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 INFORMATION BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2015-2021MY Outback
2014-2021MY Forester
2019-2021MY Ascent

NUMBER: 07-195-21
DATE:

06/07/21

Power Rear Gate Control Module: Service Procedure Change

INTRODUCTION:
This Service Information Bulletin outlines changes in the service procedure for replacement of the
Power Rear Gate (PRG) control module. These changes will be added soon to the Service Manual.
The added procedure requires the rear gate height memory to be read and recorded prior to removal
then re-registered to the new module after replacement. This will ensure the vehicle status matches
the customer’s original setting and prevent possible damage from roof accessories and / or low-level
structures.

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
NOTE: The updated procedure steps have been highlighted in Blue below.
POWER REAR GATE SYSTEM > Power Rear Gate Control Module
REMOVAL:
CAUTIONS:
•

Before handling any airbag system components, refer to “CAUTION” of “General
Description” in “AIRBAG SYSTEM”: AIRBAG SYSTEM > General Description >
CAUTION

•

The side impact sensor for the airbag system is located under the front center of the rear seat
cushion. Be careful not to apply any strong impact to the sensor when working with the rear
seat cushion removed.

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: 07-195-21; Date: 06/07/21

Page 1 of 5

•

After the BATTERY is REPLACED or DISCONNECTED on the models listed below,
•

2019-2021MY Forester

•

2019-2021MY Ascent

•

2020-2021MY Outback

the PRG system will emit an audible beep and not operate. ALWAYS check the PRG function
before releasing to the customer. If this symptom occurs, disconnect the negative battery
terminal. Reconnect the battery terminal after 60 seconds. This will allow the PRG system
to reset. If the PRG still does not function, diagnose the system by following the applicable
Service Manual.
1. If the PRG control module is being replaced, the rear gate height memory (customized by the
customer) will be lost. Check and record the customized height while operating the rear gate
BEFORE removing the PRG control module. Always remember to re-register the power rear gate
to the customized height before releasing the vehicle.
2. Confirm the PRG Memory has been checked and recorded (if needed). Disconnect the ground
terminal from the battery sensor, and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work: REPAIR
CONTENTS > NOTE > BATTERY.
3. Remove the rear seat cushion assembly: SEATS > Rear Seat > REMOVAL.
4. CAREFULLY remove the trim panel assembly apron LH and the trim panel assembly D
pillar LH: EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM > Rear Quarter Trim > REMOVAL. REMINDER:
Whenever working with highly visible interior trim components, always take the proper
precautions to protect them from damage.
5. Remove the PRG control module.
A. Disconnect the harness connectors in the following (a) - (c) order as shown below.

NOTE: When the connectors are not disconnected in the proper sequence, a DTC may be set.
B. Release the retaining lock and hook and remove the PRG control module.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-195-21; Date: 06/07/21

Page 2 of 5

POWER REAR GATE SYSTEM > Power Rear Gate Control Module
INSTALLATION:
1. Install the new PRG control module in reverse order of removal.
VERY IMPORTANT: Re-connect the connectors in reverse order of removal: (c) - (a).
2. Reconnect the ground cable terminal to battery sensor and torque to 7.5 Nm (5.5ft.-lbs. or 66
inch-lbs.) while supporting the senor with the other hand: STARTING / CHARGING SYSTEMS
> Battery Sensor.
3. Perform the applicable registration procedure for resetting the PRG height.
2020-2021MY Outback:
1. Open the PRG and stop it at the desired height.
2. Press and hold the PRG switch to register the height. An electronic chirp sounds and the
hazard warning lights flash for confirmation. The PRG will now stop at the registered
position when the memory function is utilized.
NOTE: Registering the PRG height turns on the “PRG Memory” automatically.
NOTE: Refer to the Memory switch image shown
here for position of the memory switch when
performing the next steps:
•

2015-2019MY Outback:
To register the rear gate height, perform the
following procedures while the ignition switch is
in the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.

1. While standing at the rear of the vehicle, open the PRG by pressing the PRG button.
2. With the rear gate at the desired height, stop it using the PRG switch.
3. Press the memory switch to select the “ON” status.
4. With the PRG at the desired height, press and hold the PRG button on the inside
edge of the gate until an electronic chirp is heard and the hazard warning flashers
flash three times. The electronic chirp and the flashing hazard warning flashers
confirm the selected PRG height has been registered successfully.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-195-21; Date: 06/07/21

Page 3 of 5

•

2014-2018MY Forester
Registration of the PRG height:
To register the PRG height, perform the following procedures while the ignition switch is in
the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.
1. Press the memory switch to select the “ON” status.
2. Press and hold the PRG opener button located above the license plate. After the latch
releases, let go of the button and raise the rear gate to the desired height manually.
3. With the PRG at the desired height, press and hold the PRG button on the inside edge of
the rear gate until an electronic chirp is heard and the hazard warning flashers flash three
times. The electronic chirp and the flashing hazard warning flashers confirm the selected
PRG height has been registered successfully.
4. Close the rear gate manually (without using the PRG).

•

2019-2021MY Forester:
To register the PRG height, perform the following while the ignition switch is in the
“LOCK”/“OFF” position.
1. While standing at the rear of the vehicle, open the PRG using the PRG button.
2. With the PRG at the desired height, stop it by pressing the PRG button.
3. Press the memory switch to select the “ON” status and “memorize” the desired height.

•

2019-2021MY Ascent
To register the rear gate height; perform the following procedures while the ignition switch is
in the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.
1. While standing at the rear of the vehicle, open the PRG using the power rear gate button.
2. With the PRG at the desired height, stop it by pressing the PRG button.
3. Press the memory switch to select the “ON” status and “memorize” the desired height.
4. With the rear gate at the desired height, press and hold the PRG button on the inside edge
of the rear gate until an electronic chirp is heard and the hazard warning flashers flash
three times. The electronic chirp and the flashing hazard warning flashers confirm the
selected PRG height has been registered successfully.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-195-21; Date: 06/07/21

Page 4 of 5

IMPORTANT: The chart below contains other adjustment operations which MUST be completed
before returning the vehicle to customer.
No.

Item:

Check Operation:

When removing/installing each
device:
• Combination meter,
instrument panel, steering
column, etc.

Positions of devices:

1

•

Steering wheel

•

Mirror assembly rearview inner

•

Outer mirror

•

Seat

•

Air conditioner vent grille

•

Power Rear Gate memory
height

Additional Adjustment
Operations when Replacing
Parts:

Adjustment
Operation:

Adjust the device to •
Is the device set to the
the similar position
same position when the
when the vehicle was
vehicle was received
received from the
•
from the customer?
customer.
•

Mirror assembly rearview
inner,roof trim, sunroof
assembly, etc.
Outer mirror, door panel, etc.
Seat, floor carpet, etc.

•

Vent grille, instrument panel,
console box, etc.

•

Power Rear Gate control
module.

Position of switches:

2

•

Wiper, light (AUTO or OFF)

•

Headlight beam leveler

•

Illumination color

•

Room light

•

Seat heater, etc.

•

Power Rear Gate memory
switch ON-OFF status

Set the switch to
Is the switch set to the
the same position
same position when the
when the vehicle was
vehicle was received
received from the
from the customer?
customer.

When removing/installing each
switch

NOTE: No changes have been made to the Warranty Labor Time Guide for this procedure.

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: 07-195-21; Date: 06/07/21

Page 5 of 5