May 2021
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Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter

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01

QMR of the Month

(00) STIS New Releases....................................... 8
(01) QMR of the Month......................................1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations................................................ 2
Tech Tips Greatest Tips
(01) Understanding DTCs and How to Proceed
Properly with Repairs................................... 3
(05) AWD light flashing, STI & WRX..................... 3
(07) WRE-21 Ignition Coil Connector Removal
and Wire Clip Loss- How to Repair.............. 4
(10) 20-21MY LGY/OBK, “Setting temperature .
shift” in A/C CM customization.................... 5
(12) Ascent Sunroof Frame Assembly................. 7

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon. - Thurs.

8:30AM - 7:30PM EST

Friday

10:30AM - 5:00PM EST

Saturday

9:00AM - 3:00PM EST

We are pleased to announce this month’s QMR of the Month Winner:

Cory Calp from
AutoNation Subaru in Cockeysville, MD
The winning QMR of the Month selected from March’s submissions
involved the diagnosis and repair of a 2019MY Ascent with a Check Engine
light that came on during the State Inspection road test. Cory began with
a DTC check and found P0230: FUEL PUMP PRIMARY CIRCUIT stored
in the ECM memory. After gaining access to the fuel pump controller, he
noticed over time with the vehicle running, the unit became abnormally
warm to the touch. He then proceeded with numerous wiring checks to
verify proper voltages, solid grounds, voltage drops and resistance values.
When testing the signal wire from the fuel pump controller, there was
no output voltage at all to the ECM. Cory used the SSM4 oscilloscope
function to check for the controller’s square wave signal which was not
occurring. He ordered a new controller and after installation, confirmed
the square wave signal was within the specification supplied in the Service
Manual I/O Signal Chart. Subsequent post-repair road tests confirmed
the successful repair. Cory’s report included details of each connector /
pin test performed along with the results and a series of quality photos to
support his findings.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with
us, Cory will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:

$500.00 Snap-On gift card

Continued on the next page
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.

The Subaru TechTIPS newsletter is intended for use by professional Technicians ONLY. Articles 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 your vehicle has or will have that condition. Impreza, Legacy, Justy, Loyale, Outback,
Forester, Subaru SVX, WRX, WRX STI, Baja, Tribeca, BRZ, XV Crosstrek, Ascent, Crosstrek Hybrid and
“Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks.

May 2021 TechTIPS

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 10

01

QMR of the Month (CONTINUED)

The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during March 2021 were:

•

David Rizzo from West-Herr Subaru in Orchard Park, NY

•

Matt Venetianer from Reynolds Subaru in Lyme, CT

•

Chris Grad from Ganley Subaru of Wickliffe in Wickliffe, OH

•

David Callender from Roy Robinson Subaru in Tulalip, WA

Any Subaru Technician can participate in the QMR of the Month program. See the February 2013 and
January 2016 issues of Tech TIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a future issue
of Tech TIPS!

01

QMR of the Month Award Presentations

As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we will include a photo (whenever
available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month
submissions received during March 2021 was Cory Calp, a Technician from Subaru of Hunt Valley in
Cockeysville, MD.

Cory is shown above (center) after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card. Also pictured (left to
right) are Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) District Parts and Service Manager Jason Raguz, Subaru of Hunt Valley
Service Manager Eric Nicholson and to Cory’s left are SOA Field Service Engineer Jesse Bunting, and SOA
Field Service Engineer Manager, Greg Pounds.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our March 2021 QMR of the Month Award recipient!

Continued on the next page
May 2021 TechTIPS

Page 2 of 10

This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month’s feature is from
July 2018.

01

Understanding DTCs and How to Proceed Properly with Repairs

The Techline has been receiving calls from Technicians who in some cases are following the wrong
trouble tree when diagnosing DTCs. When a vehicle comes in with multiple codes stored, always
look at the Freeze-Frame (FF) data and the Time Count PID first. This will be the best place to get
a direction as to what the first DTC to set in the affected system was. IMPORTANT: Never clear any
DTCs until all have been recorded and the corresponding FF data saved electronically.
In the example below, a customer came in with a traction (VDC) light, Check Engine light and A/T
Temp light on. If the root cause issue is not current, they could come in with no warning lights on
at all. The Technician connects the SSM and the following DTCs are stored:
•

VDC code C1424 (ECM failure): DTC indicates there is a code in the ECM.

•

ECM code P0700 (AT request MIL on): DTC indicates there is a code in the TCM.

•

TCM code P0841 (Secondary Pressure Sensor Malfunction): This DTC is the root-cause
issue and should be the code the Technician diagnoses first.

In this case, the other codes (C1424 and P0700) are secondary codes. The TCM informed the other
control modules of its failure by setting the P0841. Whenever a control module has an issue and
stores a DTC, there is a strong possibility of DTCs in other modules due to the interdependence
of one system on another through operation of the high-speed CAN system.
You may also see CAN communication codes stored. These DTCs should be interpreted as
secondary or by-product codes unless there are no other codes stored. Always check each
system for DTCs as once the issue has subsided, the only place the DTC will be stored is in the
affected system. An All-System scan will only provide current codes which in the example above,
would be C1424.

