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June 2023

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter

Articles Contained
in this Issue

01

© 2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

TechShare QMR of the Month

Click on a title below to jump to the article.
Click the date located in the footer to return to page 1.

CODE ARTICLE...................................................................PAGE
(00) STIS New Releases..................................... 16
(01) QMR of the Month......................................1-2
(01) QMR of the Month Award
Presentations................................................ 2
(01) Towing a Subaru Revisited........................3-5
(12) Windshield Wiper Cowl Fitment
and Deformation........................................5-6
(15) 24MY Crosstrek / Impreza Wide Angle
Mono Camera Cover Removal...................7-8
(15) Gen 4 EyeSight - Wide Angle Mono
Camera Calibration..................................9-10

We are pleased to announce this month’s TechShare QMR of the Month
Winner:

Robert Bedarbis from
Wayne Subaru in Pompton Plains, NJ
Robert created a high quality QMR using TechShare reporting on
customer’s concern of EyeSight, traction control, and hill descent
lights being illuminated while driving. Robert’s report included detailed
diagnostic steps and high-quality photos.

(20) Solterra Front Camera Calibration............. 11
(20) Solterra Diagnostic Procedures for
P15B071 & B14FC71..............................12-15

Please refer to the following link to review the TechShare QMR in detail:
TS-234932

SUBARU TECHLINE HOLIDAYS
& HOURS OF OPERATION
Independence Day: (Closed)
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Mon. - Thurs.

8:30AM - 7:30PM EST

Friday

10:30AM - 5:00PM EST

Saturday

9:00AM - 3:00PM EST

In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with
us, Robert will be receiving the following from his District Service Quality
Manager:

$500.00 Snap-On gift card
Continued on the next page

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.

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, Baja, Tribeca, BRZ, XV Crosstrek, Ascent, Crosstrek
Hybrid, Solterra and “Quality Driven” are Registered Trademarks.

June 2023 TechTIPS

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.

Page 1 of 17

01

QMR of the Month (CONTINUED)

The other regional winners selected from TechShare QMRs submitted during April 2023 were:

•

Collin Bonholzer from Rairdon’s Subaru of Auburn

•

Jacob Wolff from Gillman Subaru

•

Joshua Beaudoin from Patriot Subaru

•

Luis Hernandez from Farrish Subaru

Any Subaru Technician can participate in the TechShare QMR of the Month program. See the November
2022 issues of TechTIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a future issue of
TechTIPS!

01

QMR of the Month Award Presentations

As part of our “enhanced” QMR of the Month recognition program, we will include a photo (whenever
available) of the recipient’s award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month
submissions received during April 2023 was Rob Bedarbis, Technician at Wayne Subaru, Pompton
Plains, NJ.

Rob is shown above (right/center) after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card and Neiko
Flashlight. To his right Subaru of America’s District Service and Quality Manager Jim Colamarino, and Wayne
Subaru’s Service Manager Jerry Ciriaco. To his left is Wayne Subaru’s Parts and Service Director Rob Lesko.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our April 2023 QMR of the Month Award recipient!

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 2 of 17

01

Towing a Subaru Revisited

There are multiple TechTIPS related to towing Subarus from 8/93, 10/93, 3/97, 2/01, 7/05, 9/13 and
10/13. There is also TSB 01-162-05 which is specific to just the STi. Below is an overview of how to
tow Subaru vehicles. Using a flat-bed tow truck is the recommended method to transport a Subaru.
Always refer to the specific Owner’s Manual for the vehicle
in question for recommended towing procedures.
•

All 5 speed manual transmission vehicles can be towed
with all 4 wheels on the ground. You must leave the
shifter in neutral and the steering wheel unlocked (key in
ACC position).

•

For 6 speed manual transmissions found in the WRX STi,
you must follow TSB 01-162-05.

•

All BRZ models must be towed using a flatbed tow truck
with all 4 wheels off the ground. Flat towing is not allowed
for both 6AT and 6MT models.

•

Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, WRX and Crosstrek
models equipped with a 6-speed split case manual
transmission can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground.
Again, leave the steering wheel unlocked (key in ACC
position) and the shifter in neutral.

•

For CVT, 5 AT and 4 AT-equipped vehicles, you can tow the vehicle with all the wheels on the
ground, but you cannot exceed 20 MPH and must not travel further than 31 miles or transmission
damage will result. For further distances and higher speeds, the vehicle must be transported on a
flatbed truck with all 4 wheels off the ground.

