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: 2012 (AFTER VIN C*411693)- 14 MY
Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines
SUBJECT: Surface Treatment Change To Oil Control
Piston Rings
INTRODUCTION

NUMBER: 02-144-13R
DATE: 09/25/13
REVISED: 10/21/13

This bulletin provides information regarding a change made to the surface treatment applied to the oil
control piston rings for 2.5L FB engines. The change was made as a result of some limited findings
of unanticipated wear of these rings. Oil consumption will be higher than normal and consistent, if
this wear occurs, the condition remains until repair. Unusual swings or variations in oil consumption
are not consistent with this condition and may be the result of vehicle usage rather than the condition
described here. Additional information is supplied in this bulletin to assist in the assessment and
determination if vehicle usage is a reason for this varied oil consumption.
It is critical to understand the nature of the concern as reported by the customer and to confirm
any actual condition prior to attempting any repairs. Some oil consumption can and should be
expected as a by-product of engine operation where no concern exists. Failure to recognize this
and correctly diagnose the condition presented can result in unnecessary repairs and in the worst
case, an increase in oil consumption. The information supplied in this bulletin is only applicable
to a limited number of vehicles within the specific production range noted below exhibiting the
condition(s) previously described.
It is important to read and understand this bulletin completely before starting an oil
consumption test or initiating any repairs.
Customer concerns related to possible oil consumption are generally initiated by one of two
scenarios.
•

The customer reports the low engine oil level (not low engine oil pressure) lamp has
illuminated.

•

The customer believes the engine oil level on the dipstick has dropped when checking
the oil.

Either of these situations by themselves does not directly indicate a concern with the vehicle exists
beyond the need to add engine oil as part of normal maintenance. It is important to understand all
the factors involved in order to make a sound decision regarding whether or not a repair is required
or even if an oil consumption test should be started. When speaking with customers regarding a
reported or suspected oil consumption concern, always keep the following information in mind:
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: 02-144-13R; Date: 10/21/13

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.

Page 1

Some engine oil will always be consumed as part of normal engine operation. How much and
when it is consumed varies according to manufacturing tolerances, wear, and vehicle usage. With
the extended service intervals commonly used for today’s engines combined with one or more of
the conditions listed below, typical engine oil consumption may require the adding of engine oil
in between scheduled maintenance intervals. If a customer inquires about oil consumption and
is close to their next service interval, and consumption has not exceeded 1 quart in that time, the
consumption rate should not be considered unusual. Consumption at a rate greater than this should
be reviewed on a case by case basis after reviewing the vehicle’s usage patterns / history. Higher
than expected oil consumption may occur under any of the following conditions:
•

When the engine is new and within the break-in period (during the first 3000 miles of
operation)

•

When the engine oil being used is of lower quality (other than “Energy or
Resource Conserving” API Classification SM or SN or ILSAC, look for
the starburst design with GF-4 or GF-5)

•

When the incorrect oil viscosity is used (viscosity other than 0W-20 in the
case of these specific vehicles)

•

When engine braking is employed (Downshifting to make use of the
transmission’s gear ranges and the engine to decelerate the vehicle)

•

When the engine is operated at high engine speeds (Continually or under
frequent and repetitive hard acceleration such as frequent freeway merging)

•

When the engine is operated under heavy loads (Frequent carrying of
cargo, multiple passengers or trailer towing)

•

When the engine idles for long periods of time (Frequent use of a remote engine start
system followed by some period of idling as an example)

•

When the vehicle is operated in stop and go and/or heavy traffic situations

•

When the vehicle is used under severe temperature conditions (Cold or hot)

•

When the vehicle accelerates and decelerates frequently

•

Frequent short trip driving where the engine may not reach full operating temperature

Under these or similar operating conditions, the oil level should be checked regularly. The engine
oil and filter may also need to be changed more often.
As related information, the engine oil low level warning light is designed to illuminate when the
engine oil level in the sump is approximately 1.1 quarts low. This may vary with different driving
and road conditions. Keep in mind that oil remains suspended in the engine while running and will
not fully drain back until the engine has been shut off for at least 5 minutes. This is why waiting at
least 5 minutes while parked on a level surface before checking the oil level is critical to getting an
accurate gauge of the oil level in the engine. In some rare cases, this light may illuminate with more
oil present when the engine is running due to specific road or driving conditions such as repeated
hard acceleration / deceleration, tight turning, driving on undulating roads. In these cases, the
engine oil low level warning light will generally reset on its own once the actual level is determined
to be above the illumination threshold. This reset process may take some time as certain driving
parameters must be met for the system to self-correct. As long as the oil level has been checked
and adjusted (if necessary), the immediate concern has been addressed. If the engine oil low level
warning light does not extinguish on its own after some time and the oil level remains full, an
inspection of the oil level sensor circuit and components should be performed.
NOTE: The engine’s specified oil capacity is 5.1 US quarts.
Bulletin Number: 02-144-13R; Date: 10/21/13

