ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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IMPORTANT - All
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Should Read and
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SERVICE MANAGER

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© 2018 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2015-2018MY Legacy and Outback
2012-2018MY Impreza
2013-2018MY Crosstrek
2014-2018MY Forester
2015-2018MY WRX
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 16-112-18R
DATE: 03/15/18
REVISED: 08/14/23

Ignition Key Sticking / Design Change to CVT
Shifter / Selector Lever Components

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to
isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the
vehicle is in Park. The cause is contamination of the Park-Range switch internal components.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new select lever components were incorporated into production as per the table below:
Vehicle / Model

Starting VIN

Legacy

J*017478

Outback

J*245513

Impreza

J*605062

Crosstrek

J*712211

Forester

J*441815

WRX

J*808100

PART INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

The term PLATE-GUIDE B refers to the Park-Range switch which is a serviceable part of
the select lever assembly on all models listed above EXCEPT Legacy and Outback. See the
illustrations provided below for more details.

•

For Legacy and Outback, the guide plate (GUIDE-PLATE A) must be replaced if the ParkRange switch is found to be faulty.
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: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

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 11

Description

Part Number

Applicability
2012-2016MY Impreza

35122FJ033
PLATE-GUIDE B

CLAMP
PLATE-GUIDE A

2013-2017MY Crosstrek
2014-2018MY Forester
2015-2018MY WRX

35122AJ162

2018MY Crosstrek

35122FL00B

2017-2018MY Impreza

35164AJ000
35164AJ010

1-Time Use items, must be replaced
whenever installing PLATE-GUIDE B on
above models, 1 of each required.

35192AL00A

2015-2018MY Legacy & Outback

For Legacy and Outback:

For all other models listed:

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
NOTE: The diagnostics below were previously supplied in the June 2017 issue of TIPS.
•

After confirming the customer concern of not being able to remove the key from the ignition
switch, check the following PID for Key lock solenoid output (Figure 1 below) in the Body
Integrated Unit (BIU) current data display.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 2 of 11

•

If the Key lock solenoid output is displayed as Lock, the next step in diagnosis should be to
check the following PID (Figure 2 below).

•

P SW is the park range switch, located in the AT shifter assembly. If the shifter is in the Park
position and this PID remains OFF, suspect an issue with either the park range switch or the
related wiring. Check for drink spills, previous interior repairs, modifications and the shift
lever position itself. Troubleshooting procedures can be found in the applicable Service
Manual under the AT Shift Lock Control System > KEY INTERLOCK CANNOT BE
LOCKED OR RELEASED.

After diagnosis has confirmed the Park-Range switch to be faulty, either:
a) Replace the SELECT LEVER GUIDE-PLATE A (on Legacy and Outback models) or,
b) Replace the Park-Range switch (PLATE-GUIDE B) following the Select Lever disassembly /
assembly procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
IMPORTANT TIP: After removing the shift knob there will be a white plastic rod / plunger
protruding from the top of the chrome lever. Use a permanent marker and mark its position as shown
in the photo so it can be put back in the same place during reassembly. The bottom end has a notch in
it which must be in the correct position for proper operation of the mechanism.

After Select Lever reassembly is complete, be sure to confirm the following:
•

the combination meter indicator matches the select lever position when changing from “P”
range to “D” range

•

the select lever position and indicator match each other

•
•

the select lever operates smoothly from “P” to “D” and back to “P” range
the ignition key can be removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in Park.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 3 of 11

GUIDE PLATE A / LEGACY & OUTBACK MODELS
PART INFORMATION:
Guide Plate Kit P.N. #35192AL00A

SERVICE PROCEDURE:
Guide Plate Removal for Legacy & Outback
NOTE: Refer to the applicable Service Manual and review: General Description > Repair Contents
> Action required before & after Battery Disconnect. Additionally, record any stored seat position(s)
before proceeding. Relearn any seat position memory after work is complete. If the power rear gate
(PRG) height has been customized, that position must also be noted and relearned.
STEP 1)

Engage the parking brake and remove the following parts by following the applicable
Service Manual.
A. Front console cover assembly
B. Console box
C. Left and right front console side cover assemblies

Refer to: EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM > Console Box > REMOVAL
STEP 2)

CAREFULLY disconnect the negative battery terminal while supporting the sensor with
the other hand as outlined in the applicable Service Manual under:
STARTING/CHARGING SYSTSEMS > Battery Sensor.

