ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2019MY Legacy & Outback
2019-21MY WRX

NUMBER: 15-318-24
DATE:

02/23/24

Data Communication Module (DCM) Bypass Box

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces the availability of the DCM Bypass Box designed to be used as an alternative
replacement part for Data Communication Module (DCM) in vehicles with no active STARLINK
subscription. If the diagnosis leads to the replacement of the DCM, the DCM Bypass Box can be used
in place of a DCM to support audio input/output functions for infotainment system.
PART INFORMATION:
DCM Bypass Box

Part Description

Part Number

DCM BYPASS BOX

86229AL400

STARLINK SUBSCRIPTION CONFIRMATION:
This DCM Bypass Box installation is for vehicles without any active STARLINK subscription.
ALWAYS confirm the STARLINK subscription status using prior to performing the DCM bypass box
installation. This bypass box (86229AL400) is ONLY orderable through PRIME. There is no need to
contact PICs for release.
NOTE: If the vehicle has an active STARLINK subscription a Data Communication Module must be
used as replacement part. Please contact SOA PICs team after placing the order through the normal
ordering channels with the VIN and order number to have the VIN verified for the subscription and
have the order released.
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: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

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...
Page 1 of 14

CONFIRMING SUBSCRIPTION STATUS USING SNET VEHICLE INQUIRY:
1. Enter the subject Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the VIN search box and click the
search button.

2. Select the Connected Vehicle Subscriptions drop down.

3. Confirm the status reads “Inactive” prior to proceeding. If the status reads “Active,’ the vehicle
has an active STARLINK subscription and does not qualify for the repair procedures outlined in
this bulletin.

CONFIRMING SUBSCRIPTION STATUS USING SUBARU SELECT MONITOR:
4. Connect the applicable Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) to the vehicle. Read the Subscription status
of the DCM located in the “Work Support”
menus. Confirm the subscription status reads
“Unsubscribed” prior to proceeding. If the
status reads “Subscribed,’ the vehicle has an
active STARLINK subscription and does not
qualify for the repair procedures outlined in
this bulletin.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 2 of 14

DCM BYPASS BOX INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION:

DCM Bypass
Box

LEGACY & OUTBACK DCM REMOVAL PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT: This procedure is for vehicles without any active STARLINK subscription. ALWAYS
confirm the STARLINK subscription status prior to performing the procedures outlined below.
STEP 1: 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 2: CAREFULLY disconnect the battery sensor
from the negative ground terminal and wait at least 60
seconds before continuing.

STEP 3: Remove the Center Grille Assembly.
A. Release the clips and claws.
B. Disconnect the connector and remove the
Grille Assembly.
C. Disconnect and remove the hazard switch.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 3 of 14

STEP 4: Remove the Heater Control Assembly.
A. Release the clips and claws.
B. Remove the panel.
C. Remove the mounting screws.
D. Detach the heater control assembly.

CAUTION: A flat head screwdriver with protective
tape can be used as shown in the right image. Use
special care to not damage the heater control assembly.

STEP 5: Remove the audio assembly.
A. Remove the mounting screws.
B. Release the mounting clips.
C. Disconnect all electrical connections.
D. The audio assembly can then be removed.

STEP 6: Remove the DCM.
A. CAREFULLY remove the bracket
mounting screws.
B. Remove the DCM and the backup module
assembly together.
CAUTION: Be mindful to not cause any damage to
the mounting screws during removal. The mounting
screws are to be reused.
STEP 7: Refer to the DCM Bypass Box Installation
section of this bulletin on page #8.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 4 of 14

WRX DCM REMOVAL PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT: This procedure is for vehicles without any active STARLINK subscription. ALWAYS
confirm the STARLINK subscription status prior to performing the procedures outlined below.
STEP 1: 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 2: CAREFULLY disconnect the battery sensor from
the negative ground terminal and wait at least 60 seconds
before continuing.

STEP 3: Using a plastic trim tool, remove the left side
instrument panel cover.

STEP 4: Remove the left inner and outer lower instrument panels.
A. Remove the mounting screws.
B. Release the mounting clips and
claws.
C. Pull both panels toward the rear
of the vehicle.
D. Disconnect all electrical
connections.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 5 of 14

CAUTION: ALWAYS pull the panels toward the rear of the vehicle. Pulling in an upward or
downward direction may cause damage to the mounting claws.

STEP 5: Remove the knee airbag module.
A. Remove the mounting nuts.
B. CAREFULLY disconnect the
electrical connection.

