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/STI

NUMBER: 15-318-24R
DATE:

02/23/24

Data Communication Module (DCM) Bypass Box

REVISED:

04/17/24

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces the warranty extension for the Data Communication Module (DCM) up to
8 years (96 months) or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first) to address dead battery resulting from
excessive dark current draw caused by the DCM, due to internal memory corruption. Effective from
the date of customer notification, ALL affected vehicles, regardless of mileage or Warranty Start Date
will be covered for a period of one (1) year.
This bulletin also announces the availability of the DCM Bypass Box designed to be used as an
alternative replacement part for DCM in vehicles with no active STARLINK subscription.
•

This extension will cover the replacement of the DCM for vehicles with an “Active”
STARLINK subscription if the DCM is confirmed to be the cause of the excessive dark
current draw.

•

The extension will also cover the testing, recharging/replacement of the battery if the DCM is
found to be the root cause of the excessive dark current draw. Battery test code is required for
the claim entry.

•

For “Unsubscribed” vehicles, without a STARLINK subscription, with a confirmed excessive
dark current draw from the DCM, this extension will cover the installation of a DCM bypass
box.

•

Customers who received the bypass box have the option to request a replacement DCM once
new DCM inventory is available, which is estimated as September 2025. This extension
will cover removal of the bypass box and installation of a new DCM. This request must be
documented with a Subaru retailer at the time of the initial repair.

•

All inspections and repairs must be completed prior to the expiration of this Warranty
extension.

•

Customers who have paid for DCM or DCM bypass box replacement prior to the release of
this extension are eligible for reimbursement. Details of reimbursement procedure is provided
in the customer letter which is added to the end of this bulletin.

.
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: 04/17/24

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 18

PART INFORMATION:
DCM Bypass Box

Part Description

Part Number

DCM BYPASS BOX

86229AL400

STARLINK SUBSCRIPTION CONFIRMATION:
ALWAYS confirm the STARLINK subscription status prior to proceeding with any service
procedures. This DCM Bypass Box installation is for vehicles without any active STARLINK
subscription. ALWAYS confirm the STARLINK subscription status 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle has an active STARLINK subscription and excessive dark
current draw from the DCM, the Bypass Box is not required, and 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. No changes have been made to the DCM replacement
procedure. Refer to the applicable Subaru Service Manual for DCM replacement.
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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 04/17/24

Page 2 of 18

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 Bypass Box installation and will
require a DCM replacement as per the applicable Subaru Service Manual.

DCM BYPASS BOX INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION:

DCM Bypass
Box

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 04/17/24

Page 3 of 18

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.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 04/17/24

Page 4 of 18

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.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 04/17/24

Page 5 of 18

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.
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.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 04/17/24

Page 6 of 18

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.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 04/17/24

Page 7 of 18

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.

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.
Bulletin Number: 15-318-24; Date: 04/17/24

Continued...
Page 8 of 18

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

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.