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gear selector cable.

CAUTIONS WHEN REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE GEAR SELECTOR CABLE:
DO NOT apply an impact or a load to part (a) of the gear selector cable shown in the picture below.
Doing so may damage the resin guide pipe inside the boot.

If the resin guide pipe is damaged, the inner cable can become slackened when operating the gear
selector lever and the shifter arm become inoperative. As a result, the shift positions of the gear
selector lever and the inhibitor switch do not match, causing malfunctions such as an engine no
crank/no start condition.

Due to the resin guide pipe and the inner cable being unable to be seen, CAREFULLY remove and
install the gear selector cable.

STEP 15: Disconnect the inhibitor
switch electrical connector. Remove
the two mounting bolts for the inhibitor
switch.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

Page 9 of 19

STEP 16: Remove and discard the original
inhibitor switch.
TIP: The inhibitor switch may be difficult to
separate from the shaft. Slightly rocking the
switch back and forth can help make removal
easier if this occurs.

STEP 17: Install the new inhibitor switch.
Maintain proper alignment with the shifter
arm shaft. Refer to Work Tips Video at 01:33.

STEP 18: Connect the electrical connector.
Install the two mounting bolts hand tight
only. The bolts will be torqued after a final
adjustment is made.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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STEP 19: Slightly pull the gear selector cable
toward the rear of the vehicle and install the
shifter arm onto the shaft.
CAUTION: DO NOT apply excessive
pressure to part (a) of the gear selector cable
shown below.

STEP 20: Install the cable bracket using the
alignment marks made in Step 13. Torque the
mounting bolts to 18Nm (13ft-lbs.).

CAUTION: DO NOT install the cable bracket in the opposite position. Doing so will damage the
gear selector cable.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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STEP 21: Align the shifter arm hole and the shaft
hole.
TIP: Inserting a bolt (M5x10mm) can help prevent
any misalignment of the
holes. The bolt can be
secured with masking
tape to prevent the bolt
from falling out during
pin installation.

STEP 22: Prepare the new spring pin by securing
it to the tip of a 5mm punch using masking tape or
a piece of rubber tubing.

STEP 23: Install the new spring using a hammer. The spring is completely installed when the pin
protrusion is equal on both sides.

CAUTION: Take particular care to not misalign the shifter arm and shaft holes during installation.
DO NOT hit the surrounding components with the hammer.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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STEP 24: Remove the masking tape from the
gear selector cable.

STEP 25: Align the shifter arm hole and the
inhibitor switch hole and insert SST 499267300
or a 4mm punch. Tighten the two inhibitor switch
mounting bolts to 5Nm (4 ft-lbs. or 44 inch-lbs.).
The tool or punch can then be removed.

STEP 26: Lower the vehicle as per the lift manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP 27: Reconnect the negative battery cable 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 28: Engage the electronic parking brake and perform the follwing function tests.
NOTE: If any of the following function tests results indicate improper operation, repeat the
alignment procedure outlined in Step 25 followed by the function tests below.
A. With the ignition on, depress the brake pedal and move the gear selector to all
positions while confirming the gear indicated positions on the combination meter
match.
B. Confirm the illumination on the gear selector is functioning properly in all shift
positions even if the selector is rocked back and forth in each.
C. Confirm the engine can be started in both the Park and Nuetral positions, even if the
selector is pulled (in Park) or pushed (in Neutral) toward Reverse without pressing the
select lever button.
D. Without depressing the brake, apply slight pressure to the gear selector in all gears.
Confirm the gear selection cannot be changed without depressing the brake , with the
exception of Drive and Neutral. Confirm the gear selector will not move from Park
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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using only the select lever button.
E. Confirm the gear selector has smooth operation and is not binding in anyway.
CALIFORNIA “VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL - PROOF OF CORRECTION”
CERTIFICATE
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles Registration/Recall
Program requires that all emission related Recall/Campaign or Service Program repairs be completed
before a vehicle registration is renewed. Please provide owners of vehicles registered in the state of
California a completed “Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction” certificate. Vehicle owners
should be advised to retain this certificate because the California Department of Motor Vehicles may
require they provide proof this service program repair has been completed. Additional certificates
are available through normal parts ordering channels using part number MSA6P1301. Quantity 1 = 1
booklet of 50 certificates.

SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL:
Type or print the necessary information on a Campaign Identification Label. The completed label
should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support. Additional labels are available through
normal parts ordering channels. The part number is MSA6P1302, which comes as one sheet of 20
labels.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES:
Credit to perform this recall will be based on properly completed repair order information. Retailers
may submit claims through Subarunet.com.
Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

Fail Code

INHIBITOR SWITCH R&R

A103-791

0.6H

WRQ-23

NOTE: Up to 50 cents can be claimed in sublet for materials used.

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: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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Appendix A
To correctly perform the recall service procedure and prevent breakage of the REMOVERPIN during usage, ALWAYS check the tool prior to usage and perform correction as per the
procedure below if necessary.
1. CHECKING BACKLASH OF THE PUSHING PIN
Pinch the pushing pin between your thumb
and index finger and move it in the axial
direction to check the backlash of the
pushing pin.
 If there is no backlash, proceed to step 2.
 If there is backlash, the pushing pin
is NOT retained properly. Proceed to step 3.

2. CHECKING THE INSTALLATION CONDITION OF PUSHING PIN
Fully turn the pushing bolt in the clockwise by hand
until it stops. Inspect the size of the gap between the
tip of the pushing pin and the tool body.
 If the gap is 1mm or less, the pushing pin is
retained properly.
 If the gap is larger than 1mm, the pushing
pin is NOT retained properly. Proceed to step 3

3. CORRECTING THE PUSHING PIN TO THE APPROPRIATE STATE
Using a 4mm allen wrench, CAREFULLY tighten the
retaining screw in the clockwise direction until the size of
the gap between the tip of the pushing pin and the tool body
is 1mm or less.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to the VIN identified in the
address section printed below

Subaru Safety Recall WRQ-23
NHTSA ID 23V-755
January 2024

Dear Subaru Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety,
exists in certain 2021 model year Crosstrek vehicles, certain 2022 model year Forester, and certain
2021-2023 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
The inhibitor switch on your vehicle may have been manufactured with an insufficient weld between
the switch stator and cover which may allow water intrusion.
Over time, moisture intrusion may cause the inhibitor switch to become inoperative. An inoperative
inhibitor switch may result in the backup lamps not illuminating when in reverse gear, the rear-view
monitor not displaying, the transmission gear select indicator in the instrument panel not being
displayed, or inability to start the engine, each of which increases the risk of a crash.
WHAT SUBARU WILL DO
Subaru will replace the inhibitor switch with a new one at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) immediately for an appointment to have this repair
performed, at no cost to you.
If you notice that the backup lamps are not illuminating when in reverse gear, the rear-view
monitor is not displaying, the transmission gear select indicator in the instrument panel is not being
displayed, or you cannot start the engine in your vehicle, please have your vehicle inspected by your
Subaru retailer immediately.
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HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time required to perform this repair is less than 40 minutes. However, it may be necessary to
leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow
your Subaru retailer flexibility in scheduling.
CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS
The California Air Resources Board requires that emission-related campaigns be completed prior to
California’s vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not be able to register
your vehicle during your next annual registration. Upon completion of this campaign, your California
dealer will complete and provide you a “Proof of Correction Certificate.” If required, present the
certificate to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (the “DMV”) when renewing your
California registration as proof of campaign completion. If the DMV does not request the certificate,
we recommend that you keep it for your records.
In addition, the State of California requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG
Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the service we are providing at no charge, your
vehicle may not pass this test.
OWNER INFORMATION
Government regulations require that recall notifications be sent to the last known owner of record.
That information is based primarily on state registration and title data. If you are a lessor of this
vehicle, federal regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days.
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please go to https://www.subaru.com/support/customersupport.html to send us your information.
IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR
If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, you may be eligible for
reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru
retailer in your area would charge for the same repair.
Please send the original service repair order, which has the name of the repair facility, date of repair,
mileage at the time of repair, complete 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), and your name,
with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below.
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Advocacy Department, Attention: WRQ-23 Recall
P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877
Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records. Please be assured that we
will attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 60
days for this process to be completed.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru retailer, you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select ‘Find
a Retailer.’
For additional information, please go to: http://www.wrq23.service-campaign.com.
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•

By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Customer Support”

•

By telephone: 1-844-373-6614
Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET

•

By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer Advocacy Department
P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877

To subscribe to the NHTSA Recall Notification email System, please go to: https://www-odi.nhtsa.
dot.gov/nhtsa/subscriptions.
Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs
free of charge.
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov if you believe the Subaru
retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of
time.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have
taken this action in the interest of your safety and your vehicle’s proper operation. We sincerely
apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as
soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.

A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION

Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 03/19/24

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