ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

q

PARTS MANAGER

q

CLAIMS PERSONNEL

q

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

SERVICE MANAGER

q

© 2019 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2018-22MY Legacy and Outback
2018-23MY Crosstrek
2017-23MY Impreza
2019-23MY Forester
2019-22MY Ascent
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 15-240-19R
DATE: 04/18/19
REVISED: 06/29/23

New Harman Audio Amplifiers

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal
logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns:
Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the
knob
Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob
Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers
Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short
amount of time
Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while
using navigation guidance
Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob.
Symptom 7: The system unintentionally enters a reprogramming mode and stops audio function
resulting in no audio output. This failure can be temporarily cleared by disconnecting and
reconnecting the battery.

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.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 06/29/23

Page 1 of 5

PART INFORMATION:
Description

Exchange Part Number

Application

86221AL01G

Legacy / Outback 2018-19MY

86221AN01C

Legacy / Outback 2020-21MY

86221AN11B

Legacy / Outback 2022MY

86221FL00G

Impreza models with Cloth upholstery

86221FL01G

Impreza models with Leather upholstery

86221FL016

Crosstrek

86221SJ004

Forester models with Cloth upholstery

86221SJ014

Forester models with Leather upholstery

86221XC01E

Ascent

Power Amplifier Assembly

NOTE: When ordering the applicable exchange amplifiers from United Radio, the exchange
units supplied will contain all the latest available enhancements to address the symptoms as
listed on pg. 1 of this bulletin.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
The causes of Symptoms 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are software concerns where in some cases, the amplifier
status is not judged properly by the head unit. As a result, volume output is either muted (no output)
or at the maximum. Please refer to Appendix section for troubleshooting reference with “No Sound”
concerns.
The cause of Symptom 3 is a hardware concern within the amplifier circuitry which also requires
the unit be replaced with an exchange unit. Follow the procedure below to confirm this condition
BEFORE ordering an exchange amplifier.
1. Enter the vehicle and turn the ignition ON.
2. Turn the audio unit on and listen for any unusual sounds from any of the speakers.
3. Pull the hood release lever.
4. Open the Driver’s window fully to retain access to the inside of the vehicle.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Exit the vehicle and close all the doors.
7. Wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding further.
8. Open the hood and remove the PDI (backup power) fuse.
9. Turn the ignition back on and listen again for any unusual sound from any of the speakers.
10. If the unusual sounds heard originally can no longer be verified, replace the amplifier with an
exchange unit. If unusual sounds persist while the fuse is removed, there is another cause which
will require further diagnosis.
After confirming the symptom(s) as outlined in the Introduction above exists, order the applicable
replacement amplifier following the Audio Exchange Program instructions. Install the exchange unit
following the current Service Manual procedure.
REMINDER: The exchange units supplied will contain all the latest available enhancements
to address the symptoms as listed on pg. 1 of this bulletin. All exchange amplifiers have the new
software and circuitry installed.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 06/29/23

Page 2 of 5

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
After the customer concern has been confirmed, the service procedure for replacing the power
amplifier assembly remains unchanged. Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review
the full requirements of the repair being performed. The Service Manual procedures contain
information critical to performing an effective repair the first time and every time.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru
Added Security Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
Labor
Operation #

Applicability

HK POWER AMPLIFIER EXCHANGE

B850-815

Ascent
Legacy & Outback
Crosstrek
Impreza
Forester

AUDIO SYSTEM TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS

C031-001

All

Labor Description

Fail
Code

Labor
Time

0.3

ZSE-43

0.3

NOTES:
• HK Exchange Units require the Exchange Number be shown as Misc. Detail.
•

Power amplifier exchange replacements require the entry of an exchange part number on
the claim. An “EX” added to the end of the part number being installed will identify it as an
exchanged part. (EXAMPLE: 86221AL01DEX)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

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 check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 06/29/23

Page 3 of 5

Appendix

‘No Audio’ Troubleshooting - Sound does not come out from the speaker(s)
Please Note: Please check the following three points regardless of the results of the defect diagnosis.
1) If “No Sound” is recovered during diagnosis, please specify the condition. (e.g., Remove power, ACC OFF→ON,
etc.)
2) Please check the part number of the AMP, and if the part number is old, replace it with the latest part number.
3) Please make sure you can hear any beep. (On the head unit go to Settings→Sound→Beep sounds, turn on BEEP
feature )
4) If this is a repeat occurrence for “No Sound” (a previous visit fixed “No Sound” during diagnosis or with a
replacement part), please report via QMR
1. Check Audio/Volume (Visual Inspection)
a. Turn ignition ON
1. Check
Audio/Volume

