January 2022
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Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter

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01

© 2022 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

QMR of the Month

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CODE ARTICLE...................................................................PAGE

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

(00) STIS New Releases....................................6-7

Jeremy De Groodt from
Capitol Subaru in San Jose, CA

(01) QMR of the Month......................................1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations................................................ 2
Tech Tips Greatest Tips
(03) Squeak/Chirp Sound from High-Torque CVT .
When Shifting from P/N to D........................ 3
(03) Hub Bearing and Backing Plate
Replacement................................................. 4
(07) Wiring Harness Ground Bolt Torque
Spec...........................................................4-5
(15) 2022MY Forester, HVAC Gesture Control...... 4

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

The winning QMR of the Month selected from November’s submissions
provided a detailed diagnosis of a 2021Outback with no audio output
from the infotainment system regardless of the selected source. While
confirming the condition, Jeremy noticed the Telematics LED was
illuminated red, indicating a fault. A check for DTCs with the SSM
revealed DTC B2A06 in memory for the R/F speaker circuit. He attempted
to perform an active test of the R/F speaker through the Telematics
system but was unable to complete it as the PID shown indicated the
output for the speaker was shorted. Jeremy proceeded to dig into the
wiring between the DCM and the speaker, checking resistances and for
any shorts to ground or to power with no problem found leading him to
replace the DCM. After replacing the DCM, the LED returned to green
and audio output was restored initially but during road testing, audio
output was lost, the Telematics LED went back to being red and DTC
B2A06 DTC returned. Techline was contacted and after reviewing the
prior diagnostic steps taken, a recommendation was made to locate and
inspect the connection where the R/F door harness joins the instrument
panel harness at i29. Upon close inspection, a small puncture was found
in the insulation of the violet wire. Jeremy ordered and installed a new
R/F door wiring harness which restored normal audio and Telematics
function. The TechShare report submitted included detailed results
of each diagnostic test he performed. High quality photos were also
included to document his findings.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience and
TechShare feedback with us, Jeremy 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.

January 2022 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 9

01

QMR of the Month (CONTINUED)

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

•

David Rizzo from West Herr Subaru in Orchard Park, NY

•

Luke Wasson from CMA’s Colonial Subaru in South Chesterfield, VA

•

Chris Grad from Ganley Subaru of Wickliffe in Wickliffe, OH

•

Craig Demeo from Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH

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 November 2021 was 3-Time QMR of the Month Winner Jeremy DeGroodt,
a Master Technician at Capitol Subaru in San Jose, CA.

Jeremy is shown above (right/center) after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card. To his
right are Capitol Subaru’s Service Manager Tony Tran and Subaru of America, Inc. District Parts and Service
Manager Michael Anderson. To his left is Subaru of America, Inc. Field Service Engineer Alan Wolfe.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our November 2021 QMR of the Month Award recipient!

Continued on the next page
January 2022 TechTIPS

Page 2 of 9

This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month’s feature is from
April 2020.

03

Squeak/Chirp Sound from High-Torque CVT When Shifting from P/N to D

The High-Torque CVT equipped in the 2019+MY Ascent, 2015+MY Legacy/Outback 3.6R and XT,
2014-2018MY Forester XT, and 2015MY+ WRX (CVT equipped), may emit a brief squeak or chirp
sound when shifting the transmission from park or neutral to drive. This sound is caused by the
operation of the forward clutch, just before the clutch fully engages. The sound is caused by the
clutch plate friction materials sliding against each other. These plates are designed to accept this
type of contact. The sound does not affect the performance or reliability of the transmission and
is characteristic of its operation so, no attempt should be made to try to repair it. It is important to
ensure there are no DTCs stored as current or in history, there are no drivability concerns present
and, the sound only occurs while the vehicle is stopped and under the conditions described above.

Continued on the next page
January 2022 TechTIPS

Page 3 of 9

03

Hub Bearing and Backing Plate Replacement

It has come to SOAs attention that Technicians are not replacing the backing plate when faced with
hub bearing replacement. It is important to replace the backing plate along with the hub bearing
assembly to avoid repeat bearing failures. TSB 05-70-19R is available to review this information.
A portion of the TSB is shown here as a reference. Always consult the appropriate service manual on
STIS and the most up to date Technical Service Bulletins when replacing parts.

07

Wiring Harness Ground Bolt Torque Spec

When performing diagnostics or replacing vehicle wiring
harnesses, verify all vehicle body ground bolts are torqued
to spec. Vehicle body ground bolts are M6 and have an “E”
(earth/ground) stamped on the bolt head. Be aware, these
bolts may be used in other locations on the vehicle. Proper
torque specification is 13 Nm (9.6 ft-lb). This does NOT
include grounds that bolt to the engine, transmission, or other
components that are not part of the vehicle body. Please see
applicable section (ex: Transmission Assembly > Installation)
in STIS for bolt torque specs on these components.

Continued on the next page
January 2022 TechTIPS

Page 4 of 9

15

2022MY Forester, HVAC Gesture Control

A new feature that will be integrated into Subaru vehicles is Gesture Control. The driver will be able to make
hand gestures to control HVAC features through the Driver Monitor System (DMS). The Gesture feature is
designed so that the customer can change their temperature settings without taking their eyes of the road. To
accomplish this the driver will place their hand in front of the occupant recognition sensor. The gesture of an
open palm with the fingers spread will raise the temperature of the air conditioning while a gesture of a closed
fist will lower the temperature. The customer should be aware that if they are wearing gloves it may interfere
with the recognition of the gesture being made. If a customer has a concern that involves the intermittent
changing of climate control features the Gesture Control may be the cause. The Technician should confirm that
the feature is active and interview the customer to ensure that they are aware of its function and confirm that
they know proper operation.

