ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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

SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2008-09MY PZEV Legacy,
Outback & Forester
SUBJECT: Catalytic Converter Replacement
& Engine Control Module (ECM)
Reprogramming

NUMBER:
DATE:

WQD-40
January 2013

This Campaign applies to vehicles with motor vehicle registration in the following
states:
2008MY: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
2009MY: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined vehicles affected by this Service Program require
front catalytic converter replacement and ECM reprogramming.
For vehicles affected by this Service Program, efficiency of the front catalytic converter may
degrade over time. If the catalytic converter efficiency degrades beyond an acceptable level,
the vehicle may be releasing air pollutants which exceed California standards. To correct this
condition, it will be necessary to replace the front catalytic converter and reprogram the ECM
software logic, improving management of the catalytic converter. This software change will not
adversely affect fuel economy or performance of the vehicle.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
• 2008-2009MY 2.5L PZEV Legacy, Outback and Forester
Affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart below. NOTE: Not all vehicles in
the VIN ranges are affected. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage by using the
Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function at Subarunet.com. Affected VINs will be added to
the Vehicle Coverage table according to the “Schedule Date” found on page 2 under the
heading “Owner Notification”.

2008MY

2009MY

Model
Legacy Sedan
Outback
Forester
Legacy Sedan
Outback
Forester

From
8*200366
8*300017
8*700009
9*210001
9*310001
9*700011

* Various Characters may occupy this position
Bulletin Number: WQD-40; Date: January 2013

To
8*227207
8*367425
8*733308
9*236941
9*348624
9*797855
Continued...
Page 1

OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail Owner Notification Letters to owners of affected vehicles
according to the following schedule:
Model
Year

2008

2009

Vehicle
Registration
State
CA
CA
CA
Other CA
Emission States
CA
CA
CA
Other CA
Emission States

Vehicle

Transmission

Schedule Date

Legacy & Outback
Legacy & Outback
Forester

AT
MT
AT & MT

1/14/13
**
**
**

Legacy & Outback
Legacy & Outback
Forester

AT
MT
AT & MT

1/14/13
**
**
**

**Refer to the phase-in table found on pg. 9 for more information regarding the owner
notification schedule dates.
A copy of the owner notification letter can be found starting on pg. 7 of this Bulletin.

DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to
correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used and demo). Additionally, whenever
a vehicle subject to this Service Program is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in
the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the Service Program
correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
New or used vehicles listed in a Service Program that are in dealer stock must be:
•

Immediately identified

•

Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to repair

•

Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Service Program
Bulletin

PARTS INFORMATION
Catalytic converter replacement will be required.
Due to limited part availability, dealers are requested to order catalytic converter kits as
needed. It is suggested parts be ordered at the time a customer contacts a dealer to schedule an
appointment. This will ensure the necessary parts are available on the day a customer brings
their vehicle in for service.
Model

Description

Part Number

All

WQD40 Catalytic Converter Kit

SOA635112
Continued...

Bulletin Number: WQD-40; Date: January 2013

Page 2

The kit contains the following components:
Quantity
1
1

Description
Pipe Comp-Exh Fr
Gskt & Seal Set-Eng

Part Number
44620AD99A
10105AB600

SPECIAL TOOLS
Vehicle ECM reprogramming will require the following:
Subaru Diagnostic System (SDS)
• SDS Toughbook
• Subaru Select Monitor III (SSMIII Application Software)
• Subaru Diagnostic Interface Box (SDI)
• USB Data Link Cable and Reprogramming Cable.
Note: If you require assistance with using the Subaru Diagnostic System (SDS), use the
“Help” function, which will allow you to access the tutorial information.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
•

This service procedure involves replacement of the front catalytic converter
assembly and reprogramming of the ECM with updated logic to correct an OBDII
system deficiency.

•

The catalytic converter must be replaced BEFORE reprogramming the ECM.

•

IMPORTANT: Both procedures must be done during the same repair visit.

1. Front Catalytic Converter Replacement
Replace the front catalytic converter following the procedures outlined in the applicable
Subaru Service Manual and any related Technical Service Bulletins. When replacing the
converter, the A/F and O2 sensors should be reused.
Note: To avoid potential damage to the threaded portions of the sensors, allow the converter
to cool down before attempting to remove them. Application of a spray-type penetrating
lubricant to the thread areas and allowing it to soak in for at least a minute or more is
recommended to help ease sensor removal. Be sure to wipe away all excess lubricant. Before
installing the sensors into the replacement converter, application of a small amount of nickle
based anti-seize compound to the sensor threads is also recommended.
2. ECM Reprogramming Instructions
Information regarding ECM reprogramming procedures can be found by accessing the Help
menu located at the top of the Main Menu screen of the SSMIII application.
•

Verify the status of the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator light (MIL)
located on the vehicle’s instrument cluster.

•

If no malfunction is indicated, proceed with reprogramming the ECM.

•

If a malfunction is indicated by the MIL remaining continually “on” or “flashing”,
diagnose the cause and perform any necessary repairs. Once repairs have been
completed, clear all DTCs then reprogram the ECM.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: WQD-40; Date: January 2013

Page 3

NOTES:
• In the event the cause of the check engine light illumination is not covered by
applicable warranties, the cost of repairs is the vehicle owner’s responsibility.
•

Under no circumstances should the ECM be reprogrammed until the proper
corrections have been made and the catalytic converter replaced.