05

AWD light flashing, STI & WRX

As the seasons change, WRX & STI owners often swap their wheels and tires for a summer/winter set.
Techline has seen an increase in calls about a concern of the AWD light or DCCD light (model specific)
flashing and being inoperative above certain speeds. This concern has been traced back to excessive
road force in the wheel and tire assembles interfering with the center differential control system. If
you encounter a WRX or STI that the AWD light starts flashing when a certain speed is reached, with
no DTCS or obvious signs of damage, be sure to inspect the wheels and tires. You may find that the
customer has recently installed seasonal tires. At this point, a road force balance should be performed.
Continued on the next page
May 2021 TechTIPS

Page 3 of 10

05

AWD light flashing, STI & WRX (CONTINUED)

Remember, the suggested road force for a passenger tire on a Subaru is 8.0kg (17.6lb) or less as per
the NVH bulletin 05-50-10R. Exceeding these values could cause this condition. If the wheel and tire
assemblies test near this specification, swapping/testing with a like vehicle is recommended.

07

WRE-21 Ignition Coil Connector Removal and Wire Clip Loss- How to Repair

Techline has received reports of some retailers calling and looking for the metal retaining clip from
the ignition coil connector on the engine harness. Technicians are prying the metal retaining clip off to
remove the connector from the ignition coil. This is the incorrect and improper way to disconnect the
connector. The metal retaining clip should not be removed in order to disconnect the connector from
the ignition coil. The metal retaining clip should be pushed down, and the connector pulled off from
the ignition coil. This information is in the Service Manual and was added as an update in the WRE-21
bulletin. It is provided here as reference.

The metal retaining clip itself is not available separately. If the clip is lost the connector will need to be
ordered. The new connector comes with the metal retaining clip installed as shown here.

Supply of these connectors is extremely limited and must be special ordered. Retailers need to order
these connectors only as needed using the existing VOR parts order process. They must then contact
the PICs team, after placing the VOR order, to have the connector(s) released.
Continued on the next page
May 2021 TechTIPS

Page 4 of 10

10

20-21MY LGY/OBK, “Setting temperature shift” in A/C CM customization

A customer may present a concern of their climate control vent temperature seems too hot or cold in
relation to the settings they are choosing. Technicians should be aware of several factors contribute to
the setting being chosen; blower motor speed, the difference between ambient temperature and target
temperature, and the effect of the sun all play a role to a person’s perception of temperature inside
the vehicle. Using the SSM4 a Technician has the ability to adjust/customize the target temperature in
order to compensate and adjust the final vent temperature perceived by the customer. By adjusting the
setting temperature target value, Technicians can raise or lower the final vent temperature to provide the
customer with what they believe to be a more accurate final temperature.
The customization in the SSM4 for the target value can be adjusted from (+)3 to (-)3. This is not a direct
relation to degrees, but levels. It is important to note, changing the target value will also change the blower
motor ramp settings. The customer may notice the fan does not operate with the same characteristics as
it did before the adjustment. This is a normal operating condition.
The A/C CM controls the blower temperature/speed in order to reach the target temp. This will also be
affected depending on the gap between the target temp, actual temp and outside temp. The fan may
initially blow higher and stronger to acquire the target temp selected. Depending on parameters, this may
also create an overshoot scenario in which the customer may feel the system is too hot/cold. This is also
a characteristic of how the system operates.

It is important to note the A/C CM judges the vehicle temperature unit by using the destination set in the
Combination Meter (Canada or US) and will adopt the proper temperature unit: Celsius or Fahrenheit.
When monitoring the A/C CM live data, the control panel setting values do not have a unit. This is simply
showing the range in degrees available for both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Continued on the next page
May 2021 TechTIPS

Page 5 of 10

10

20-21MY LGY/OBK, “Setting temperature shift” in A/C CM customization (CONTINUED)

The Technician should be aware that since we are dealing with perception, this may be a trial-and-error
process the customer may have to assist with. Techline recommends a thorough customer interview and
possible test drive to understand the customer’s temperature perception.
Example: If the customer believes when their vehicle is set to 70°, it is noticeably colder to them, the
target value can be adjusted to a higher (+) target temperature. This in turn, will raise the vent temperature
for the effect of 70º, but in actuality, be above 70° depending on the setting shift. Conversely, if they feel
70° is hotter than it should, lower the setting temperature shift.

The steps to perform the customization can be found on STIS > Diagnostics > Air Conditioning (Diagnostics)
> Customize > Operation.

Continued on the next page
May 2021 TechTIPS

Page 6 of 10

12

Ascent Sunroof Frame Assembly

When diagnosing for air/water leaks, dislodged/deformed molding, performing adjustments, or when
replacing the sunroof frame assembly, DO NOT remove the yellow tape from the double-sided tape
installed on the sunroof frame assembly. It is required to remain in place by design.
NOTE: The yellow tape is not available separately/serviceable, if removed, the sunroof frame assembly
will need to be replaced.

