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SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2015-2017MY Legacy / Outback 2.5 CVT Models
2015-2016MY Crosstrek Hybrid (HEV)
SUBJECT: “Bump” Feeling from CVT at Idle in Drive

NUMBER: 16-104-17R
DATE: 02/23/17
REVISED: 05/30/17

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure along with Transmission Control Module (TCM)
reprogramming files to address isolated customer concerns of a “bump” feeling from the CVT. The
bump feeling has been reported to occur after the CVT is fully up to operating temperature, in Drive
and with the engine at idle.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new TCM logic was incorporated into production starting with the following VINs:
•

2017MY Legacy: H*046299

•

2017MY Outback: H*324232

PACK FILE APPLICABILITY:
Model

PAK File Name

New TCM Part
Number

Old TCM Part Numbers

Decryption
Keyword

New CID
Number

2015MY Legacy

30919AD323.pak

30919AD323*

30919AD320, 321 &322

C7427FA5

F4F20082

2015MY Outback

30919AD333.pak

30919AD333*

30919AD330, 331 &332

4561EC13

F4F24082

2016MY Legacy

30919AF032.pak

30919AF032*

30919AF030 & 031

74977F60

E5F20081

2016MY Outback

30919AF042.pak

30919AF042*

30919af040 & 041

0082F1E2

E5F24081

2017MY Legacy

30919AF46B.pak

30919AF46B*

30919AF46A

05D465F6

D6F20080

2017MY Outback

30919AF47C.pak

30919AF47C*

30919AF47A & 47B

9D78B154

D6F24081

2015MY Crosstrek HEV

30919AE121.pak

30919AE121*

30919AE120

7A8EF1FD

C4FA4081

2016MY Crosstrek HEV

30919AE641.pak

30919AE641*

30919AE640

B17A7137

B5FA4080

*NOTE: These New TCM part numbers are not currently available for order. In the meantime, if
a replacement is needed, please use the current part number TCM for the VIN and update it with the
corresponding pak file.
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: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

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 8

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
Overview:
•

After setting up the DST-i and SM4, perform the test procedure following the steps below to
determine whether or not the bump condition exists.

•

If the bump condition is confirmed, variator damage has likely occurred requiring CVT
assembly replacement.

•

Regardless of whether or not the bump condition is confirmed, after testing or repairs are
complete, the TCM MUST be reprogrammed before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Preparation of SM4:
•

Connect the DST-i and start the SM4 application on the SDS PC.

•

From the Start menu, select “Diagnosis”.

•

Input (or confirm) the Vehicle information.

•

Select “Multiple System” from the Main Menu.

•

From the System List, select “Engine”, “Transmission”, and “Brake Control”.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

Page 2 of 8

•

Select “Multiple active test”.

•

Select “Idle speed control”.

•

Select “OK”.

•

Always confirm the CVTF temperature is 176 degrees f. (80 C) or above.

•

Set the engine Idle speed to 850 rpm (950 rpm for Crosstrek HEV) using the up/down arrows
then select “Start”.

•

Disconnect the Service Plug on Crosstek HEV following the Service Manual procedure and
ALL cautions.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

Page 3 of 8

•

Confirm the idle speed is about 850 rpm (950 for HEV).

•

Select “Combo Graph”

•

Select the following list of items:

•

Engine speed
Vehicle Speed
Turbine Revolution Speed
Primary Rev Speed
Longitudinal G sensor (BC)

Perform the test following the flow chart and graph supplied below.
CAUTION: Perform this drive testing only in a closed area (such as parking lot) away from
other vehicle traffic and never on a public roadway due to the need to brake and hold position
for 60 seconds during each test cycle. In addition, the use of a co-driver to either drive the
vehicle or monitor the SM4 data during this testing is strongly encouraged.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

Page 4 of 8

START

Perform the following test:
1. Accelerate the vehicle to approximately 10mph.
2. Stop the vehicle with approximately -.4g force and
KEEP THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED FOR 60
SECONDS
3. after the vehicle comes to a stop.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 above a total of 5 times.

Is the “bump”
condition confirmed?
OR
Is there abnormal signal found
in the SM4 data?

NO

Reprogram the TCM
YES
Replace CVT assembly and
reprogram the TCM.

End

•

While performing the testing above, determine if the “bump” condition can be confirmed
and / or if the data graph shows any chain slippage. Examples of “OK” and “NG” graphs
are supplied below for reference to help make a proper determination.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

Page 5 of 8

OK

Shows no “bump”, chain slip or damage.

NG

Shows “bump”, chain slip, and variator
damage. Replace CVT.

Shows “bump”, chain slip, and
variator damage. Replace CVT.

•

If the bump condition is confirmed, there is most likely variator damage requiring CVT
assembly replacement. Follow the service procedure in the applicable Service Manual when
replacing the CVT assembly is required.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

Page 6 of 8

VERY IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
The FFD and / or SM4 Project File must be saved to qualify for a replacement CVT when
determined necessary. Claims may be charged back for those that do not have these files saved and
available to support their testing results when requested.
The serial number found on the installed (replacement) unit must be entered in the Miscellaneous
Detail field during claim entry for all replacement transmission assemblies. See Section 13.4.4 of
the Policy and Procedure manual for more information.
Regardless of whether or not the bump condition is confirmed, after testing or repairs are complete,
the TCM MUST be reprogrammed following the procedure provided below before releasing the
vehicle to the customer.
•

Reprogram the TCM using the SM4 following the normal FlashWrite procedure.

Step 1: SOA now highly recommends connecting the Midtronics GR8 Diagnostic Battery Charger
to the vehicle and utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a vehicle control module is being
reprogrammed. 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 the Power Supply Mode, and have the battery
voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming.
VERY 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 Subaru of
America, Inc. (SOA).
•

If the GR8 indicates the vehicle’s battery must be charged, charge the battery using the GR8
before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle while using the Power Supply Mode.

•

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.

Step 2: Using the SSM4, clear the AT Learning Data using the following procedure:
•
•
•

Start > Diagnosis > Vehicle Selection > Each System > Transmission > Work Support > Clear
AT Learning Data.
Click “YES” and when “Execute Clear AT Learning” is displayed, click “YES” again.
Turn the ignition OFF, wait at LEAST 30 seconds then turn the ignition back ON. At this
point, the AT Temp light will start blinking; 4 times in 2 seconds to signify the Clear AT
Learning procedure has completed successfully. If the AT Temp light does not flash as
described, repeat Step 2 again from the beginning.

Step 3: Using the SSM4, perform the AT Learning Control following the procedure outlined in the
applicable Service Manual.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

Page 7 of 8

IMPORTANT: The NEW Calibration Identification number (CID) for any newly-installed programming (as confirmed from the actual control module AFTER installation) MUST be noted on the
repair order as this information is required for claim submission.
NOTE: The pack 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.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited or Powertrain Limited Warranty period or covered by
an active Subaru Added Security Powertrain, Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using
the following claim information:
Labor Description
REPROGRAM TCM & AT LEARNING
CONTROL FOR BUMP FEEL
CVT (NEW UNIT) REPLACEMENT FOR
VERIFIED BUMP FEEL
CVT (REMAN UNIT) REPLACEMENT FOR
VERIFIED BUMP FEEL

Labor
Operation #

Labor Time / Model
Legacy/Outback Crosstrek HEV

B860-733

0.7

0.8

C303-003

4.2

3.9

C303-005

Fail
Code

MKK-25

0.3

NOTE: C303-003 is complete and includes cooler flush, logging the serial number for
claim submission, logging radio presets, and use of the engine hold tool.

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: 16-104-17R; Revised 05/30/17

Page 8 of 8