May 2022
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter

Articles Contained
in this Issue
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Click the date located in the footer to return to page 1.

CODE ARTICLE...................................................................PAGE
(00) STIS New Releases..................................9-10

01

© 2022 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

TechShare QMR of the Month

We are pleased to announce this month’s TechShare QMR of the Month
Winner:

(01) QMR of the Month......................................1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations................................................ 2
(01) Replacement of components on the CAN .
network and Central Gateway Control
.
module LAN registration............................... 3
(15) Charging Cables and Touch Screen
Concerns....................................................3-4
(15) CP1 Navigation shows the wrong
location......................................................5-6
(15) Harman 3.1 Base & Base+ Only, Ghost
.
Image or Double Image................................ 6
(15) Importance of Inspecting for Aftermarket .
Devices. Check the USB port & LEDs.........7-8

John Cote from
Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru in Orangeburg, NY

John created a high quality QMR using TechShare reporting on key fob
not communicating with vehicle. His report included diagnostic steps,
high-quality photos, videos and SSM Data.
Please refer to the following link to review the TechShare QMR in detail.
https://subarutechshare.com/qmrs/TS-192945
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with
us, John will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon. - Thurs.

8:30AM - 7:30PM EST

Friday

10:30AM - 5:00PM EST

Saturday

9:00AM - 3:00PM EST

$500.00 Snap-On gift card

Continued on the next page
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.

The Subaru TechTIPS newsletter is intended for use by professional Technicians ONLY. Articles 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 your vehicle has or will have that condition. Impreza, Legacy, Justy, Loyale, Outback,
Forester, Subaru SVX, WRX, WRX STI, Baja, Tribeca, BRZ, XV Crosstrek, Ascent, Crosstrek Hybrid and
“Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks.

May 2022 TechTIPS

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.

Page 1 of 11

01

QMR of the Month (CONTINUED)

The other regional winners selected from TechShare QMRs submitted during March 2022 were:

•

David Nichols from Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru in Minnetonka, MN

•

John Venegas from Sierra Subaru of Monrovia in Monrovia, CA

•

Trevor Wales from Burlington Subaru in Burlington, VT

•

Luke Wasson from VCMA’s Colonial Subaru in South Chesterfield, VA

Any Subaru Technician can participate in the TechShare QMR of the Month program. See the February
2013 and January 2016 issues of TechTIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a
future issue of TechTIPS!

01

QMR of the Month Award Presentations

As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we will include a photo (whenever
available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month
submissions received during March 2022 was John Cote, Shop Foreman and Master Technician at Bill
Kolb Jr. Subaru, Orangeburg NY.

John is shown above (center) after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card and NOCO Boost
GB40. To his right is Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru’s Fixed Operations Director Joe Minns. To his left is Subaru
Distributors Corporation Field Service Engineer, Jim Colamarino.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our March 2022 QMR of the Month Award recipient!

Continued on the next page
May 2022 TechTIPS

Page 2 of 11

01

Replacement of components on the CAN network and Central Gateway Control
module LAN registration

Techline recommends that if any component on the CAN network attached to the Central Gateway
Control Module (CGW) is replaced, that the CGW be re-registered so it can properly identify and
function with other modules.
An example Techline has identified is if the DCM is replaced for a fault code, the remote services
associated with the Gen 2 Telematics system may operate erratically or be inoperative. The DCM
provides the command to the network through the CGW, and in turn, the CGW distributes the command.
If the CGW is not registered to the new device, the command may not be completed.
This situation could happen with any device on the network, including but not limited to the Cockpit
Control Unit (CCU), Cockpit Information Display (CID), Body Integrated Unit (BIU), Engine Control
Module (ECM, Air Conditioning Control Module, or Keyless Access Control Module (KACM). These
devices receive and provide commands to and from the CGW.
It is best practice to perform this action before the repairs are finalized and the vehicle system in
question is retested for proper operation. The re-register command can be found in the CGW Work
Support using the SSM. Proper battery charge should be checked before issuing this command.
If a component is swapped for another vehicle for testing, a Recovery option is also in work support
which will have you re-register the system again.