Continued...
Page 2

PART INFORMATION
PART

SIZE

PART NUMBER
12033AC390

Piston Ring Set

Std.
0.25 Oversize
0.50 Oversize

12033AC400
12033AC410

The chart below provides a required part list for the piston ring replacement procedure as outlined
in this bulletin. It is provided as a reference only. Always verify with your Parts Department
the most up-to-date part numbers are ordered. NOTE: Oversize piston rings are only used when
cylinder boring and / or honing operations have been performed. Cylinder repair is not a part of the
procedures outlined in this bulletin. The replacement short block part number is 10103AC460 for
2012-2013 MY vehicles. The part number for 2014 MY vehicle is to be determined.
PART NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QTY. /REPAIR

44011AC030

Exhaust Gasket

2

44616AA200

Center Pipe Gasket

1

14035AA580

Intake Gasket

2

14852AA040
14738AA150
806912190
806924120

EGR Pipe Gasket
O-Ring, Chain Cover

806915100

1
1
3
1
1

O-Ring, Tensioner
806916080
10966AA040
13270AA240
13272AA170
806915170

1
Seal, Spark Plug Tube
Rocker Cover Gasket
O-Ring, Cam Carrier

11044AA790

Head Gasket

10944AA080

1
1
4
1
1

Connecting Rod Bolt

8

806932030

O-Ring, Upper Oil Pan

3

21236AA050

Thermostat Gasket

1

806939060

O-Ring, Crank Extension

1

806750080

Oil Seal, Front Crankshaft

1

16698AA110

Injector O-Rings

January 2012
and before
February 2012
and later

4

12109AA120

16608KA000

PRODUCTION
BREAK

4
4

15208AA15A

Oil Filter

1

803916010

Gasket, Drain Plug

1
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 02-144-13R; Date: 10/21/13

Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS (WARRANTY PART NUMBERS)
PART

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

SOA635065
SOA635041
SOA635045

ThreeBond 1280B / 1217G
Super Coolant, (qt.)
Engine Oil (qt.) 0W-20

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8
6

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
Before starting any repairs, the first step is to always confirm the customer’s complaint. It is critical
to get as much information from the customer as possible to allow for the most accurate diagnosis.
•

Review all the available service and repair history along with any other records the customer
can provide to establish whether or not the vehicle has been properly maintained.

•

Perform a thorough visual inspection to make sure there are no external oil leaks that could
be contributing to the condition.

•

It is also very important to not overlook the engine’s PCV system and to confirm it is
operating properly. Check the air filter assembly and throttle body / intake manifold for any
excessive oil residue which could be an indicator of a sticking or failed PCV valve.

NOTE: An oil consumption test will need to be completed to determine the proper course of action.
There is a specific procedure and Oil Consumption Test form to be used with this bulletin ONLY. It
can be located by accessing: Subarunet / Service / Forms / NEW FB Engine Oil Control Ring TSB
Oil Consumption Test. The standard oil consumption test form and guidelines will still apply in all
cases other than this bulletin. Once all the basics have been checked and the vehicle service history
established, change the engine oil and filter to begin the oil consumption test. Always close the repair
order on the day the oil change has been completed and submit the claim for the oil consumption
test using the coding provided at the end of this bulletin. Indicate “Oil Consumption Test” in the
comments field / box when entering your claim. DO NOT hold the repair order open until the
vehicle returns. Have the customer drive the vehicle then return for inspection when any of the
following have occurred:
•

At least 1200 miles have elapsed

•

The engine oil low level warning light illuminates

•

When the oil level reaches the lower hole in the dipstick/ gauge (as determined by the
customer)

The customer should be advised to not add oil unless there will be a significant delay before they can
return for inspection once a low oil level condition occurs. A one-time check of the oil consumption
by the dealer is all that is needed to establish if the condition outlined in this bulletin applies.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-144-13R; Date: 10/21/13

Page 4

NOTES:
•

Once the engine is apart and the piston / connecting rod assemblies are removed, always
confirm the cylinders are not scored excessively or damaged and the bore measurements are
within the roundness and taper specifications supplied in the Service Manual.

•

Minor visible scoring is expected and acceptable. Any vertical scoring found on the cylinder
walls should not be able to be caught with a finger nail.

•

There is no need to remove the pistons from the connecting rods.

•

Always make sure to install the new rings in the proper direction (marks facing upward on
the top and 2nd ring) and end gaps in the proper locations as outlined in the Service Manual
and later in this bulletin.