March 2014
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter

ARTICLES CONTAINED
IN THIS ISSUE
CODE ARTICLE..................................PAGE
(01) QMR of the Month.................01

01

QMR OF THE MONTH

We are pleased to announce this month’s winner of the QMR of
the Month.

(01) T echline New Hours
of Operation........................02

Thomas Mazgaj

(01) 2015 WRX and WRX STI Launch Your help is Needed..............07

West Herr Subaru in Orchard Park, NY

(02) FA and FB Engine Timing
Chain Tensioner Initial
Setting Information...............03

Thomas submitted a very detailed QMR reviewing his diagnosis of
a fuel leak from a 2009 Forester. His report included clear photos
and drawings of the leaking area and its root cause as well as
information on related repairs to other model years and models.
These elements helped our understanding greatly. In appreciation
for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us,
Thomas will be receiving the following from his FSE:

(02) Piston Ring Installation TIPS.. 04
(05) Wheel Lug Socket
Recommendation.................01
(07) 2010-14 Legacy & Outback
Fuse #16 Failed in the Main
Fuse Box (M/B)....................06

A Subaru Confidence In Motion Jacket
and a $100 Gift Card

(07) DTC P0724, Brake Switch Circuit
High Input..........................05
(10) 2 013-14 Legacy and Outback
Center Console Rear Air Vent
Function............................08
(14) GR8 Battery Testing
Information.........................02
(15) 2010-14 Outback Rear Bumper
Underguard Accessory
Reminder...........................06

Any Subaru Service Technician can participate in QMR of the
Month. See the February, 2013 Tech Tips for full details. You
may see your name here in a future Tech Tips.

05

WHEEL LUG SOCKET RECOMMENDATION

Technicians should regularly inspect the sockets used for removal
of chrome plated lug nuts for any excessive wear and to always
ensure a proper fit. Otherwise, damage to the chrome finish,
especially on the corners of the lug and/or the alloy wheel finish
itself may occur. This damage may result in fracturing and flaking
of the chrome plating/ coating, corrosion of the lug and possibly
the wheel itself. Use of the correct sized sockets as well as
regular inspection and replacement of worn lug nut sockets will
greatly reduce the chances of this kind of damage occurring.
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.

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

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,
L.L. Bean, Baja, Tribeca, BRZ, XV Crosstrek and “Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks.

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.

March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 1

01

TECHLINE NEW HOURS OF OPERATION

As a reminder the Subaru Techline expanded the hours of operation between Monday and Thursday
to better support you ‘our dealers’ with technical assistance. In addition the Techline will be available
on Saturdays. Please share this information with the staff at your dealer.
New Hours of Operation are shown as East Coast Time
Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

14

GR8 BATTERY TESTING INFORMATION

GR8 Test Options: Which One to Use?
You may have noticed there are two different options for testing on the Midtronics GR8-1100 EST
Battery Diagnostic Station. This article will outline the differences between the two.
Diagnostic Charge
This test must be used for diagnosing batteries, in particular, those with possible warranty coverage.
In this test, the GR8 will partially charge the battery to determine its charge acceptance. It will also
apply a 150 ampere load to determine battery performance under a full load. This test is located
in the main menu, under “Charging”. The resulting diagnostic code is the only code acceptable for
submission as part of a warranty claim, should the battery require replacement.
System Test
This test is used for diagnosing the alternator or the starter, but not the battery. In this test sequence,
the only check done to the battery is to verify it has enough power to successfully start the engine
once. The charge acceptance and full load tests from Diagnostic Charge are not performed. This
test can be located in the main menu, under “System Test”. This test must not be used when
determining possible warranty replacement of a battery.
Because it does not include a comprehensive battery test, “System Test” cannot be used as the only
method to verify battery health. A result of Good Battery in “System Test” means the battery is only
good enough to start the engine once. It may not actually be a good battery!

March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 2

02

FA & FB ENGINE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER INITIAL SETTING INFORMATION

The Techline continues to receive calls regarding a cold engine tapping sound heard on initial
start-up. In some cases, it is heard after engine repairs involving timing chain R&R are involved.
In 2011, we released TSB# 02-113-11R on this subject. When reassembling the engine’s timing
chain components and performing the initial setting for of the chain tensioners, it is important to
get that “extra click” out of BOTH tensioners as described below to minimize the chances of the
cold engine sound reoccurring.
•

Use a small mechanic’s mirror to help view the adjustment notches as they face the engine
block and are difficult to see.

For example: If after timing component reassembly, you have 3 notches showing on the
plunger, push down firmly on the upper chain guide to get the extra click so you end up having 4
notches showing. If you have 4 notches showing, you want to get the extra click to end up with
5. Whether you start with 3 notches or 4 showing depends on the amount of wear there is on the
guides and timing chain.
NOTE: It is NOT RECOMMENDED to use a pair of large channel lock-type pliers to squeeze
the chain guides together and achieve the desired tensioner setting. Damage to the guides will
likely result.