•

Crosstrek Hybrid 19MY-Current - Must be towed
using a flatbed tow truck with all 4 wheels off the
ground.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 3 of 17

01

Towing a Subaru Revisited (CONTINUED)

•

Crosstrek Hybrid 14MY-16MY - Can tow the vehicle with all the
wheels on the ground, but you cannot exceed 20 MPH and
must not travel further than 31 miles or transmission damage
will result. For further distances and higher speeds, the vehicle
must be transported on a flatbed truck with all 4 wheels off the
ground.

•

Solterra – The recommended procedure is a flatbed tow truck. If a tow truck is not available
in an emergency, the vehicle may be temporarily towed using emergency towing eyelets. This
should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads for short distances at under 18 mph (30
km/h). A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s wheels,
drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condition. If the EV system is off, the
power assist for the brakes and steering will not function, making steering and braking more
difficult. For detialed procedures please refer to the Solterra Owner’s Manual, starting on
page 511 - MSA5M2330A_STIS (A6718BE-A)-Opt.pdf (subarunet.com)

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 4 of 17

01

Towing a Subaru Revisited (CONTINUED)

12

Windshield Wiper Cowl Fitment and Deformation

When servicing a wiper cowl or inspecting a vehicle with a concern of the wiper cowl warping, there
are a few important things to consider. Has the windshield previously been replaced? Has the wiper
cowl previously been replaced or removed for service? This will help to determine if the issue is due
to a damaged part or if it may be due to poor fitment resulting from improper windshield installation.
There are a few inspections that can be made to determine the issue, even if this information cannot
be obtained.
When inspecting a wiper cowl for deformation and improper fitment, inspect the tabs of the cowl for
indications of improper installation. White discoloration can be seen on the black tabs as an indication
of improper installation.

June 2023 TechTIPS

Continued on the next page

Page 5 of 17

12

Windshield Wiper Cowl Fitment and Deformation (CONTINUED)

When removing or installing the wiper cowl, it is important to always follow the directions in the Service
Manual as to not damage any components. Refer to the October 2011 TechTIPS for suggestions on
removal. When installing, be mindful of the cowl tabs so they do not bend (see above). If the wiper
cowl is deformed, replace with a new part. When installing the cowl, it is important to follow the
recommended steps in order.
1. Verify the cowl is centered by lining up the indicator shown below.
2. Make sure when pressing the protector of the cowl panel against the glass, insert the cowl’s
retaining claws under the glass.
3. Start with the center clip first, then the work towards the outer clips.

If these components appear normal, inspect the windshield for proper installation. Check the condition
of the locating pins on both corners of the top. Removal of interior components will be necessary to
make these inspections. There have been cases where removal of these locating pins has been made
during windshield installation. If the windshield is not properly installed onto the locating pins, the
windshield may not be able to correctly line up with the wiper cowl.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 6 of 17

15

24MY Crosstrek / Impreza Wide Angle Mono Camera Cover Removal

The Gen 4 EyeSight system on the 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza now incorporates a unique Mono
Camera cover assembly that requires a certain amount of finesse during the removal process to
prevent potential damage to the windshield attaching clips. If damage does occur to the windshield
clips the windshield will require replacement. The EyeSight and Mono camera calibrations will both
need to be performed after any windshield replacement. Use extreme caution when removing this
cover to avoid damage during removal.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 7 of 17

15

24MY Crosstrek / Impreza Wide Angle Mono Camera Cover Removal (CONTINUED)

The following camera cover removal technique has been found to provide the least amount of risk for
clip breakage:
1) Apply a strip of masking tape to the windshield 5mm from the front edge of the Mono Camera
cover as a reference point.
2) Using your right hand, apply pressure in a leftward direction on the right side of the Mono
Camera cover while maintaining leftward pressure, use your left hand to apply a firm, straight
forward, single “bump” on the left side of the camera cover as shown. Once the left side has
disengaged, complete the removal, if needed, carefully shift the cover to the right to release
the right-side clip on the windshield. (NOTE: Do not “Bump” aggressively or allow the camera
cover to travel more than 5mm during the left-side cover release.)
3) Remove the masking tape.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 8 of 17