15

Charging Cables and Touch Screen Concerns

Please be aware that charging cables should not be routed in front of any touch device such as the
Denso F10, Harman Headunits, and CP1 Cockpit Display. Routing the cables across the touch screen
can cause erratic operation of the screen. This is referred to as ‘ghost touch’. This is caused by an
electrical pulse through the wire being interpreted as an input by the screen. This unwanted input can
cause intermittent screen concerns and even unit crashing. This concern can be traced back to the
first Denso F10 Units.

Continued on the next page
May 2022 TechTIPS

Page 3 of 11

15

Charging Cables and Touch Screen Concerns (CONTINUED)

If faced with an intermittent screen operation concern, it is
important during the customer interview process to ask
where the customers phone/device is kept or mounted. Pay
close attention to the windshield/dashboard area for suction
cup mounting marks, magnetic mounts or weighted phone
mounts. An example of an external device is typically, but not
limited to; a third-party GPS, a cell phone mount, or wireless
charger. These components are useful hints as too how the
vehicle is being used.
Pictured to the right, is an example from Techline of a customer
with a wireless charger mounted to the pocket above the
Headunit. The Customer concern was intermittent no response
from the touch screen and screen distortion. Not only is the
charging cord across the screen but the electromagnetic
effect of the wireless charger. In some vehicle this may affect
speaker performance.

Pictured to the left, is an example of a phone mount
and charging set up that could affect the screen
responsiveness and behavior. Projection apps can be
affected by this concern as well.

Finally, with the addition of CP1 to the Subaru lineup,
there is a much larger screen where multiple inputs
can be made. Shown to the right is an example of
how a charging cord could affect the screen. This is
especially noticeable in radio mode or a screen with
several selections such as SXM or Navigation. This
could cause a no response situation or screen distortion
until the key is cycled and the cord is removed.
Continued on the next page
May 2022 TechTIPS

Page 4 of 11

15

CP1 Navigation shows the wrong location

Retailers may receive vehicles with a customer complaint of the navigation showing the wrong location.
This condition may show the vehicle a few miles off from the current location, the wrong town, the
wrong state, or out in open water. The following instructions will clear the condition and explain how
to reset the vehicle properly. Failure to follow these steps will not resynchronize the unit and may lead
to unnecessary part replacement.
Below are two examples of common wrong locations seen.

Note: This condition and following process are only relevant if the clock is set to Auto mode
and the correct time zone for the area is selected. If the clock is set to manual or the time is
incorrect, please review basic GPS antenna integrity inspections.
Note: The default GPS location for CP1 is Manhattan, New York. The arrow icon could be gray,
which indicates the vehicles’ location is not found by the Navigation satellites (shown above).
Navigation Resyncing procedure.
1. Verify the condition.
2. Install the newest logic as per TSB 15-261-20R; refer to the TSB for the latest version.
3. Document the customers’ settings, radio stations, favorites, and saved locations.
4. Perform a 10-minute capacitive discharge.
It is recommended that no short cuts be taken at this time. Failure to meet the allotted capacitive
discharge time may not erase the memory and the Technician will find the same condition present
when setting the vehicle back up.
Continued on the next page
May 2022 TechTIPS

Page 5 of 11

15

CP1 Navigation shows the wrong location (CONTINUED)

5. Set up the customers’ settings, radio stations, favorites, and saved locations.
6. Road test the vehicle in as straight of a line as possible for 10 minutes or ten miles, whichever
resets the GPS arrow icon from gray to blue. Be mindful of the road test route selected.
Note: When the arrow icon changes, the vehicle’s location will change immediately to where the
vehicle presently is.
Note: If the map display does not show the street names, refer to TSB 15-259-20R; Condition 1b.

15

Harman 3.1 Base & Base+ Only, Ghost Image or Double Image

If a customer is concerned with a Ghost Image or Double Image on a Base+ or Base Harman unit,
this condition requires no repair at this time. The vender has determined that this condition is non
detrimental to the operation of the Headunit and will clear with time as the unit is used. The exchange
process is NOT recommended for this concern.
Refer to the images below for an example of the condition.

