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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© 2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

2019-23MY Forester

NUMBER: 07-218-23
DATE: 02/10/23

Genuine Alternative Battery Replacement

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery
introduced to satisfy current supply demands. The new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement
Battery has a higher capacity and is slightly larger in size. When replacing an original equipped
battery (SOA821B600) with this new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery
(SOA821B900), additional parts and slight modification will be required to ensure proper positioning
and security. Please refer to work procedures outlined below.
PART INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being
repaired.
Part Description

Part Number

Battery

SOA821B900

Part Description

Part Number

TRAY-BATTERY

82122CA000

BATTERY COVER

82123AN000

IMPORTANT NOTE: The parts listed
above must be ordered through PRIME.

EPDM Neoprene SBR Strip
2 in x 50 ft, 1/116 Thick, Black, Closed Cell,
Smooth
Item # 6YHD7
Available from Grainger®
Used for battery tray modification

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: 07-218-23; Date: 02/10/23

Page 1 of 5

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
Please review the battery identification, charging, and testing information provided in Service
Bulletin 07-178-21 prior to performing any battery testing and/or charging. ALWAYS confirm
Midtronics equipment has the latest software available.
IMPORTANT: The original battery tray, and battery cover are to be cleaned and returned to the
customer.
STEP 1: Refer to the applicable Service Manual and review: General Description > Repair Contents
> Action required before & after Battery Disconnect. Additionally, record any stored seat position(s)
before proceeding. Relearn any seat position memory after work is complete. If the power rear gate
(PRG) height has been customized, that position must also be noted and relearned.

STEP 2: Remove the battery as per the applicable Service Manual: Engine > STARTING/
CHARGING SYSTEMS > Battery > Removal

STEP 3: Prepare the replacement battery tray (p.n. 82122CA000) for installation:
A. CAREFULLY cut off and trim the two protrusions on the bottom of the battery tray. This
will allow a more streamlined fit when installed on the vehicle. Try to make the cut as flush
as possible.

CAUTION: Be sure the protrusions are trimmed flush. The remaining protrusion height MUST be
less than 2mm to provide proper fitment.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-218-23; Date: 02/10/23

Page 2 of 5

B. Remove the original battery tray. DO NOT
discard, this must be returned to the customer.

C. Prepare two pieces of EPDM neoprene sponge strip. Cut the sections approximately 40 mm
tall and 50 mm wide. EPDM Neoprene SBR Strip (item # 6YHD7) supplied by Grainger®
was used in the example photos below.

D. Cover the newly made holes with the two previously prepared EPDM neoprene sponge strip
pieces.

E. Securely fit the replacement battery tray to
the vehicle.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-218-23; Date: 02/10/23

Page 3 of 5

STEP 4: Install the NEW battery cover (p.n. 82123AN000) to the alternative replacement battery.
Confirm the bottom of the cover is aligned flush with the bottom of the battery.

STEP 5: Install the replacement battery as per the applicable Service Manual: Engine > STARTING/
CHARGING SYSTEMS > Battery > Installation
STEP 6: Install the original battery holder and holding rods on to the battery.
A. Torque the two holding rod mounting nuts to 3.5 N·m (2.6ft-lbs. or 31inch-lbs.).
B. Torque the positive terminal to 6 N·m (4.4ft-lbs. or 53inch-lbs.).
C. Torque the negative terminal to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.-lbs. or 66inch-lbs.).
D. If the battery sensor is removed or disconnected torque to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.-lbs. or 66inchlbs.) while supporting the sensor with the other hand as outlined in the applicable
Service Manual under: STARTING/CHARGING SYSTSEMS > Battery Sensor.
NOTE: Confirm the battery holder is center mounted with the battery cables secured and routed
correctly.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-218-23; Date: 02/10/23

Page 4 of 5

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be submitted using
the following claim information:
Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

START-STOP BATTERY TEST & REPLACE

A800-002

0.5

ADD TIME; MOUNTING HARDWARE R&R

B800-055

0.2

Fail Code
FFF-42

NOTES:
•

Up to $3.50 maximum may be charged out per repair in sublet to cover the cost of materials
used.

•

A valid battery test code or an authorization with reason Leaking/cracked battery with be
required for Claim submission.

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: 07-218-23; Date: 02/10/23

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