STEP 3)

Disconnect the harness connector from the gear selector lever.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 4 of 11

STEP 4)

Using a plastic trim tool, CAREFULLY release the connector mounting tab from the
gear selector lever housing. Remove the harness from wiring security loops located on
the gear selector lever shown below.

STEP 5)

CAREFULLY release the terminals #3 and #4 of the solenoid unit connector. Insert a
suitable terminal removal tool from Snap-on® tool kit #SGTT110 or a flat-blade
screwdriver (with a tip width of 1.3mm (0.05in) or less) into the connector and disengage
the terminal holding tab while slightly pulling the wires from the connector.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Terminal removal shown below.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 5 of 11

STEP 6)

Release the harness from wiring security loops located on the gear selector lever
shown below.

STEP 7)

CAREFULLY remove the indicator cover by releasing the 4 tabs located on the sides.
Use CAUTION when applying pressure to the tabs to prevent any damage.

STEP 8)

CAREFULLY remove the blind housing from the gear selector lever. DO NOT removed
the indicator light terminals.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 6 of 11

STEP 9)

CAREFULLY release the terminals #5 and #6 of the indicator light connector. Insert
a suitable terminal removal tool from Snap-on® tool kit #SGTT110 or a flat-blade
screwdriver (with a tip width of 1.3mm (0.05in) or less) into the connector and disengage
the terminal holding tab while slightly pulling the wires from the connector.

STEP 10) Remove the clamp push nut located on the left rear section of the gear selector lever.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The clamp push nut is a one-time use part. A new nut MUST be use during
assembly.

STEP 11) Remove the guide pin while applying downforce pressure to the guide plate.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 7 of 11

STEP 12) Remove the guide plate by raising the rear section to disengage the holding claws located

at the front of the plate housing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Use CAUTION to not damage or misplace the plunger rod or detent pin.

STEP 13)

CARFULLY release the terminals #1 and #2 of the “manual mode” switch. Release
terminals #7 and #8 of the “Parking range” switch. Insert a suitable terminal removal
tool from Snap-on® tool kit #SGTT110 or a flat-blade screwdriver (with a tip width of
1.3mm (0.05in) or less) into the connector and disengage the terminal holding tab
while slightly pulling the wires from the connector.

NOTE: There is no polarity of these terminals. The MUST STILL be connected to match the original
position to prevent any stress on the wiring.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 8 of 11

INSTALLATION:
STEP 1)

Apply the supplied grease to the required areas (A,B, and C) shown below. Apply
one pack of grease to section A. Apply ½ pack of grease to sections B and C.

CAUTION: DO NOT apply grease to the switches located inside the guide plate.

STEP 2)

Install the new guide plate and reassemble the gear selector lever in the reverse order of
disassembly.

CAUTION: Shift the gear selector lever into the neutral position prior to installation to prevent any
damage to the switches.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Whenever reconnecting the ground cable terminal to the battery sensor,
torque to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.-lbs. or 66inch-lbs.) while supporting the sensor with the other hand as
outlined in the applicable Service Manual under:
STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS > Battery Sensor.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 9 of 11

INSTALLATION TIPS:
1. Use a deep socket to install the clamp push nut. This will fully seat the clamp push nut against the
gear selector lever housing.

2. Confirm the blind is installed in the correctly within the guide rails.

•

Inspect the highlighted areas after the blind is installed to ensure proper alignment.

•

Operate the gear selector lever and confirm the indicated gear position matches the actual gear
position.

•

Confirm the “door open” audio indicator operates when the door is open with the gear selector
lever in the “Park” position when the ignition is switched OFF.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle falls within the 1-year grace period, you will need to submit a
warranty authorization request using the coding below and “Concern documented prior to warranty
expiration” as your Authorization reason.
PARK-RANGE SWITCH WARRANTY EXTENSION ONLY
Labor Description

Labor
Operation #

Labor
Time

A/T SHIFT LOCK TESTING

B308-001

0.4

GUIDE PLATE R&R (LEGACY & OUTBACK ONLY)

C308-166

0.5

PARK-RANGE SWITCH R&R, (ALL OTHER MODELS LISTED
IN THIS BULLETIN)

C308-161

1.1

Fail
Code

MDH-43

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 10 of 11

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.

Bulletin Number: 16-112-18R; Revised 08/14/23

Page 11 of 11