Be sure to interview the customer about objects that are on the dash or rearview mirror area that
they may remove when they drop off the vehicle as they may contribute to a false command being
recognized. There has been confirmation that some objects hanging from the rearview mirror have
triggered the Gesture Control to change settings. Technicians should confirm the concern by test
driving the vehicle with all the customers items present in the vehicle. Once the concern has been
duplicated a second test drive should be performed with objects such as parking passes, handicap
placards, graduate tassels, or beads removed from the rearview mirror to confirm if they are associated
with the customer concern. The Gesture Control can be temporarily turned off by the customer, but
it requires them to turn off the Driver Monitor System. The system will turn back on if the ignition
is cycled, or the driver’s door has been opened and closed. The Gesture Control can be disabled
with SSM through Driver Monitor customization functions. Additional information regarding activation
conditions.

Continued on the next page
January 2022 TechTIPS

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15

2022MY Forester, HVAC Gesture Control (CONTINUED)

Continued on the next page
January 2022 TechTIPS

Page 6 of 9

00

STIS New Releases

ITEM CODE

15-192-22R
C1010VA001
SOA567R200
SOA567R100
F411SSJ020
07-205-22
13-104-21
16-136-22R
18-217-22R
06-84-22
L9020BE
09-83-21R
15-293-22
15-240-19R
09-80-21
12-234-22
J121SAN500
J121SAN200
J121SAN100
01-175-16
06-85-22
WRL-21
15-255-19R
C1010VA001
15-234-18R
WRE-21R
MSA5B2205A
15-291-22
MSA5M2210A
MSA5M2215A
MSA5M2205A
07-204-22
H505SSJ000
E7210VC200
J121SVC000
H101SSJ000

ITEM TYPE

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

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
January 2022 TechTIPS

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

Infotainment Concern Data Coll...
PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY WRX ...
2019-22MY Ascent Pet Rear Door...
2019-22MY Forester Pet Rear Do...
2019-22MY Forester Seat Cover ...
Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection ...
2022 MY Paint Coding Informati...
Vibration & Possible Judder Co...
Service Manual Correction / DT...
DTC B2809- VDC Abnormal & B2C2...
2022MY WRX Body Repair Manual
3.6L Water Pump-Design Change ...
Remote Climate Control Operati...
New Harman Audio Amplifiers
DTC # P2682 & P26Ax** / Thermo...
Body Repair Manual Correction
2022MY Outback Exterior Graphi...
2022MY Outback Exterior Graphi...
2022MY Outback Exterior Graphi...
E-Mailing Files to Techline an...
Rear Stabilizer Bar / Design C...
Front Axle Housings
Map Data Update Procedure for ...
PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY WRX ...
2019 Audio/Navigation & Power ...
Ignition Coil Replacement
2022MY WRX Getting Started Gui...
Gen1 Telematics DCM Replacemen...
2022MY WRX Subaru STARLINK® Ow...
2022MY WRX Eyesight Owner's Ma...
2022MY WRX Owner's Manual
Tentative Select Monitor Proce...
PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY Fore...
PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY WRX ...
2022MY WRX - Carbon Fiber Trun...
2022MY Forester Long Range Pus...

18-Mar-22
16-Mar-22
16-Mar-22
16-Mar-22
16-Mar-22
15-Mar-22
10-Mar-22
9-Mar-22
9-Mar-22
7-Mar-22
7-Mar-22
7-Mar-22
4-Mar-22
2-Mar-22
28-Feb-22
28-Feb-22
28-Feb-22
28-Feb-22
28-Feb-22
28-Feb-22
23-Feb-22
23-Feb-22
22-Feb-22
22-Feb-22
21-Feb-22
21-Feb-22
18-Feb-22
18-Feb-22
18-Feb-22
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18-Feb-22
18-Feb-22
18-Feb-22
18-Feb-22
18-Feb-22
18-Feb-22

Continued on the next page
Page 7 of 9

00

STIS New Releases (CONTINUED)

ITEM CODE

15-192-22
12-233-22
05-75-20R
16-132-20R
06-83-22
16-125-19R
16-138-22R
E721SAN031XX
TSG 900MHz KS
09-85-22
15-261-20R
SUTTIPSLOC

ITEM TYPE

Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Accessory Installation Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
Service Diagnostics
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Other/Miscellaneous

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

Infotainment Concern Data Coll...
Squeak Sound During Front Wind...
Front Coil Spring- Design Chan...
Diagnostic Information for All...
VDC Reprogramming File Availab...
CVT Oil Pan- Design Change
DTC P0613 – TCM Processor
2020-2022MY Legacy - Trunk Spo...
Remote Engine Start Systems Tr...
2022 WRX Service Manual VH
Front Exhaust Pipe Cover Repla...
Reprogramming File Availabilit...
TechTIPS Article Locator Index...

16-Feb-22
11-Feb-22
10-Feb-22
8-Feb-22
8-Feb-22
3-Feb-22
3-Feb-22
2-Feb-22
2-Feb-22
2-Feb-22
1-Feb-22
28-Jan-22
25-Jan-22

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.

Continued on the next page
January 2022 TechTIPS

Page 8 of 9

*** 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
January 2022 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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