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IMPORTANT - All
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SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE INFORMATION
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

All Vehicles
Subaru Leak Detection System

NUMBER: 14-20-14R
DATE: 07/15/14

INTRODUCTION
This bulletin will cover the Subaru Portable Leak Detector and its accessories, which includes a
custom Subaru adapter kit. Some uses for this machine include diagnosing evaporative emissions
systems, engine vacuum, PCV, exhaust systems, and passenger cabins.
SERVICE INFORMATION

NOTE: The Reset button is only used if the positive and negative battery cables have been reversed.
Continued...
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.

Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

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.

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The Subaru Portable Leak Detector uses a mineral-oil based smoke producing agent which contains
no dyes or contaminants. The machine produces a distinct visible vapor and smell both of which will
help find leaks. The fluid reservoir is filled by accessing the fluid fill plug located on the top rear of
the machine. Always use Subaru Approved fluid to ensure proper performance. The fluid capacity is
2oz. Do not overfill the reservoir. Inspect fluid level every 50-100 tests performed. Do not use
dyes / UVdyes in Subaru EVAP or intake systems because it may coat critical sensors.

Custom accessories designed specifically
for use with Subaru evaporative systems are
included with this kit:
•
•
•
•
•

Nipple covers (qty 4)
Quick Connector Hose plug
Quick Connector Hose plug with
pressure input
Single start filler cap adapter
Dual start filler cap adapter

The filler cap adapters provide a pressurization input for the Subaru Portable Leak Detector. The
two filler cap adapters appear very similar. Using the wrong adapter may cause a leak or damage
the adapter or filler neck. The dual start adapter is labeled. The single start adapter is not labeled.
Perform a check on the gas cap of the test vehicle by rotating it by 180 degrees to see if there is two
thread starts or a single start. Select the matching filler cap adapter.

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Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

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A halogen inspection light is provided to aid in the identification of system leaks. The bright white
beam of the halogen light enhances even the smallest wisps of smoke from escape points. The
halogen inspection light connects to standard 12v power sources.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•

All diagnostic work should be performed with the engine off.

•

Do not leave a vehicle unattended while equipment is connected or operating.

•

Equipment operates on a 12 Volt battery.
Connect machine to battery (+) and chassis ground (-).

•

Do not perform tests near a source of spark or ignition.

•

Work in a well-ventilated area.

•

Always wear the appropriate safety clothing and protective equipment.

DIAGNOSTICS
1.

Self-test

Prepare the Subaru Portable Leak Detector by connecting the battery power cables to a fully charged
automotive battery. Select Air Only Test and adjust the Flow Control Knob until full flow is achieved
by observing the Flow Meter Ball.
NOTE: Do not over loosen or tighten the Flow Control Knob as damage to the machine will occur.

Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

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Block the pressure output hose with your thumb until the pressure gauge displays approximately 12
in.H2O.

Turn the machine off and monitor the pressure and flow gauges. Pressure should remain constant at
12 in.H2O and the flow rate should remain at zero. If any pressure decay or leak down is observed, a
leak in the machine is present. No further vehicle diagnostics should be attempted until the machine
has been repaired.

2.

Evaporative Emissions System, Vehicle Preparation

The Subaru Portable Leak Detector can be used to perform a variety of evaporative emissions system
tests. The custom adapter kit has been designed to allow for diagnostic flexibility in isolating the root
cause of an evaporative emissions system leak. After performing the Subaru Portable Leak Detector
self test, prepare the vehicle for an evaporative emission system pressurization test by sealing the
entire system or specific components.
NOTE: This preparation will vary depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Always
consult STIS for system component identification and locations. Also refer to the Basic Emissions
and Fuel Systems [405] Technician Reference Booklet (TRB) for details on evaporative emissions
systems theory and diagnosis.
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Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

Page 4

A. To seal off the entire evaporative emissions system, plug the Drain Hose from the
Evaporative Canister with the Quick Connector Hose Plug Adapter.
(2015 Outback 2.5i Drain Hose shown.)
NOTE: Ensure that the Quick Connector lock is fully engaged before proceeding.

B. The nipple caps can also be used to seal the male side of the Quick Connectors.
(2015 Outback 2.5i Fuel Tank Vent Hose shown.)

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Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

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C. The Quick Connector Hose Plug with pressure input can be used to isolate specific segments
of the Evaporative Emissions system for diagnosis.
(2015 Outback 2.5i Evaporative Canister shown.)

3.

Evaporative Emissions System, Pressure and Smoke Testing

Once vehicle preparations are complete, prepare the Subaru Portable Leak Detector for pressure and
smoke diagnosis. The system can be pressurized from several locations including, but not limited to,
the filler cap and canister purge line.

NOTE: If the ELCM is pressurized from the drain outlet, some leakage from the ELCM’s
waterproof electrical connector may occur. This is normal, as the drain side of the ELCM is normally
only exposed to atmospheric pressures. So, any pressure greater than atmospheric pressure can
induce leakage.

Continued...
Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

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Begin by pressurizing the system with the Air Only Test. Once system pressure has stabilized
at approximately 12-13 in.H2O, press the Air Only Test button to turn off the machine. Observe
the pressure gauge to identify any decay or leak down. If a leak is present, the rate of loss can be
determined by the position of the flow meter ball.

If a leak is suspected, press the Smoke Test button and allow the system to fill with smoke. Visually
inspect the system for signs leaks with the aid of the Halogen Inspection Light. Adjusting the Flow
Control Knob may assist in pinpointing a smaller leak.
NOTE: When using the Smoke Test function, operating pressure will be higher. Exercise caution
when working with sensitive components.

Continued...
Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

Page 7

The Smoke Test function can also be used as a decay or leak down test. Once the machine is turned
off, the leak detector itself will bleed off pressure to approximately 12 - 13 in.H2O, just as in the Air
Only Test. Again, pressure loss and flow rate should be observed.

Service Information Number: 14-20-14; Date: 07/15/14

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