i
below must be followed.
○ If B2A0E does not reset as current after an ignition cycle, it is not considered a hard
fault. Proceed with Step ii below.

•

The presence of DTC B2A0C does not affect the ability to complete the no-charge 3G Sunset
DCM replacement service. If a vehicle is found to have a current DTC B2A0C only, proceed
with the vehicle preparation and DCM replacement service procedures below.
i. YES, Telematics DTC(s) (Other than B2A0E or B2A0C-See NOTES above) is current:
STOP THE UPGRADE PROCESS. The customer must be notified of this condition
before any work begins. The repair of the DTC is not included in the scope of work
for this no-charge upgrade. The replacement service cannot be attempted until the
Telematics system is DTC free.
1. If the customer approves repairs and the Telematics system now has a GREEN
LED on, and no DTCs are present, proceed to Step 3.
2. If the customer declines repairs, STOP THE UPGRADE PROCESS. Document
the Technician’s findings on the repair order before returning the vehicle to the
customer.
ii. If the Telematics LED is NOT GREEN and NO DTCs current (other than B2A0E or
B2A0C-See NOTES above): STOP THE UPGRADE PROCESS. The customer must be
notified of this condition before any work begins. Repair of the root cause of the Telematics
LED not illuminating GREEN is not included in the work scope for this no-charge upgrade.
The replacement service cannot be attempted until the Telematics LED is GREEN.
1. Follow Diagnosis by Phenomenon in the Service Manual.
a.

If the customer approves repairs and the Telematics system now has a
GREEN LED on, and no DTCs are present, proceed to Step 3.

b.

If the customer declines repairs, STOP THE UPGRADE PROCESS.
Document the Technician’s findings on the repair order before
returning the vehicle to the customer.

3. Perform a functional check of the Telematics system by pushing the blue iButton. When the
STARLINK operator answers, request the VIN and LOCATION of the vehicle.
NOTE: This step may need to be performed outside with a clear view of the sky. It also may require
multiple attempts to connect to an operator depending on available cellular coverage.
i. Was the iButton call successful? YES: Proceed to Step 3.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 5 of 15

ii. Was the iButton call successful? NO: STOP THE UPGRADE PROCESS.
The customer must be notified of this condition before proceeding any further, as this
condition must be diagnosed and corrected.
1. If the customer approves repairs and the Telematics system now has a GREEN
LED on, and no DTCs are present, proceed to Step 3.
2. If the customer declines repairs, STOP THE UPGRADE PROCESS.
Document the Technician’s findings on the repair order before returning the
vehicle to the customer.
3. Connect the SSM4.
4. Verify DCM Software Version Number. Refer to Procedure to verify DCM Software
Version ID below for information on how to perform this critical step.
•

If the current DCM software version is DCM_06.00.17_20190816, the vehicle already
has the most recent software version. STOP and proceed to the Claim Reimbursement,
and Entry Procedures section and process a Version Check Only claim.

•

If any other software version is shown, proceed to DCM Replacement Procedure.

PROCEDURE TO VERIFY DCM SOFTWARE VERSION ID:
a. Connect SSM4 and click “Each System” on the left-hand menu.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 6 of 15

b. Select “Telematics” from the Systems list.

c. Click “Work Support” on the left-hand menu.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 7 of 15

d. Select “Software Information” from the Work Support Items list.

e.

ALWAYS record the current version of software on the Repair Order for reference.

DCM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE:
1. Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor. (STIS Refer to REPAIR CONTENTS >
NOTE > BATTERY.)
2. Remove the center ventilation grille assembly. (STIS Refer to AIR CONDITIONER > Air Vent
Grille > REMOVAL > CENTER GRILLE ASSEMBLY.)
3. Remove the hazard switch assembly. (STIS Refer to STIS: LIGHTING SYSTEM > Hazard
Switch > REMOVAL.)
4. Remove the audio/navigation assembly. (Refer to STIS: ENTERTAINMENT & MONITORING
> Audio > REMOVAL.)
5. Remove the backup unit. (Refer to STIS: SECURITY AND LOCKS > Backup Unit >
REMOVAL.)
6. Remove the data communication module. (Refer to STIS ENTERTAINMENT & MONITORING
> Data Communication Module > REMOVAL.)
a. CAREFULLY Disconnect the cable connected to the audio assembly.
b. Remove the screws and remove the DCM.
NOTE: The screws holding the DCM may require some extra effort to remove. TIP: Coat the
Phillips screwdriver tip with a valve grinding compound. This grinding compound helps provide
extra grip on the screw heads to reduce slippage. Supporting the head unit on a hard surface such as a
worktable is also helpful.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-279-21R; Date: 03/31/21

Page 8 of 15

7. Mark the removed DCM with a crayon or marker and remove the BUB.