Continued on the next page
May 2022 TechTIPS

Page 6 of 11

15

Importance of Inspecting for Aftermarket Devices. Check the USB port & LEDs

Techline has seen an increase in concerns that are in direct relation to aftermarket components. These
concerns can range from Telematics RES operation to Infotainment concerns and even as wide as
drivability concerns.
It is extremely important to ask the following questions when assessing the vehicle and during the
customer interview.
•

Is anything installed in the vehicle that was not originally equipped at the time of PDI?

•

Did the customer take any belongings with them when they dropped the vehicle off?

•

How does the customer operate the vehicle daily?

•

Does the concern happen when an aftermarket device is in use?

•

Are any devices plugged into the USB/AUX port?

What are Aftermarket Devices?
Techline typically asks: Are there any aftermarket components installed on the vehicle? (Excluding
SOA installed accessories). This is a broad question but when asked, take note on ANYTHING that did
not come with the vehicle at the time of PDI. Does the customer have a dash camera and additional
cables? Does the customer have a power inverter in the car for a mobile computer? If so, how are they
being supplied power? Are there any other devices being used in the USB port? Thoroughly inspecting
the vehicle during the multiple point inspection will help answer these questions. If you have any
questions about whether or not a device is aftermarket, contact the Techline.
Have you ever been asked if anything was plugged into the car?
Techline may ask if you interviewed the customer or found any devices plugged into the vehicle. This
question includes the USB data port, USB charger port, front accessory port, or Hardwired into the
vehicle. This could be an Insurance Tracker, Cellular accessory battery charger, Phone cords, Dash
Cameras, or aftermarket lighting. Any of these devices could draw or provide power that may affect
vehicle operation.
Example 1: The customer states they have a concern of the Infotainment system having erratic screen
operation. When the Technician performed his inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle, they found
no aftermarket devices and unable to duplicate the concern. After an interview was performed, it
was found that the customer was mounting their phone above the Head unit and charging it. At the
time of drop off however, the customer took their phone setup (phone, mount & cord) with them. If
the Technician had known, they could have attempted to mimic the customers setup in an effort to
duplicate and advised the customer against this.
Example 2: A classic example some Technicians may have heard when talking with Techline, is the
case of a 15MY WRX with a fuel rail pressure DTC. When the Technician contacted Techline, they
had already completed the DTC Trouble Tree, which led to replacement of the fuel pressure sensor.
After replacement, the code returned and was current. Further inspection with the SSM4 found that
the actual rail pressure reading was approximately 40% lower than the target rail pressure. The tech
completed the Trouble Tree a second time, again it was pointing to a failed pressure sensor. The tech
thoroughly inspected connections for the circuit. All were found to be fully seated with no signs of
Continued on the next page
May 2022 TechTIPS

Page 7 of 11

15

Importance of Inspecting for Aftermarket Devices. Check the USB port & LEDs
(CONTINUED)

tampering. The Technician inspected the battery health, battery terminals, and ECM grounds. Again,
all came back with the correct specified results. Not finding any issues, the Technician was asked if
there were any aftermarket parts or electrical devices in the vehicle. The Technician mentioned that the
vehicle was equipped with aftermarket LED license plate bulbs. The Technician proceeded to remove
the LEDs and found the code had moved to history. This was new as previously the code was only
current. The Technician went back to check the actual and target fuel pressure PIDs and found that
they were now in agreement with one another. With OEM bulbs installed, the code remained in history
and did not re-set.
Example 3: A recent report was shared with Techline in reference to a customer concern of the
Telematics Remote Engine Start request not being completed. It was later found the customer was
using the USB port to charge a battery. When the customer left this in the vehicle there was an
abnormal voltage reading at start up. The charge from the batter connected to the USB power supply
back feed into the power supply circuit. The Telematics RES saw this abnormal voltage and would not
operate as designed.
Techline has provided multiple references over the years of aftermarket components that could affect
vehicle systems and performance. Listed below are a few key Tech TIP articles for reference.
February 2022 - GEOTAB
November 2021 - Aftermarket Accessories
April 2020 - OBD port devices
March 2019 - LED disclaimer
March 2019 - Electrical Diagnostics
June 2017 - LED reference