Confirm your SSM III contains the applicable SSMIII FlashWrite File Update which includes
the reprogramming PAK files shown in the chart below. PAK files will be released and
automatically sent electronically to dealer equipment on or prior to the dates indicated in the
“Date Available” column found in the following table.
Version Numbers
•
•
•

Software: 1.36.50.7 or later
Interface Box: 1.7.7 or later
Interface Box CF Card: 1.8.0 or later

For the WQD-40 Service Program, special Look-Up CID Numbers have been established to
identify proper Pack File applicability. New ECM / Pack File Part Numbers and the tentative
availability dates are also included in the chart below.
IMPORTANT: The Pack Files for this Service Program will not appear when searching
FlashWrite if the current ECM CID number or Vehicle Spec. parameters are used. These files
are only accessible by using the Look-Up CID Numbers from the chart below.

Model
Year

Vehicle

Engine /
Emission
Spec.

Legacy &
Outback

2.5L NA CA
Spec. PZEV

Forester

2.5L NA CA
Spec. PZEV

Look-Up
Transmission
CID Number
Type
for WQD-40

New ECM/Pack
File Part Number

Date
Available

4AT

WQD4005

22611BC05A.pak

1/14/2013

5MT

WQD4004

22611BC04A.pak

2/25/2013

4AT

WQD4007

22611BC070.pak

TBD

5MT

WQD4006

22611BC060.pak

TBD

4AT

WQD4005

22611BC05A.pak

1/14/2013

5MT

WQD4004

22611BC04A.pak

2/25/2013

4AT

WQD4009

22611BC090.pak

TBD

5MT

WQD4008

22611BC080.pak

TBD

2008

Legacy &
Outback

2.5L NA CA
Spec. PZEV

Forester

2.5L NA CA
Spec. PZEV

2009

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQD-40; Date: January 2013

Page 4

Once the applicable Pack File has been identified, proceed with the remainder of the
established ECM reprogramming procedure.
These Pack Files are to be used solely for completion of the WQD-40 Service
Program.
NOTE: Should the ECM become inoperative or un-responsive during the
reprogramming procedure;
1. Disconnect both the positive (+) and negative (-) battery terminals for at least
2 or more seconds.
2. Touch the cable ends together for a few moments, and then re-connect the
terminals to the battery.
3. Start the reprogramming procedure over again from the beginning.
STATE EMISSION TESTING ADVISORY
After ECM reprogramming, the OBDII system’s readiness code monitors will set to
“incomplete”. Normally, the vehicle needs to be driven under a variety of conditions before
the readiness code monitors will indicate “complete”. (See State I/M Program Advisory
Bulletin number 11-120-12, dated 9-20-2012 for details.)

SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Service Program identification label. The
completed label should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through the Subaru Claims Helpline at 1-866-782-2782.

WQD-40

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQD-40; Date: January 2013

Page 5

CALIFORNIA “VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL - PROOF OF CORRECTION”
CERTIFICATE
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles Registration/
Recall Program requires that all emission related Recall/Campaign or Service Program
repairs be completed before a vehicle registration is renewed. Please provide owners of
vehicles registered in the state of California a completed “Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of
Correction” certificate. Vehicle owners should be advised to retain this certificate because the
California Department of Motor Vehicles may require they provide proof this service program
repair has been completed.
Additional certificates are available through the Subaru Claims Helpline at 1-866-782-2782.

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this service program will be based on the submission of properly
completed repair order information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim
Entry on Subarunet.com.
LABOR DESCRIPTION

LABOR
OPERATION

CLAIM
TYPE

FAIL CODE

LABOR
TIME

Catalytic Converter
Replacement and
ECM Reprogramming

A143-601

RC

WQD-40

0.9

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQD-40; Date: January 2013

Page 6

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
Subaru
of America, Inc.
Service
Program WQD-40
Subaru
Plaza
Engine
Control Module Reprogramming

P.O.
Box
6000
Vehicles Registered in the States of
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
CA,
CT, MA, ME, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA
www.subaru.com
January 2013

Dear Subaru Owner:
We would like to thank you for your selection of a 2008-2009 model year Subaru Legacy,
Outback or Forester vehicle equipped with a 2.5 Liter engine and a California Partial Zero
Emission Vehicle (PZEV) system. At Subaru, we take pride in our products and are committed
to your continued satisfaction.
Subaru has determined that the efficiency of your vehicle’s front catalytic converter may
degrade over time. If the catalytic converter efficiency degrades beyond an acceptable level,
your vehicle may be releasing air pollutants that exceed California standards. To correct this
condition, Subaru will replace the front catalytic converter and reprogram the Engine Control
Module software logic to improve management of the catalytic converter. This software
change will not adversely affect fuel economy or the performance of your vehicle.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO PROMPTLY
We ask that you schedule an appointment with your Subaru Dealer as soon as possible to have
your vehicle’s front catalytic converter replaced and Engine Control Module software reprogrammed. Doing so will help ensure your vehicle’s full protection under the emission warranty as failure to do so may be considered a lack of proper maintenance. This will take approximately 1 hour to complete. However, it may be necessary for you to leave your car longer on
the day of your appointment to allow your dealer flexibility in scheduling. Your Subaru dealer
will perform this modification at no cost to you.
Please present this letter to your Subaru Dealer on the day of your service appointment.
CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS
The California Air Resources Board requires that emission related campaigns be completed
prior to California’s vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not
be able to register your vehicle during your next annual registration. Upon completion of
this campaign, your California dealer will complete and provide you a “Proof of Correction
Certificate.” If required, present the certificate to the California Department of Motor
Vehicles (the “DMV”) when renewing your California registration as proof of campaign
completion. If the DMV does not request the certificate, we recommend that you keep it for
your records.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQD-40; Date: January 2013

Page 7