ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2014-15 Forester Models

NUMBER: 15-173-14

SUBJECT: Exterior Auto Dim Mirrors with Approach Lighting
DATE: 05/16/14
INTRODUCTION
There have been a limited number of cases where the appearance of the exterior Auto Dim mirror
glass has changed to having a permanent dark blue or yellowish tint (sometimes also with a pattern)
as shown in the example photos below.

The source of this condition has been traced to a short to ground in the interior Auto Dim mirror
harness as a result of improper routing during installation. The interior Auto Dim mirror controls
the dimming function of the 2 exterior mirrors. This short to ground may result in excessive voltage
(more than 1.6v) being applied to the Auto Dim mirror circuit. The result is damage to both exterior
mirrors as described above.
PART INFORMATION
• J201SSG000 Exterior Auto Dim Mirror Kit with Approach Lighting
• H501SSG010 Interior Auto Dim Mirror wiring harness (with or without Homelink®)
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
Remove the upper console / map light assembly by removing the 2 screws above the sunglass holder
and CAREFULLY releasing the 2 rear retaining clips using a plastic trim tool as shown below.

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.

Bulletin Number: 15-173-14; Date: 05/16/14

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
“ISO 14001 COMPLIANT”
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

Once the upper console / map light assembly is removed, CAREFULLY disconnect the map light
(and if equipped, sunroof switch) harness connectors as shown below then set it aside in a safe place.

Sunroof Harness
Connector

Map Light Harness
Connector

Figure 1 below shows a damaged (pinched) wiring harness. Figure 2 shows how the Auto Dim mirror
harness should NOT be routed.
Mounting
screw boss
areas

Figure 1

Figure 2

If after removing the upper console / map light assembly, harness damage is confirmed, replace the
interior Auto Dim Mirror w/Compass wiring harness. Repairing this harness is not recommended.
REMINDER: Always confirm any part numbers being ordered are the most up-to-date. Install
the new replacement wiring harness. It must be routed as to not interfere with either of the 2 map
light assembly mounting screw boss areas or any other potential harness pinch area (e.g. clips, metal
brackets, etc…) then tucked above the headliner as shown in Figures 3A and 3B on the next page.
NOTE: Do not reinstall the upper console at this point as additional circuit testing is required.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-173-14; Date: 05/16/14

Page 2

Photo shows harness
properly installed, right
side of map light / upper
console opening, tucked
in above the headliner.

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

After installation of the new mirror harness, remove both damaged exterior Auto Dim mirror glass
assemblies following the procedure shown in the Accessory Installation Guide accessible on STIS.

NOTE: It is recommended to download and print the .pdf of this procedure then read through it
in its entirety before proceeding further as there are 18 steps to complete the mirror glass assembly
replacement.
After removal of both exterior Auto Dim mirror glass assemblies, both exterior mirror circuits will
need to be tested to ensure that no other concerns are present which could affect the operation of the
new replacement parts.
Activate the interior Auto Dim mirror by covering the forward-facing sensor while the key is in the
ON or RUN position as shown in the illustrations below.

Using dark cloth or cardboard, completely
cover forward-looking sensor.
Forward-Looking Sensor

1- Cover sensor (Black tape OK)

2- Key On

3- Mirror dims / darkens

Perform the following voltage tests on BOTH exterior mirror harness connectors before installing
the new Auto Dim mirror glass assemblies. With the interior Auto Dim mirror in the dimmed state,
connect a DVOM set to read DC voltage. Confirm the voltage at BOTH of the Auto Dim circuit
exterior mirror 2-pin harness connectors does not exceed 1.6v as shown in the photo below. If the
required voltage is not present or if another electrical concern is found to exist, diagnose and repair it
before proceeding.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-173-14; Date: 05/16/14

Page 3

Auto-dimming
circuit male
connector

Once the Auto Dim circuit voltage is verified as acceptable, replace both exterior Auto Dim mirror
glass assemblies following the procedure in the Accessory Installation Guide referenced above.
Reinstall the upper console / map light assembly in reverse order of removal paying close attention to
the following precautions:
•

Refer to figures 3A and 3B above and do a final check for proper positioning of the new Auto
Dim mirror harness.

•

Reconnect the wire harness connector for the map lights and, if equipped with a sunroof,
confirm the 6-wire harness connector is properly fitted onto its (blue) retainer as shown
below.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-173-14; Date: 05/16/14

Page 4

•

Make sure the upper console / map light assembly’s retaining claws engage above the support
properly to retain the front edge before reattaching the 2 rear edge retaining clips and the 2
mounting screws as shown below.

Claws must “engage”
above these edges to
properly secure the
assembly.
Claws

•

Confirm proper operation of all 3 Auto Dim mirrors to complete procedure.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be claimed using the
following information:
LABOR DESCRIPTION

LABOR
OPERATION #

FAIL
CODE

LABOR
TIME

EXTERIOR AUTO DIMMING MIRROR REPAIR

A063-804

ZPV-38

0.5

Bulletin Number: 15-173-14; Date: 05/16/14

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