NEVER REMOVE

NEVER REMOVE

Continued on the next page
May 2021 TechTIPS

Page 7 of 10

00

STIS New Releases

ITEM CODE

10-101-21
TIPS0820
H6710AL010
15-236-18R
WTN-74R
15-211-17R
WUA-86R
WTZ-85R
09-51-08R
WRG-20
WRC-21R
12-320-21
07-195-21
F411SFL050
F411SAN030
15-254-19R
09-74-21
15-208-17R
02-187-21
11-203-21
15-279-21R
E515SAN300
E515SAN100
E515SAN040
F551SCC000
MSA5B2201A
MSA5M2209A
MSA5M2212A
MSA5M2201A
J101SSJ201
J101SSJ201
WRE-21
11-198-20R
SOA567R000
E2410CC000
E5610CC000
E2610CC000

ITEM TYPE

Technical Service Bulletin
TechTIPS NewsLetter
Accessory Installation Guide
Technical Service Bulletin
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Owner Manual
Owner Manual
Owner Manual
Owner Manual
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
May 2021 TechTIPS

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

Heater Control Assembly- Desig...
2020 August TechTIPS Newslette...
Cigarette Lighter Kit
Reprogramming File Availabilit...
Reprogramming File Availabilit...
Reprogramming File Availabilit...
Harman Kardon Head Unit Reprog...
Harman Kardon Head Unit FMVSS ...
Catalytic Converter Revised Sh...
Continental Tire Safety Recall
Continental Tire Safety Recall
Front Outer Door Garnish -Desi...
Power Rear Gate Control Module...
2017-2020MY Impreza Sedan Pet-...
2020-2022MY Legacy Pet Friendl...
Map Data Update Procedure for ...
Cleaning Procedure for Carbon ...
Availability of “Gracenote® Me...
Engine Oil Pressure Inspection...
DTC P015A or P015B / Delayed O...
Gen1 Telematics DCM Replacemen...
2022MY Outback and Forester (W...
2022MY Outback (all trim level...
2022MY Outback (Wilderness Edi...
22MY BRZ Cargo Net
2022MY Impreza Getting Started...
2022MYImpreza Subaru STARLINK®...
2022MY Impreza Eyesight Owner'...
2022MY Impreza Owner's Manual
2019-21MY Forester Body Side M...
2019-21MY Forester Body Side M...
Ignition Coil Replacement
DTCs P219C, D, E or F- ECM Rep...
2022MY Outback and Forester (a...
2022MY BRZ STI Front Under Spo...
2022MY BRZ STI Rear Side Under...
2022MY BRZ STI Side Under Spoi...

9-Jun-21
9-Jun-21
8-Jun-21
8-Jun-21
8-Jun-21
8-Jun-21
8-Jun-21
8-Jun-21
7-Jun-21
7-Jun-21
7-Jun-21
7-Jun-21
7-Jun-21
4-Jun-21
4-Jun-21
3-Jun-21
3-Jun-21
2-Jun-21
1-Jun-21
1-Jun-21
27-May-21
27-May-21
27-May-21
27-May-21
27-May-21
26-May-21
26-May-21
26-May-21
26-May-21
21-May-21
21-May-21
19-May-21
19-May-21
19-May-21
19-May-21
19-May-21
19-May-21

Continued on the next page
Page 8 of 10

00

STIS New Releases (CONTINUED)

ITEM CODE

E7110CC00
E5610CC150
02-186-21
18-211-21
WQR-53R
07-176-20R
18-210-21
18-209-21
J501SAN230
J501SAN222

ITEM TYPE

Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Technical Service Bulletin
Service Manual Correction
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Service Manual Correction
Service Manual Correction
Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
May 2021 TechTIPS

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

2022MY BRZ Fender Vent Accent ...
2022 MY BRZ Rear Under Diffuse...
Scavenge Pump Installation- Se...
Service Manual Corrections
Takata Front Passenger Air Bag...
DTCs B118B, B11E5, B11E6 in Dr...
Service Manual Corrections
Service Manual Corrections
PORT INSTALLATION: 2020-2022MY...
2021-2022MY Outback Wilderness...

19-May-21
19-May-21
18-May-21
18-May-21
14-May-21
13-May-21
13-May-21
12-May-21
11-May-21
11-May-21

Continued on the next page
Page 9 of 10

*** Now you can e-mail your TechTIPS input and suggestions to: tech@subaru.com ***
This is your chance to offer suggestions for use in future issues of TechTIPS! Make
sure that if you e-mail us, you place in the subject line of your e-mail “For TechTIPS
Newsletter”. Thank you!
Model:
Year:
VIN:
Description of situation encountered:

Your suggestion for repair procedure, product improvements, etc.:

Please attach separate sheets, if necessary. You may also want to include Service Manual
diagrams or references, or your own drawings to assist in describing your suggestion. All
information submitted becomes the property of Subaru of America, Inc. Permission is granted
to Subaru of America, Inc. to print your name and suggestions in TechTIPS and other Subaru of
America, Inc. publications. Mail items to: PO Box 9103; Camden, NJ 08101-9877.
Your Name:
Signature:
Dealer’s Name:
City:
Date:
Dealer Code:

SUBARU
TECHLINE
Hours of Operation
May 2021 TechTIPS

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm
Continued on the next page
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