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 Forester Models

NUMBER: 07-80-13

SUBJECT: Power Rear Gate (PRG) Inoperative,
Incomplete Initialization Procedure

DATE: 10/31/13

INTRODUCTION
This bulletin provides additional information (see TSB 07-76-13R dated 7/8/2013) regarding the
PRG system operation and initialization procedure. If you receive a customer concern of a “beepbeep-beep” sound when trying to operate the PRG, a likely cause is an incomplete initialization
procedure. Initialization occurs any time the auto closer function operates. It must complete every
time the PRG is operated (closed) in order for the PRG to work properly the next time one of the
activation switches is operated. If a voltage drop occurs (e.g. cranking the engine) during the exact
time this initialization procedure is in process, there is a possibility the procedure will not complete
properly and (although securely closed and latched) the PRG system will be rendered inoperative.
During this time, the gate will operate manually however the PRG functions will be disabled. If the
customer’s normal usage pattern creates this condition regularly, a countermeasure PRG control unit
has been developed to remedy it.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
The countermeasure PRG control module was incorporated into production during August, 2013
beginning with E*492310.
PART INFORMATION
The part number for the countermeasure PRG control unit is 63350SG003.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
If the condition has been verified and can be duplicated, explain and demonstrate to the customer the
operating characteristics of the PRG system (e.g. wait to start the car until the PRG is fully closed).
Starting the car with the rear gate open is NOT recommended. This is to prevent exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle’s passenger cabin. If the customer understands how the system operates and is able
to adjust their habits accordingly, no further repair is necessary. Complete steps 1-3 of the initialization
procedure outlined below. If normal PRG operation cannot be restored or this condition occurs
frequently for the customer, perform the complete procedure, steps 1-7 to re-initialize the system. .
1. With the ignition “OFF”, open the PRG manually using a fluid motion (no light flash or beep
should occur).
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: 07-80-13; Date: 10/31/13

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.

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2. Carefully (slowly) close the rear gate until the first audible “click” of the rear gate latch
mechanism is heard then immediately let go of the rear gate. The auto closer function will
then operate to complete the rear gate closing / latching function. This will also complete the
initialization process. If the auto closer function is inoperative, diagnose per the applicable
Service Manual.
3. After the PRG is fully closed, operate either the Gate Opener switch, the Gate Inner (close)
switch, remote keyless access switch or the Interior PRG Open/Close switch to verify the
automatic opening and closing operation.
4. If the PRG inoperative condition persists, record the radio station presets (and navigation system
favorites, if applicable).
5.

IMPORTANT: Record any codes currently in PRG memory as the next step will clear them.

6. Disconnect the positive and negative cables from the vehicle’s battery, touch the 2 cable ends
together creating a capacitive discharge which will clear the memory.
7. Reconnect the cables to the battery, reset all radio presets (and navigation favorites, if
applicable) then confirm normal PRG operation.
•

If the customer’s PRG usage pattern precludes the ability of the system to initialize upon closing,
and control unit replacement is determined to be necessary to assure customer satisfaction, order
and replace the PRG control unit following the service procedure outlined in the applicable
Service Manual.

•

If the PRG still does not operate properly, utilize any codes pulled from the system and follow
the rest of the diagnostic procedures beginning on page PRG(diag)-2 of the 2014 Forester Service
Manual.

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

PRG Re-Initialization Procedure (Steps 1-3)
PRG Re-Initialization Procedure (Steps 1-7)
PRG Control Module R&R
PRG Testing & Diagnosis

LABOR
OPERATION #

A850-971
A850-972
B850-965
C850-950

FAIL
CODE
UPY-43

LABOR
TIME
0.2

UPZ-43

0.4

UPW-43

0.5

–

0.4

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-80-13; Date: 10/31/13

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