15

Gen 4 EyeSight - Wide Angle Mono Camera Calibration

The EyeSight Stereo Camera and Wide Angle Mono Camera require separate calibration procedures.
Both calibrations are required whenever the windshield is replaced or if the camera is removed. When
performing the Wide Angle Mono Camera calibration on Gen 4 Eyesight equipped vehicles, the chart
used for calibration needs to be printed. It does not have a tool number and cannot be ordered.
Techline has received reports stating that printing these charts to the correct size and scale is difficult
with the average printer at the retailer. It is recommended to have the chart printed by a commercial
printer such as Office Depot, Fed Ex, or a local printing business. They have the equipment to print
large images to the correct scale. The measurments provided for the finished chart is the size of the
entire black box, not just the white squares. It is recommended to put the 3 printed charts onto foam
board so they can be used repeatedly without needing to have them reprinted. Once the panels are
printed, they can be mounted on a white board as has been recommended for the EyeSight Stereo
Camera chart. The vehicle and chart setup procedure are similar to the EyeSight Stereo camera
calibration. The click path for the Wide Angle Mono Camera calibration is shown below. Please
review TSB 07-211-23 for more information on the Wide Angle Mono camera calibration.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 9 of 17

15

Gen 4 EyeSight - Wide Angle Mono Camera Calibration (CONTINUED)

Once the 3 charts are printed make sure to verify all measurements shown in STIS.

It should look similar to the image below once completed.

NOTE: The Solterra front camera uses a similar chart for calibration. The size of the printed charts is
NOT the same. The charts needed for Solterra front camera calibration and Gen 4 Wide Angle Mono
camera calibration cannot be interchanged.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 10 of 17

20

Solterra Front Camera Calibration

When performing the Front Camera Target Adjustment,
there has been some confusion on where the chart needs
to be placed as the Service Manual does not indicate a
distance from the front of the vehicle. This is because
the chart is to be placed against the front bumper as
indicated by point B. The same will be done with the
rear target panel for point A.

Refer to the Solterra TRB or the Service Manual for the full calibration procedure.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 11 of 17

20

Solterra Diagnostic Procedures for P15B071 & B14FC71

P15B071: Hybrid/EV Electronics Coolant Distribution Valve Actuator “A” Actuator Stuck
B14FC71: Three-way Flow Adjustment Valve (HT Coolant Circuit) Actuator Stuck
The Service Manual diagnostic procedure for these two DTCs listed will be revised. Until STIS is
updated, please follow the procedure listed in this TIP if either DTC is found.
If the auxiliary battery (12V Battery) and/or the valve* connectors were disconnected within approximately
95 seconds after “Ready_OFF” (Ignition off), the location recognition of the valves will be incorrect at
the next “IG_ON” (Igntion on), and the DTCs will be detected.
*P15B071 = 5-way valve (water control valve) *B14FC71 = 3-way valve (Heater control valve)
Until the service manual is revised, perform the following steps BEFORE performing the active
test described in the service manual.
1. Remove the ECU-B No.5 fuse within 60 seconds after ignition switch is turned off.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds, then install the ECU-B No.5 fuse.
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON.
4. Follow the GTS screen descriptions below and Clear the DTCs.
Perform the active test. If the results are all within specification,, the repair is complete.

This procedure will remain in effect until the Service Manual is revised.
Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

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20

Solterra Diagnostic Procedures for P15B071 & B14FC71 (CONTINUED)

P15B071 Active Test

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 13 of 17

20

Solterra Diagnostic Procedures for P15B071 & B14FC71 (CONTINUED

B14FC71 Active Test

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 14 of 17

20

Solterra Diagnostic Procedures for P15B071 & B14FC71 (CONTINUED)

To help prevent these DTCs from setting, always follow the recommendation in the Service Manual to
wait at least 3 minutes after shutting the igntion off before disconnecting the negative battery terminal
of the auxiliary battery (12V battery).

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

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00

STIS New Releases

ITEM CODE

SOA567C100
SOA567C200
16-132-20R
16-136-22R
WRG-22
04-29-23R
07-222-23

ITEM TYPE

Accessory Installation Guide
Accessory Installation Guide
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin

CREATED
DATE

TITLE

Thule Rooftop Tent - (all vehi...
Thule Awning – Roof Mounted - ...
Diagnostic Information for All...
Vibration & Possible Judder Co...
Halogen Headlamp Low Beam & Si...
Electronic Power Steering Repr...
Climate Control Settings / Und...

15-Jun-23
15-Jun-23
13-Jun-23
13-Jun-23
13-Jun-23
12-Jun-23
9-Jun-23

All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.

Continued on the next page
June 2023 TechTIPS

Page 16 of 17

*** Now you can e-mail your TechTIPS input and suggestions to: [email protected] ***
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 9103; Camden, NJ 08101-9877.
Your Name:
Signature:
Dealer’s Name:
City:
Date:
Dealer Code:

SUBARU
TECHLINE
Hours of Operation
June 2023 TechTIPS

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm
Continued on the next page
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