NO

Perform the
instructed
procedures

b. Check if the volume widget is shown on the head unit while rotating volume
knob
Is the Volume widget shown when rotating the Volume knob;
YES: Go to 2.
NO: Diagnose for Head Unit (Reference ‘Radio Malfunction’ troubleshooting flow
chart)

YES

2. Check mute mode
2. Check
mute mode

YES

Perform the
instructed
procedures

Check if mute mode is turned on when the mute button is pressed.
Is the Volume widget shown when rotating the Volume knob;
YES: If there is still no sound after Unmute, proceed to 3.
NO: Diagnose the head unit (refer to the troubleshooting flowchart under “Radio
Malfunction”)

NO

3. Check DTC (model with Telematics)
Read the DTC of [Telematics] using the Subaru Select Monitor.
3. Check DTC
(model with
Telematics)

YES

Perform the
instructed
procedures

Are any of these DTC’s set as current?
B2A0E (mute line circuit)
B2A05 (left speaker/audio circuit) / B2A06 (right speaker/audio circuit)
YES: Perform the diagnosis for the current displayed DTCs.
NO: Go to 4.

NO

4. Check mute mode
a. Turn the ignition switch OFF → ON
4. Check DTC

YES

Perform the
instructed
procedures

NO

b. Read the DTC of [Infortainment] using the Subaru Select Monitor
Is DTC B2244 displayed? (Current malfunction)
YES: Perform the diagnosis for the displayed DTC B2244
NO: Go to 5.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 06/29/23

Page 4 of 5

5. Check the mode in which no sound comes out
Check if sound comes out in each mode such as CD, radio, etc.

NO

Does it have no sound in all modes?
YES: Go to 6.
5. Check
the mode in
which no sound
comes out

NO

Perform the
instructed
procedures

NO: Please perform fault diagnosis for each mode with no sound.
CD: DISC error or HU error.
(If the CD DECK is a separate unit, check the CD DECK as well.)
Radio: Antenna error, radio wave environment factor, or HU error.
Bluetooth Audio: Pairing is not completed or HU error.
USB: USB device error or HU error.
HF: Pairing is incomplete or HU error.
VR( Native): HU error.
In case of HU error, please go to HU diagnosis of each source.

YES

6. Check diagnostic mode
Perform {Audio Check} on the {Line Diag} screen.
Does it have no sound in all speakers?

6. Check
diagnostic mode

NO

Perform the
instructed
procedures

YES: Go to 7.
NO: Model with power amplifier:
Check the harnesses between the unit and power amplifier;
and between power amplifier and speaker for open circuit or short circuit.
If no fault is found, replace the speaker.
Model without power amplifier:
Check the harness between the head unit and speaker for open circuit or
short circuit.
If no fault is found, replace the speaker.

YES

7. Check wiring harness
a. For models with an amplifier, check for poor contact in the amplifier
7. Check
connectors

NO

Perform the
instructed
procedures

b. Without an amp, check for poor contact in the connector of the head unit
and the connector of each speaker.
Is the check result OK?
YES: Go to 8.
NO: Repair or replace the affected harness

YES

8. Check amplifier
Refer to the TSB and check to see that the amp is the latest part number.
– see TSB 15-240-19R
Is the amplifier latest part number?
8. Replace
Amplifier
(or Head Unit)

Perform the
instructed
procedures

NO: Replace amplifier with an exchange to get one with the latest software.
YES: Unplug both connectors from amp to remove power, then plug both back in to
reset amp.
Either:
a) The ‘no audio’ issue is resolved: Issue is based in amplifier software.
- because the amp is the latest part number, replacement will not correct it.
Amp must be reset with a power cycle.
b) There is still ‘no audio’: The issue is likely hardware-related, either amp or
head unit.
- replace amp first; if issue persists, replace head unit.

Bulletin Number: 15-240-19R; Revised: 06/29/23

Page 5 of 5