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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© 2019 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

2018MY Legacy and Outback w/8-inch
Navi System
2017-18MY Impreza with 8-inch Navi System
2018MY Crosstrek with 8-inch Navi System
2018MY BRZ with 7-inch Navi System

NUMBER: 15-254-19R

SUBJECT:

Map Data Update Procedure for Harman Gen 3.0
Navigation Equipped Head Units (H/U)

DATE: 11/08/19
REVISED: 06/03/21

INTRODUCTION:
On August 23rd, 2018, the first TomTom map update for Gen 3.0 Harman navigation equipped
vehicles was made available. While the map update process is user-friendly, we ask that retailers
assist customers with the map update procedure when requested as a courtesy, an opportunity to
build retailer loyalty, enhance customer satisfaction and in keeping with the Love Promise. Retailers
may also want to install this map update on any certified pre-owned or pre-owned vehicles in their
inventory on their own. The site (dealer.subaru-maps.com) which is unique for retailers, is not the
same as what customers will be accessing at home. If Service, Sales, and/or Parts Managers do not
have a login, create an account from this page. There may be a short delay while retailer approval is
pending. Please note there will be paid subscription Map update starting August 24th, 2021. The
change will affect both Map portal and Head Unit dialogue during Map update via USB.
Materials Required:
1. A PC or MAC computer / laptop
2. A valid e-mail address
3. USB 2.0 or 3.0 drive, at least 16GB in size (recommended device brands: SanDisk®, Kingston®,
Transcend® or Verbatim®)
4. TSB 15-211-17R for reference.
5. Request Code from the Head Unit

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: 15-254-19R; Revised: 06/03/21

Page 1 of 5

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
CAUTION: NEVER attempt to install this software update on any 2019 or 2020 MY vehicles as
they are equipped with Gen 3.1 Navigation systems. This update is ONLY for models equipped with
Gen 3.0 Navigation systems. Should an attempt be made to install any of these files into a Gen 3.1
H/U, the USB Authentication error screen below will be displayed.

•

The USB Authentication error screen will also be displayed when attempting to install the
map data bundled with a software version older than the version already installed in the H/U.

•

Move the vehicle to an outside location where the engine can be safely started and kept idling
during the update process.

•

Never idle the vehicle in a closed space such as a garage, even if the garage door is open.

•

Once the vehicle is in a safe location, be sure the vehicle is in Park if CVT or Neutral if MT
and the parking brake is fully engaged.

•

Unplug any cables or devices from the USB ports.

NOTE: The update process involves downloading and installing the software update so, time
duration will depend on communication and available data transfer rate. During the update
installation, H/U functionality will be restricted.
These updates are applicable to the following vehicles and Navigation equipped H/U part numbers:
•
•
•

Legacy / Outback: 86471AL65A and AL66A
Impreza / Crosstrek: 86271FL60A
BRZ: 86271CA670

NOTE: The Request Code can be generated from the Head Unit of the vehicle under “Settings” for
“Navigation” and taping on the “Map Update Information”. You need to take a note of the request
code which will be used for purchasing a subscription and Activation Code generation for this
vehicle.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-254-19R; Revised: 06/03/21

Page 2 of 5

Additional Items:
A. How to check Request Code from the vehicle Head Unit

B. Troubleshooting related to this change
No

Error Message

When

Cause & Fix

1

Vehicle registration process

A valid Request code is
not associated to the VIN.
A retailer /dealer have to
re-associate VIN & re-quest
code followed by the below
procedure “C”.

2

1. Miss-inputting of the
request code.
2. A valid Request code is
Activation code publication
not associated to the VIN.
(when Inputting the Request
A retailer /dealer have to
Code.)
re-associate VIN & re-quest
code followed by the below
procedure “C”

3

A valid Request code is
not associated to the VIN.
.Activation code publication
A retailer /dealer have to
(when Inputting the Request
re-associate VIN & re-quest
Code.)
code followed by the below
procedure “C”.

4

A valid Request code is
not associated to the VIN.
Activation code publication
A retailer /dealer have to
(when Inputting the Request
re-associate VIN & re-quest
Code.)
code followed by the below
procedure “C”.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-254-19R; Revised: 06/03/21

Page 3 of 5

C. How to associate the H/U request code and the VIN (Dealer operation)
Please input VIN and Head Unit Request Code on “10.Head Unit Replacement” in the URL
below, referring to “User Manual”.
After LogIn » Head Unit Management » Head Unit Replacement » input VIN & Request Code.
Harman map update portal site for Dealer: https://dealer.subaru-maps.com

Step 1: Prepare the USB with the Map Data:
a) Go to dealer.subaru-maps.com.
b) Create an account. A valid email address is required to complete this process.
c) Download and install the Map Downloader application for Mac or PC using the link provided on
subaru-maps.com.
d) Open the app and login with the newly-created account information.
e) Press the “+” button on the bottom right to add a vehicle using the customer’s VIN.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-254-19R; Revised: 06/03/21

Page 4 of 5

f) Click the UPDATES tab to check for any available updates. If an update is available, click
START to begin the download. NOTE: These updates might take some time to complete as the
map files are large and data transfer rates vary.
g) When the download is complete, plug the USB drive into the PC. Click “START
INSTALLATION”. NOTE: All existing data on the USB will be deleted.
h) Once complete, properly EJECT / REMOVE the USB device from the PC and proceed to the
vehicle.

Step 2. H/U Map Update:
a) Follow the Service Procedure provided in TSB 15-211-17R: Step 1 and Steps 5-9 as applicable to
update the H/U.
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: 15-254-19R; Revised: 06/03/21

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