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:

All MYs / All Models
Battery Testing and Charging

NUMBER: 07-178-21
DATE: 11/15/21

INTRODUCTION:
This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of
vehicle batteries. This bulletin will focus on those required procedures necessary to ensure the best
possible outcome.
This bulletin contains the following sections / topics:
•
•
•
•

Required tools and related training for effective use and application
Proper identification of battery types used by Subaru and specifics about handling each
Warnings and Cautions when testing and charging batteries using the required tools
Required battery testing and evaluation criteria and instructions.

TOOL INFORMATION:
Knowledge base sites –helpful hints, user manuals:
•

DSS-5000: https://subaru.dss5000.com/
Use for quick analysis of the battery condition:
a. Cranking Condition – Battery’s ability to start the vehicle
b. Reserve Capacity – Battery’s ability to power accessory loads for extended periods of time.

•

DCA-8000: https://subaru.dca8000.com/
Use when Recharge decisions are reached from the DSS-5000 or, in the event of a customer
complaint regarding battery performance:
a. Cranking Condition – Battery’s ability to start the vehicle
b. Reserve Capacity – Battery’s ability to power accessory loads for extended periods of time
c. DCA-8000 Decision – Dynamic Charge Acceptance – Battery’s ability to accept charge after
time spent in a discharged condition
d. Defect detection – additional fault detection for Cranking, Reserve Capacity, and other
factors reducing battery performance.
NOTE: If any issues are experienced with the DSS-5000 or DCA-8000, the Midtronics
Technical Customer Support line is available at: 866-592-8052.

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: 07-178-21; Date: 11/15/21

Page 1 of 11

IDENTIFYING BATTERIES:
The two battery types Subaru uses are (see example images below):
•

Standard flooded batteries (Flooded)

•

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB)

VEHICLE APPLICATIONS:
•

EFB –Utilized on Models equipped with Stop / Start ONLY:
○ 2020-22MY Legacy and Outback
○ 2019-22MY Forester
○ 2019-22MY Ascent
○ 2017-22MY Impreza
○ 2020-22MY Crosstrek with CVT
○ 2014-16MY Crosstrek Hybrid (Engine Restart Battery only) Hybrid Power Control
Module (HPCM)
NOTE: 2019-22MY Ascent and 2017-22MY Impreza could have either an EFB or Flooded
battery.

•

Flooded –All other Subaru models and Model Years

There are additional selections of battery types supported by the Midtronics tools which are not
applicable to Subaru: (AGM, AGM Spiral, Gel). IMPORTANT: With the latest Midtronics
software update (Q2, 2021, version “G” for DCA-8000 and “M” for DSS-5000),critical battery
information (battery type and CCA) which previously populated automatically after VIN entry is now
REQUIRED to be entered accurately by the Technician.
ENHANCED FLOODED BATTERIES (EFB) KEY POINTS:
EFB batteries require different charging and testing logic:
•

Charging with incorrect battery type entered can damage the battery.

•

Testing with incorrect battery type entered can produce incorrect results.

EFB battery types currently being used:
•

Q85 –2019-22MY Forester, 2020-22MY Crosstrek with CVT, 2019-22MY Ascent* and
2017-22MY Impreza*

•

LN2 –2020-22MY Legacy and Outback

•

55N –2014-16MY Crosstrek Hybrid

REMINDER: 2019-22MY Ascent and 2017-22MY Impreza could have either an EFB or Flooded
battery.
Standard Flooded Type
CCA will vary by application

LN2 type EFB
2020-22MY Legacy and Outback

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21; Date: 11/15/21

Page 2 of 11

Q85 Type EFB
2019-22MY Forester and 2020-22MY Crosstrek with CVT, 2019-22MY Ascent
and 2017-22MY Impreza

WARNINGS:
• Because batteries produce flammable gases, never bring any open flame close to the batteries.
•

Ventilate sufficiently when using or charging batteries in an enclosed space.

•

Electrolyte is a highly corrosive acid and has toxicity; use gloves and ALWAYS wear eye
protection whenever handling the fluid or cleaning any deposits / residue from the battery.