March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 3

02

PISTON RING INSTALLATION TIPS

The Techline has received a limited number of reports with concerns of unusual oil consumption even
after piston ring replacement. Most times, this condition is a result of incorrect piston ring installation
resulting in either oil control rings being damaged or the piston ring end gaps becoming lined up. To
build upon the piston ring replacement procedures included in the three recent surface treatment
change to oil control / piston ring TSBs, the following tips are provided below.
All three bulletins (02-143-13R, 02-144-13R and 02-145-13R) recommend the use of the factory tapered
or non-adjustable - type piston ring compressor, J-50553 for 2.5L FB engines and J-50984 for 2.0L FA
engines as illustrated below.

This type of piston ring compressor takes the guesswork out of whether the rings are compressed
sufficiently to enter the cylinder. This can be difficult to determine when using an adjustable band type compressor resulting in a grip that may be too tight or too loose on the piston assembly. It also
provides the best “seal” to the block deck surface when installing the piston assembly into the bore
and minimizes the chance of oil scraper rings popping out from between the ring compressor and
the block deck surface. It is important to always hold the compressor firmly on the block surface as
shown in the above, right photo. Use one firm, direct motion for the actual piston assembly insertion.
If an oil scraper ring is displaced during engine assembly, severe piston and cylinder wall damage will
result. At that point, the need for a short block replacement is virtually guaranteed. The photos below
illustrate damage that occurred when an improperly installed oil control ring went undetected during
engine reassembly. Always turn the engine over after each piston assembly is installed and develop
a “feel” for how much turning effort is required. If it doesn’t “feel” right and seems to take more effort
than normal, a loose / bent over scraper ring might just be the cause. In addition, check for any
unusual vertical markings on the cylinder walls after rotating the crankshaft by hand. The photo at the
top of page five (5), on the left, shows an upper oil scraper ring bent over and on the right, the resultant
damage to the cylinder wall after the engine was taken apart again because of persistent, unusual oil
consumption.

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 4

01

PISTON RING INSTALLATION TIPS (CONTINUED)

As a reminder, always lubricate the rings, cylinder walls and the ring compressor liberally with engine
oil then give a final check of the ring end gap positions before installation into the ring compressor and
cylinder bore.

07

DTC P0724, BRAKE SWITCH CIRCUIT HIGH INPUT

If you receive a transmission-related DTC P0724 (CVT or 5AT) for “Brake Switch Circuit High Input”,
before performing unnecessary diagnostics, wiring checks and worst case, component replacement,
make sure ALL the brake light bulbs are functioning normally. If any of the bulbs are out, the TCM may
misinterpret the lack of a voltage drop normally seen when all the brake light bulbs are working and
as a result, set the high input DTC. After replacing any failed brake light bulbs, clear the memory then
verify the brake switch signal data is normal using the SSMIII. Should the DTC persist, proceed with
the diagnostics according to the applicable Service Manual.
March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 5

07

2010-14 LEGACY & OUTBACK FUSE #16 FAILED IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX (M/B)

If you encounter a vehicle with electrical concerns and find fuse #16 in the under-hood fuse box (M/B)
failed, inspect the engine wiring harness in the area of the power steering pump mounting bolt closest
to the pressure switch for chafing or rub-through. The photos below show the area to inspect and
damage to the harness which resulted in a short to ground and the root cause for the open fuse #16.
This information applies to both H4 and H6 models.

Short

07

2010-14MY OUTBACK REAR BUMPER UNDERGUARD ACCESSORY REMINDER

As per the Outback accessory brochure, when accessorizing a 2010-2014MY Outback, the Rear
Bumper Underguard accessory, E551SAJ200 is not compatible with the L101SAJ001 Trailer Hitch
accessory as shown below.

March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 6

01

2015 WRX AND WRX STI LAUNCH - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

First of all, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to enter QMRs, open Techline cases,
and patiently supplied detailed feedback for every follow-up question in support of the 2014 XV
Crosstrek Hybrid Special Quality Team. The FHI Hybrid Special Team activity is now concluded. SOA
will continue to monitor the quality of these exciting new vehicles for Subaru and appreciates your
continued support moving forward. Keep those hybrid reports coming!
Starting March 17, a new Special FHI Quality Monitoring Team which is currently in the USA will
begin monitoring the launch of the all new 2015 WRX and WRX STI. The Team is very interested in
EVERYTHING related to this new Vehicle. They are looking for specific and detailed information on
EVERY condition identified. Naturally, this includes any and all repairs performed. It also includes
cases when a customer comments on a condition that is deemed to be a normal or operational
characteristic, or any improvement opportunity where some feature or function could be made even
better. We are asking you to be our eyes and ears with this new model.

