15-300-22 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

ATTENTION:

GENERAL MANAGER
q
PARTS MANAGER
q
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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© 2022 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
SERVICE BULLETIN

APPLICABILITY:
All Gen2 Telematic Equipped Models
NUMBER: 15-300-22

DATE: 08/29/22
SUBJECT: STARLINK® Telematics Remote Engine Start

		 Only runs 15 seconds after successful engine

		start

INTRODUCTION:

This Service Information Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote

Engine Start (RES). In some cases, after successfully initiating STARLINK® Telematics Remote

Engine Start, the vehicle will run for only 15 seconds and then turn off. The information contained

in this bulletin is only to be used when diagnosing this described condition. The information in this

bulletin DOES NOT apply to the Subaru Long Range Remote Start Accessory.

Applicability

Model
MY 2016
MY 2017
MY 2018
MY 2019
MY 2020
MY 2021
MY 2022
Ascent
n/a
n/a
n/a
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Crosstrek
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Crosstrek Hybrid
n/a
n/a
n/a
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Forester
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Impreza
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Legacy
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 2
Gen 2
Gen 2
Outback
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen2
Gen 2
Gen 2
WRX
n/a
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 1
Gen 2
BRZ
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Gen 2
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: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 1 of 9
Service Procedure / Information:

REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.

The use of this document relies heavily on electrical system information, wiring schematics,

diagrams, components connector locations and testing methods that are found in the Body &

Electrical / Wiring System Sections of the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS). A

Technician should be proficient with their use of STIS and possess advanced electrical diagnosis

skills before attempting to use this document. Due to the complexity of the test procedure and the

electrical systems involved, it is essential that the Technician practices strict adherence to the process

and take particular care not to introduce a secondary fault(s) into these systems. Any improper testing

methodology could lead to unnecessary component damage/replacement or harness damage. When

engaging Techline with questions, be prepared with DVOM measurements or oscilloscope patterns

for every step of the diagnostic procedure. Failure to provide accurate measurements and review of

your testing methodology will significantly impede Techline’s ability to provide efficient support.

IMPORTANT: This procedure looks for incorrect or induced voltages to the circuit by outside

influence on the Data Control Module (DCM), Keyless Access Control Module (KACM), Engine

Control Module (ECM), and Body Integrated Unit (BIU) power supply circuits. Taking extra time

inspecting the vehicle for aftermarket accessories installed is critical, so that test results are not

skewed. Accessories such as backup cellphone batteries plugged into USB ports or battery jump

packs plugged into 12V charging ports can back feed voltage and influence vehicle operation,

including the test results.

The retailer should secure the use of the customer’s MySubaru account during the diagnosis for this

concern. There will be significant STARLINK® Remote Engine Start use during diagnosis and repair.

Relying only on the customer to perform RES is inefficient and unreliable for this testing.

CRITICAL: Use of this trouble tree assumes that the telematics system is clear of any current

DTCs and passes operational checks other than expected remote engine start operation. If there are

any current telematics DTCs or observed unexpected behavior, consult with Techline or your Field

Service Engineer prior to use of this trouble tree.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 2 of 9
1. PRELIMINARY CHECKS

1. Confirm there are no aftermarket accessories installed in the vehicle.

2. Make sure nothing is plugged into any of the USB ports.

3. Make sure a cell phone is not sitting on the charging pad if equipped.

4. Pull Fuse No. 4 in passenger side fuse box.

5. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the

passenger side fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground

and the positive lead to both sides of the fuse.

IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?
YES: Go to Step 2: ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1.
NO: 0 V found at both sides of Fuse No. 4. Go to Step 6: KACM A19
2. ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1

1. Remove accessory relay 1 from passenger side fuse panel.

2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the
passengerside fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground

and the positivelead to both sides of the fuse.

IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?
YES: Go to Step 3: ACCESSORY FUSE.
NO: Go to Step 2a: ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1 PART 2.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 3 of 9
2a. ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1, PART 2

1. Swap accessory relay 1 with accessory relay 2.

2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the
passengerside fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground

and the positivelead to both sides of the fuse.
IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?
YES: Go to Step 4: KACM
NO: Replace accessory relay 1 that should now be installed in accessory relay 2

position. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
3. ACCESSORY FUSE

1. Remove accessory fuse feeding terminal A20 of the DCM from the driver’s side fuse

panel.
Ascent / Crosstrek / Forster / Impreza = Fuse No. 54 (ACC)

Legacy / Outback / WRX = Fuse No. 51 (ACC)
2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the
passengerside fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground

and the positivelead to both sides of the fuse.

IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?
YES: Find short to power or unexpected power supply on circuit between Fuse

No. 4 of passenger fuse panel and Accessory Fuse feeding terminal A20 of DCM

in drivers fuse panel.
NO: Reinstall Accessory Fuse. Determine components fed by Accessory Fuse in

drivers fuse box and disconnect them one at a time retesting at Fuse No. 4 after

each component is removed to determine if it is the source of the unexpected

voltage.
After repair of above findings (either short to power at harness or component

supplying unexpected voltage) go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 4 of 9
4. KACM

1. Disconnect KACM.

2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the passenger
side fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground and the positive

lead to both sides of the fuse.
IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?
YES: Go to Step 5: KACM ISOLATION
NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
5. KACM ISOLATION

1. Remove Accessory relay 1 and accessory relay 2 from the passenger fuse panel.

2. Using DVOM with red lead connected to terminal A16 of KACM connector and black

lead connected to the under-hood battery negative terminal measure resistance.
IS RESISTANCE AT TERMINAL A16 LESS THAN 1 MEGA OHM?
YES: Short to ground indicated on circuit. Replace harness.
NO: DVOM indicates OL. Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
NOTE: The prerequisite for moving to Step 6: KACM A19 is with Pushbutton off, Engine Off there

is no voltage at Fuse No. 4 of the passenger side fuse panel. If voltage is still present at Fuse No.

4 start testing over at Step 1: PRELIMINARY CHECKS or contact Techline for assistance before

proceeding.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 5 of 9
6. KACM A19

1. Measure the voltage change at the A19 terminal (back probing) of the KACM when the

remote engine starting operation is performed.
WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF THE KACM?

Voltage at A19 is always 0 V: Go To Step 6a: KACM A19 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS

Voltage at A19 is always 12 V: Go To Step 6b: KACM A19 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS

Voltage at A19 varies 12V – 0V – 12V: Go To Step 6c: KACM A19 VARYING VOLTAGE.
6a. KACM A19 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS

1. Performing step 6.1 the DVOM always read 0 volts at the A19 terminal (back probing)

of the KACM when the remote engine starting operation is performed.
IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF KACM ALWAYS 0 VOLTS?

Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as open circuit or excessive resistance. Was harness abnormality found?
YES: Replace Harness

NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
6b. KACM A19 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS

1. . Performing step 6.1 the DVOM always read 12 volts at the A19 terminal (back probing) of the KACM when the remote engine starting operation is performed.

IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF KACM ALWAYS 12 VOLTS?

Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as short to power. Was

harness abnormality found?
YES: Replace Harness
NO: Replace ECM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 6 of 9
6c. KACM A19 VARYING VOLTAGE.

1. Performing step 6.1 the DVOM measurement varied 12V – 0V – 12 V at the A19 terminal (back probing) of the KACM when the remote engine starting operation is performed.

IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF KACM VARYING 12V TO 0v TO 12V DURING RES OPERATION?

YES: Go to Step 7: KACM A16

NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
7. KACM A16

1. Measure voltage at terminal A16 of KACM during remote engine start operation with an

oscilloscope.
NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)

(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.

WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF THE KACM?

Voltage at A16 is always 0 V: Go To Step 7a: KACM A19 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS.

Voltage at A16 is always 12 V: Go To Step 7b: KACM A19 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS.

Voltage at A16 varies 12V – 0V – 12V: Go To Step 7c: KACM A19 VARYING

VOLTAGE.
7a. KACM A16 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS.

1. Performing step 7.1 the oscilloscope always read 0 volts at terminal A16 of KACM during remote engine start operation.
NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)

(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.

IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF KACM ALWAYS 0 VOLTS?

Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as open circuit or

excessive resistance. Was harness abnormality found?

YES: Replace Harness

NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 7 of 9
7b. KACM A16 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS.

1. . Performing step 7.1 the oscilloscope always read 12 volts at terminal A16 of KACM

during remote engine start operation.
NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)

(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.

IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF KACM ALWAYS 12 VOLTS?

Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as short to power. Was

harness abnormality found?

YES: Replace Harness

NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
7c. KACM A16 VARYING VOLTAGE.

1. Performing step 7.1 the oscilloscope read 12V – 0V – 12V at terminal A16 of KACM

during remote engine start operation with an oscilloscope.
NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)

(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.
IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF KACM VARYING 12V TO 0v TO 12V DURING RES OPERATION?

Perform inspection of terminal A16 of KACM for abnormalities such as intermittent open, excessive resistance or short to ground. Was harness abnormality

found?

YES: Replace Harness

NO: Replace BIU. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 8 of 9
8. REINSTALL and RETEST.

1. Reinstall all components removed for testing.

2. Retest operation of Remote Engine Start for expected behavior.
DOES RES EXHIBIT BEHAVIOR OF RUNNING 15 SECONDS THEN SHUTTING OFF?
YES: Go to Step 1: PRELIMINARY CHECKS.
NO: If RES starts as expected and runs for the selected period vehicle is repaired

and no further action is necessary.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:

There have been no changes made to the Warranty Labor Time Guide regarding these procedures.
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: 15-300-22; Date: 08/29/22
Page 9 of 9

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