•

For safety, in case an explosion does occur, always wear eye protection when working near any
battery. In addition, never lean over the battery.

•

Always prevent electrolyte from coming into contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Especially if
coming in contact with eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention.

•

Always prevent electrolyte from coming contact with any coated or painted surfaces.

•

Before starting work, remove rings, metal watchbands or other metal jewelry.

•

Never let any metal tools contact the positive battery terminal and possibly ground / short out
against anything close to it.

•

When operations using a metal tool on the positive terminal or anything connected to it are
required, CAREFULLY disconnect the ground terminal while supporting the battery sensor
with the other hand before proceeding. IMPORTANT: Always consult the applicable Service
Manual for proper Battery Sensor servicing procedures.

•

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when handling the battery charger.

Battery Inspection:
• Check the battery case, top cover and terminals for dirt or cracks, and perform the following
work as necessary:
○ Clean the battery with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
○ Apply a thin coat of readily available battery terminal protectant on the terminals to prevent
corrosion.
•

If terminal posts are corroded, the terminals must be removed and cleaned.
○ It may be necessary to test the battery with both terminals removed to ensure a good test
connection with the clamps.
○ Clean with a brush and common baking soda solution.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-178-21; Date: 11/15/21

Page 3 of 11

Connecting Testers/Chargers to the Battery:
•

Before disconnecting the battery, ensure the vehicle has been switched off with all the doors
closed for a minimum of 60 seconds.

•

If the battery voltage is less than 8 volts, it is required to use the Subaru Midtronics
DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System.

•

Connecting the clamps:
○ Always confirm the clamp teeth are clean and free of corrosion.
○ Disconnect the ground terminal or CAREFULLY remove the ground cable from the battery
sensor to prevent damage to alternator diodes or other electrical components.
IMPORTANT: Always consult the applicable Service Manual for proper Battery Sensor
servicing procedures.
○ Connect the clamps directly to the battery post/terminal. Avoid connecting to the terminal
bolt/nut. NEVER connect the tester/charger ground clamp to a body or engine ground point.
Use ONLY the battery posts or terminal clamps for testing and / or charging.

○ Rock/rotate clamps to ensure a clean connection onto the battery post/terminal.
IMPORTANT: Never connect the negative clamp to a point that will position the battery
sensor between the clamp and negative battery post.
DCA-8000 Main Menu Options:
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In-Vehicle Charge and Test:
○ Warranty test for use when the battery is in the vehicle or when a system test is needed.
○ NOTE: This is the only test to be used in warranty situations.

•

Out of Vehicle Charge:
○ Non-warranty test for use when the battery is on the bench (an in-vehicle test can also be
used on the bench as long as the VIN is entered). Performs charge and test functions.

•

Manual Charge:
○ Use when needing to charge a battery without running a full diagnostic test procedure.
IMPORTANT: NEVER exceed the default time of (1 hr.) or use this mode without
closely monitoring the battery.
○ Should not be used in normal situations but may be used when battery voltage is too low
to begin an “In Vehicle Charge and Test”.

•

Power Supply mode:
○ Use when performing any vehicle reprogramming functions.

•

Jump Start:
○ Use to jump-start a vehicle with a dead or deeply discharged battery.

•

After New Battery Install:
○ Used for testing newly-installed batteries. Also includes vehicle electronics reset
information after battery installation.

DSS-5000 Main Menu Options:
•

In Vehicle Test:
○ Automates battery testing for quickly testing vehicles using the fewest steps. A VIN is
required and a Warranty Code is generated for all “Replace Battery” decisions.
○ NOTE: This and the Express Test (with a VIN scan / entry) listed below are the only
test to be used in warranty situations.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 07-178-21; Date: 11/15/21

Page 4 of 11

•

Out of Vehicle Test:
○ To be used for testing out-of-vehicle batteries for possible return / replacement.

•

After New Battery Install:
○ To be used for testing newly-installed batteries. Also includes vehicle electronics reset
information after battery installation.