•

E-QMRs are the best and preferred reporting method for reporting any new
model feedback.

For high-priority, unusual, or serious issues, we ask that you call SOA’s Technical Helpline right away
with all the details. When you report something, include pictures and where practical, videos of the
condition prior to repair. Providing as much detail as possible on the customer complaint, the actual
condition, and your findings are strongly requested and greatly appreciated. Be sure to save all DTC
and freeze frame data (do not just print it) before performing any clear memory functions. While
there is no guarantee that a change will occur based upon any individual report, we can guarantee
that nothing will happen if we don’t know about it. Our request is that you report everything, even if it
seems small or straightforward to repair.
E-QMRs, Techline or CDS Cases, and Warranty Claims are being reviewed daily. Team Members
may contact you for additional details, photos, parts collections, or to arrange for an on-site inspection.
We ask your cooperation in quickly responding to these requests for additional information. Please
save any and all removed parts no matter how small including gaskets, clips, fasteners, any filtered
sediments, or other small bits and pieces.
As a reminder, E-QMRs must never be used to request escalation of a repair, request information,
or for any other purpose than to notify SOA of a new or trending condition. Authorization or Repair
Escalation Requests must always go through normal channels for the fastest, most efficient handling.
Paint, Glass or Long Block Authorization requests must go through the Techline Authorization System
on Subarunet. All other authorizations must be reviewed in advance with your DPSM.
We thank you all in advance for your continued support and assistance in making this latest new
product launch successful!

March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 7

10

2013-14 LEGACY AND OUTBACK CENTER CONSOLE REAR AIR VENT FUNCTION

With the unusually cold winter this year, Techline has received a number of calls regarding the
temperature and volume of air supplied by the center console rear vents. These vents were introduced
in the 2013 MY Legacy and Outback equipped with Automatic Climate Control and continue in the
current 2014 model year. The design intent of these vents is to better stabilize the temperatures within
the entire passenger cabin by enhancing air circulation throughout the interior space. As such, the
temperature and volume of the air they supply will be different from the other vents in the vehicle. Some
customers may comment about noticing variations in both air volume and/or air temperature coming
from these vents. These variations are as-designed since again, the ducts are provided to enhance
and balance the climate conditions inside the vehicle cabin. In some cases, accomplishing this balance
involves blending the air by introducing air of varied temperatures to stabilize the overall conditions in
the passenger cabin. Should customers express a concern with the temperature of the air coming
from these ducts at any time, the first advice would be to check the temperature setting for the right
(passenger side) on the climate control head unit. The right side setting has the most influence over
the temperature of air supplied by the rear console vents. If adjusting the temperature for the right side
does not create a sufficient improvement, the next advice would be to simply close the vent shutters to
eliminate the source of the objectionable air. The under-seat ducts will continue to provide warm air as
commanded by the settings on the automatic climate control head unit.

March 2014 TechTIPS

Page 8

00

2014 Calendar of
Subaru Holidays

STIS RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS FROM 02/01/2014 TO 02/28/2014

07-81-14; Technical Service Bulletin, MSA5M1514A; Owner Manual,
Revised Rear Combination Lamp to 2015MY WRX and WRX STI
Owner’s Manual
Prevent Condensation

Memorial Day
Monday, May 26, 2014

07-82-14; Technical Service
Reprogramming File Availability for
DTCs P0CDD and P0A3F

G1190BE; Service Manual Full,
2015MY WRX and WRX STI
Service Manual

Labor Day
Monday, September 1, 2014

TSMSFJ; Troubleshooting Guide,
Remote Engine Start Systems
Troubleshooting Guide (2012MY
Impreza & 2013MY Impreza /
Crosstrek Vehicles)

07-80-13R; Technical Service
Bulletin, Power Rear Gate (PRG)
Inoperative, Incomplete Initialization
Procedure

Independence Day
Friday, July 4, 2014

Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
Happy Holidays
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014

*** NOW YOU CAN E-MAIL YOUR TECHTIPS INPUT AND SUGGESTIONS TO: TECH@SUBARU.COM ***

This is your chance to offer suggestions for use in future issues of TechTIPS! Make sure
that if you e-mail us, you place in the subject line of your e-mail “For TechTIPS Newsletter”.
Thank you!
MODEL:
YEAR:
VIN:
Description of situation encountered:

Your suggestion for repair procedure, product improvements, etc.:

Please attach separate sheets, if necessary. You may also want to include Service Manual diagrams or references, or your own
drawings to assist in describing your suggestion. All information submitted becomes the property of Subaru of America, Inc.
Permission is granted to Subaru of America, Inc. to print your name and suggestions in TechTIPS and other Subaru of America, Inc.
publications. Mail items to: PO Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.

Your Name: Signature:
Dealer’s Name: City:
Date: Dealer Code:

SUBARU TECHLINE
Hours of Operation

March 2014 TechTIPS

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm
Page 9