STEP 6: Remove the glove box assembly.
A. Apply protective tape to the lower
center panel section shown as (a) in
the right image.
B. Disconnect the damper from the
glove box.
C. Release the stoppers and pull the
glove box toward the rear of the
vehicle.
STEP 7: Remove the glove box backing panel.
A. Using a plastic trim tool, remove the
right side instrument panel cover.
B. Release the clips and removed the
instrument panel ornamental trim.
TIP: The instrument panel ornamental trim can be
removed by applying pressure from the backside.
C. Remove the glove box LED and
disconnect the electrical connection.
D. Removed the mounting screws.
E. Release the claws and harness clamp.
F. The glove box backing panel can then
be removed.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 6 of 14

STEP 8: Remove the center grille assembly.
A. Apply protective tape to the instrument
panel section shown as (a) in the right
image.
B. Release the claw using a plastic trim tool
or a clip removal to with protective tape
applied to the contact area.
C. Disconnect the electrical connector and
remove the center grille assembly.
STEP 9: Remove the audio assembly.
A. Apply protective tape the center storage area section indicated as (a) in the lower right
image.
B. Remove the mounting screws and bolts.
C. Release the mounting claws and partially remove the audio assembly to gain access to
the electrical connections.
CAUTION: If the antenna cable interferes with
the removal side mounting bolts, move the antenna
cable before attempting to remove the bolts.
D. Disconnect the electrical connectors
and remove the audio assembly.

STEP 10: Remove the DCM.
A. CAREFULLY remove the bracket mounting
screws.
B. Remove the DCM and the backup module
assembly together.
CAUTION: Be mindful to not cause any damage to the
mounting screws during removal. The mounting screws
are to be reused.
STEP 11: Refer to the DCM Bypass Box Installation
section of this bulletin on page #8.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 7 of 14

DCM BYPASS BOX INSTALLATION:
STEP 1: Mount the DCM Bypass Box with the brackets in place of the DCM.

DCM Bypass Box

Left side of the DCM Bypass Box.

STEP 2: Locate pin #4 of head unit connector i87.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 8 of 14

STEP 3: Using a small precision screwdriver or pin terminal tool, release and raise the lock located
on the back on the connector. The lock release points are located as (a) in the image below.

STEP 4: Insert the microphone power terminal into pin #4 of head unit connector i87.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 9 of 14

STEP 5: Push the lock portion back into the connector. Confirm the connector is fully locked and the
newly installed wire is secure.

STEP 6: Secure the newly installed wire to the power harness with vinyl tape.

STEP 7: Bundle the reimagining three antenna connectors to +the harness with vinyl tape.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 10 of 14

STEP 8: Reinstall all parts in the reverse order of disassembly. Remove all protective tape.
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 SYSTSEMS > Battery
Sensor.
STEP 9: Proceed to the Function Check portion of this bulletin on page #12.
FUNCTION CHECK:
STEP 1: Connect the Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) and perform and all systems fault scan. Confirm
there an no DTCs.
STEP 2: Confirm sound is emitting from all the speakers. Pay special attention the front tweeter
speakers.

STEP 3: Confirm the microphone is working using the Service Diagnostics Mode.
A. Turn the ignition switch to ACC.
B. Press the “Tune/Scroll” knob six times while pressing the “HOME” button.
C. Select “Function Check”.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 11 of 14

D. Select “Microphone”.

E. Confirm “Mic 1 Input Level” and “Mic 2 Input Level” are operational.

DCM RECONNECTION:
NOTE: DCM Reconnection is not part of the DCM bypass box placement procedure and need to be
performed only if the customer with a DCM bypass box installed decides to subscribe to telematics
services at some point in future.
In a case when STARLINK is to be re-subscribed for a vehicle with a DCM Bypass Box installed, the
following procedure is required.
STEP 1: Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor.
STEP 2: Remove the center grille assembly.
STEP 3: Remove the heater control assembly.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 12 of 14

STEP 4: Remove the audio assembly.
A. Remove the screws and release the clip.
B. Disconnect the connector and remove the audio assembly.
C. Cut the microphone power wire (color: red) at the end of connector i87 pin #4.

D. Bundle the cut red wire for the microphone into the vehicle harness so the cut end is
covered.

E. Remove the tape from the three bundled antenna connectors.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 13 of 14

STEP 5: Remove the DCM Bypass Box.
A. CAREFULLY remove the mounting screws.
B. Remove the DCM Bypass Box.
STEP 6: Install the DCM.
A. Install the backup battery.
B. Install the DCM.
C. Install the audio assembly or navigation assembly.
D. Install the heater control assembly.
E. Install the center grille assembly.
F. Connect the ground terminal to battery sensor. Refer to STIS: REPAIR CONTENTS >
NOTE > BATTERY.
G. Perform the registration procedure if the DCM is replaced with a new part. Refer to
STIS: ENTERTAINMENT & MONITORING > Telematics System > OPERATION
H. Check the LED lighting condition of the Telematics button. Refer to STIS:
TELEMATICS SYSTEM > (DIAGNOSTICS) > Check List for Interview > CHECK >
LED ILLUMINATION STATUS LIST
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Added
Security Gold Plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

Fail Code

TEST AND REPLACE DCM WITH DCM
BYPASS BOX

B067-915

1.1

ZQQ-42

NOTE: Any labor performed in relation to the Data Communication Module Warranty Extension will require
the claim information supplied in TSB 15-317-24.

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: 15-318-24; Date: 02/23/24

Page 14 of 14