ATTENTION:

CLAIMS PERSONNEL q

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2014MY XV Crosstrek Hybrid (HEV) Models with
Fujitsu-Ten (F10) SD Navigation / Audio System
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 15-176-14
DATE: 10/15/14

Audio Volume Level Drops While Driving

INTRODUCTION
This bulletin provides a service procedure to address a customer concern of the audio volume
level decreasing when slowing the vehicle from speeds above 25 mph by applying the brake. The
condition occurs when listening to an FM radio station that is exhibiting poor to moderate reception.
The cause is radio frequency (RF) “noise” coming from one of the HEV components located under
the trunk floor intermixing with the weak radio signal and causing the automatic speed volume
control function of the audio unit to activate in error.
PARTS NEEDED
A roll of self-adhesive Foil Tape: 1.89” (48mm) or more wide by 0.1mm thick, readily available from
most home improvement stores.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
This service procedure involves application of self-adhesive foil tape to “seal” the gaps between the
stamped aluminum battery cover and the vehicle body in the areas shown in the photos below.
IMPORTANT! Always drive the vehicle and confirm the condition before performing this
procedure. Note which FM radio stations the condition can be confirmed on so the repair can be
verified after completion on those same stations.

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: 15-176-14; Date: 10/15/14

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.

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IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, press the brake pedal then press the Start button to start the
Hybrid System. Once the Hybrid System is started, confirm all warning indicators extinguish
normally and none remain illuminated. If any remain illuminated, check for any stored DTCs. If
trouble exists, the Hybrid System must be diagnosed to ensure no safety concerns exist which may
impact any work being performed in or around the Hybrid System components, wiring, or electrical
connections.
•

Pre-cut the Foil Tape into four pieces as follows:
2 pieces 12” long and 2 pieces 38” long. (These are only guideline dimensions as there is no
issue with using more than what is specified. The main emphasis is to cover all the gaps in
the specified areas.

Sub-Trunk Box

•

Orange Clip

Remove the rear floor and after releasing the orange retaining clip, remove the sub-trunk box.

R/Rear Spacer

•

CAREFULLY remove the right rear styrofoam floor spacer using a trim clip removal tool.

Remove the 3 retaining clips and release the claw securing the rear floor spacer then fold it over
towards the front of the vehicle to expose the front edge of the stamped aluminum battery cover.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-176-14; Date: 10/15/14

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•

Using a mild solvent or degreasing agent applied to a clean shop cloth, wipe down the areas
where the foil tape will be applied to be sure they are free of any dirt or contamination. The
area cleaned must be completely dry before proceeding. Apply the first 12” piece of foil tape
(shown in blue in the “before” photo below) about ¼” down from the top edge of the battery
cover, working from the wheel trim panel toward the rear of the vehicle. Apply the second
12” piece (orange) working in the opposite direction, primarily onto to the body then overlap
it up onto the first piece of foil tape. Use care to avoid overlapping the ground point. Once
both pieces are in place, smooth out the wrinkles best as possible as shown in the “Detail”
photos. The objective is to cover all the gaps. Do not hesitate to use a third piece of foil tape
if necessary.

DO NOT
overlap the
ground point

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-176-14; Date: 10/15/14

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•

When installing the tape along the front edge of the battery cover (blue piece first), peel the
adhesive backing from the starting end of one of the 38” pieces of tape back about 6” from
one end then begin to apply. Pull the backing off as you work your way across to keep the
exposed adhesive of the foil tape manageable. Once the first piece is in place, apply the
second 38” (orange) piece primarily onto the body then overlap it up onto the first (blue)
piece using the same method. Once both pieces of foil tape are in place, smooth out the
wrinkles best as possible as shown in the “Detail” photos. Again, the objective is to cover all
the gaps. Do not hesitate to use a third piece of foil tape if necessary.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-176-14; Date: 10/15/14

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•

•

After completing the procedure, road test the vehicle to confirm the repair has been effective.
If the volume level dropping can still be verified as before the repair procedure, make sure
there are no obvious gaps in the foil tape. Once a tape gap issue has been ruled out, compare
the audio unit’s operation with another like model vehicle. The condition may not be related
to “RF noise”, it may just be poor reception or a weak (low output) FM radio station.
Reassemble the trunk area trim in reverse order of disassembly to complete the procedure.

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

LABOR
OPERATION #

FAIL CODE

LABOR
TIME

FM Radio Volume Drop Countermeasure Repair

A804-110

FCL-48

0.6

NOTE: Up to $3.00 can be claimed in Sublet to cover the cost of the aluminum foil tape.
REMINDER: SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information
as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time. Always
refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 15-176-14; Date: 10/15/14

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