This can be found under: General Description -> Pre-Delivery Inspection -> Procedure

07

Headlight appearance “Dark spot in headlight patterns.”

Subaru has received recent reports of concerns with headlight
beam and pattern appearances. To satisfy the markets’ desire to
illuminate far distances, a more concentrated headlight illumination
pattern has been adopted. As headlight patterns and beam clarity
improve year after year with the evolution of headlight elements
from halogen, HID and LED, drivers have noticed a dark area or
“dark spot” in the beam. This black spot is to satisfy both Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and Insurance Institute
for Highway Safety (IIHS) rules that certain points of the beam
should not be illuminated. The “dark spot” is incorporated into the
beam so as not to “dazzle” corresponding vehicles or pedestrians.
The example shown here is from the new 2022 Forester, notice the
patterns’ “dark spot” is less defined as the distance increases. When
presented with a customer concern of a “dark spot” or “black spot”
in the headlight pattern, it is best practice to confirm the condition
and compare with a like year and model vehicle that is equipped
with like headlights.
April 2022 TechTIPS

Continued on the next page
Page 5 of 10

10

2022 WRX AC Condenser, Oil Residue

When diagnosing an A/C concern, take note that you may notice oil residue where the A/C line connects to the
condenser. During production, oil is applied to the pipe and O-ring to ease installation. If you notice this, it does
not indicate a leak or defect. Simply clean the oil off the connection, operate the AC system and then reinspect
this location. If there are no signs of a leak no further action is necessary.

14

Midtronics DSS-5000 Helpful Hints

This message appeared while attempting to install the latest software version (currently “O” for the DSS-5000
and “I” for the DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System).

Although the DSS was in the dock, the dock properly connected to AC via the AC adapter and a strong WiFi
signal confirmed on the display, the update still could not be installed successfully. On the Main Menu screen,
there was a small red indicator in upper corner of the Messages icon. The message referred to checking
(replacing) the six (6) “AA” batteries of the Internal Battery pack located inside the base of the Tester Pod. To
access the Internal Battery, remove the two small Phillips screws and slide the cover downward.

Continued on the next page
April 2022 TechTIPS

Page 6 of 10

14

Midtronics DSS-5000 Helpful Hints (CONTINUED)

Once the “AA” batteries were replaced, the DSS re-accessed the WiFi and automatically completed the software
update. It is important to know, these batteries must be in good condition for the automatic update feature of
the tool to function properly regardless of whether the dock is connected to AC power or not.
•

Another question relating to the Internal Battery pack was, what to do if the batteries were found to have
been leaking? If damage from the leakage is more than what a thorough cleaning of the contacts can
address and a replacement pack is required, contact Midtronics Service Support at: (866) 592-8052.

•

In some cases, a “Reserve Capacity Test Not Completed” message may also result from a low “AA”
battery pack

15

The Telematics LED: When green does not mean GO

The 3G sunset program claims data and Techline case reporting have highlighted significant failed DCM
replacement. Our customers are bearing the brunt of this Technician-induced failure which primarily stems from
a failure to follow STIS, TSB, and TechTips regarding DCM replacement. Customers would have avoided the
inconvenience of these failures if the Technician had referred to service documentation.
When a new DCM is installed, the Telematics green LED illuminates. This green LED indicates that the DCM is
powered, trouble-free, and ready for initialization via the comm check. The DCM is non-operational at this point
despite the illumination of the green LED. Thousands of DCM replacements have left the retailer in this state,
causing inconvenience and service interruption to our customers.
Just like many of you have experienced with a new cell phone purchase, it is not instantly working out of the
box without doing some things to activate the device on the network. Similarly, a new DCM must be initialized
via the comm check followed by successful provisioning to ensure operation.

Continued on the next page
April 2022 TechTIPS

Page 7 of 10

15

The Telematics LED: When green does not mean GO (CONTINUED)

Anytime there is a DCM replacement, Technicians should be:
1. Referring to documentation to ensure they are following the latest repair and claims requirements to
complete the repair.
a. This includes recording the DCM serial number referenced in TSB 15-195-16R, page 4.
2. Pushing the iButton to perform the comm check and noting that both telematics LEDs flashed, indicating
success.
3. After the comm check completes, the green LED stays illuminated.
4. Pushing the iButton and completing a test call connecting to an operator confirming operation.
The failure to comm check a replacement DCM and ensure the operation is a significant safety concern as
Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) will not be functional. Technicians can avoid creating this
safety concern by following all available service information in STIS, TSBs, and TechTips. Telematics repairs
should follow the CONCERN, CAUSE, CORRECTION, and CONFIRMATION steps of repairs on other safety
systems like SRS, ABS, and ELR.

Continued on the next page
April 2022 TechTIPS

Page 8 of 10

00

STIS New Releases

ITEM CODE

TSG 900MHz PS
MSA5M2301W
E7710VC501
E5610VC010
L101SSJ005
07-162-19R
12-288-20R
J101SVC100
16-112-18R
MSA5M2312A
MSA5B2301A
MSA5M2309A
MSA5M2301A
12-203-16R
J131SVC001
MSA5M2318A
MSA5B2307A
15-236-18R
MSA5M2327A
MSA5B2308A
MSA5M2325A
MSA5M2308A
WRG-21R
15-296-22
15-273-20R
09-89-22
15-295-22
18-219-22
01-167-08R
MSA5M2319A
MSA5M2307A
MSA5M2301M
18-218-22
4/28/2022

ITEM TYPE

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

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.
April 2022 TechTIPS

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

Remote Engine Start Systems Tr...
2023 Warranty and Maintenance ...
2022MY WRX Exhaust Finisher
2022MY WRX Rear Side Under Spo...
PORT INSTALLATION: 2019-2022MY...
Automatic Door Lock / Unlock F...
Power Front Seat Cushion Frame...
2022MY WRX - Mud Flaps
Ignition Key Sticking / Design...
2023MY Impreza Eyesight Owner'...
2023MY Impreza Getting Started...
2023MY Impreza Subaru STARLINK...
2023MY Impreza Owner's Manual
Squeaking Sound from Front Sea...
2017-22MY Impreza (all trims) ...
2022MY Crosstrek Eyesight Owne...
2023MY Crosstrek Getting Start...
Reprogramming File Availabilit...
2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Eyesig...
2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Gettin...
2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Subaru...
2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Owner'...
Fuel Pump Impeller Failure
Denso CP1 MID & HIGH (11.6” Di...
Denso CP1 BASE (Dual 7” Displa...
P0890 TCM Power Relay Sense Ci...
Denso CP1 BASE (Dual 7” Displa...
Service Manual Correction / D...
Recommended Materials (All Veh...
2023MY Crosstrek Subaru STARLI...
2023MY Crosstrek Owner's Manua...
2023 Solterra Warranty and Mai...
Service Manual Correction / DT...
Squeaking Sound Occurs When Tu...

8-Jun-22
8-Jun-22
8-Jun-22
2-Jun-22
25-May-22
23-May-22
23-May-22
19-May-22
19-May-22
18-May-22
18-May-22
18-May-22
18-May-22
18-May-22
18-May-22
17-May-22
17-May-22
17-May-22
17-May-22
17-May-22
17-May-22
17-May-22
17-May-22
13-May-22
13-May-22
12-May-22
12-May-22
12-May-22
11-May-22
10-May-22
10-May-22
9-May-22
9-May-22
3-May-22

Continued on the next page
Page 9 of 10

*** Now you can e-mail your TechTIPS input and suggestions to: [email protected] ***
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
April 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
Page 10 of 10