NHTSA ID Number: 10253962
Manufacturer Communication Number: 15-311-23R
TSB/Document Date: 2024-05-02
Summary
This bulletin provides instruction for use of a new reprogramming procedure to optimize the Denso Gen 4.5 Audio and Navigation system utilized in the models listed.
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
© 2023 Subaru
of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2023-24MY Outback & Legacy
NUMBER: 15-311-23R
2023-24MY Ascent
DATE: 06/23/23
2024MY Crosstrek/Impreza
REVISED: 04/12/24
SUBJECT:
FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) Reprogramming
for DENSO Gen 4.5 Audio Navigation Infotainment
Systems via DCM
INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides instruction for use of a new reprogramming procedure to optimize the
Denso Gen 4.5 Audio and Navigation system utilized in the models listed above. Firmware-overthe-air (FOTA) is a process where remote devices can receive updates to their operating firmware.
This process has become second nature with smartphones, tablets and many other connected
devices. FOTA for automotive infotainment systems was designed with an emphasis on customer
convenience. FOTA updates provide regular enhancements along with software patches as needed to
enhance the customer experience. The convenience factor comes not only with the supply of regular
updates and the enhancements they provide, but through customer control of when these updates are
downloaded and installed. The only requirement is a valid subscription to SUBARU STARLINK
Safety Plus, since the download of the software is performed via DCM. FOTA operation is
conducted in two steps: download (from the server to the vehicle via DCM) and installation (internal
to CP1.5 system in the vehicle). This bulletin will focus on FOTA for Denso Gen 4.5 audio systems
(MID) and audio-navigation systems (HIGH) which utilize the 11.6-inch touch-screen display.
Models with 7-inch dual screen display (Base) are not FOTA update capable.
This bulletin outlines the procedure for performing FOTA updates successfully. These procedures
involve:
•
Assisting customers with FOTA -related concerns if they have been unsuccessful in
performing the FOTA by themselves. (Possible vehicle or system concern.) *
•
Performing the FOTA update for customers who are not comfortable or need assistance with
performing it themselves but have requested the Retailer to install it*
•
Updating the firmware using a USB flash drive by following the steps outlined in TSB
15-305-22R “Reprogramming File Availability for Optimization of Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5
Infotainment Systems” when FOTA cannot be performed due to the setup or eligibility
constraints*.
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: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 1 of 38
* NOTE: If a customer is simply requesting help with how to perform FOTA, provide a copy of the
appropriate customer instructions for FOTA available on Subarunet: Service Operations & Technical
> Forms/Downloads page.
See Appendix A later in this bulletin for more information.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely before proceeding.
NOTES:
•
REMINDER: FOTA is available for MID and HIGH (Navi) systems with 11.6-inch display
only.
•
The currently available FOTA firmware version is not the same version available to Retailers
for USB updating use. However, a system updated using FOTA can be further updated by
using the USB update procedure if additional updates are needed. For additional details
clarifying the scope of FOTA updates, review the applicable Owner’s Manual Supplement’s
additional information for the Center Information Display. The information is downloadable
from: https://www.subaru.com/ owners/index.html. See Appendix C below for more
information.
•
FOTA updates are for the system firmware ONLY. Map updates are a separate function which
the customer may update on their own by using either USB download or Map Over the Air
Update (MOTA). Go to: subaru-maps.com for more information.
Reference photos of each system faceplate are supplied below:
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The FOTA update process involves a remote downloading and installion the update firmware
therefore, time duration depends on signal strength and transfer rate performance. During installation,
the infotainment system’s functionality will be restricted.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 2 of 38
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS AND CAUTIONS:
•
Move the vehicle to an outside location where the engine can be safely started and kept idling
during the update process.
•
Never idle the vehicle in a closed space such as a garage, even if the garage door is kept open.
•
Once the vehicle is in a safe location, be sure the vehicle is in Park (CVT) or Neutral (MT)
and the parking brake is fully engaged.
•
Open one or more windows to ensure fresh air is available.
•
Stay with the vehicle until the update is completed.
•
We suggest adjusting the climate controls to your desired settings in case they become
unavailable during the update process.
•
Unplug any devices, chargers, cables or other USB drives from the vehicle’s USB and power
ports.
VERY IMPORTANT: Before proceeding with the updating procedure, the currently installed
version ID MUST be confirmed (Firmware Version Check) by following the steps below:
1) After starting the engine and system boot-up completes, from the HOME screen, touch the
Settings button.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 3 of 38
2) Press the General button. Use the down arrow to scroll to System Information then press to
display the System Information / Version information.
The examples below identify the head unit model and the last 6 digits 9xxx-xxx) signify the software
version number. Examples:
•
F71WHMxxx-xxx or F61WHMxxx-xxx (High model software)
•
F71WMMxxx-xxx or F61WMMxxx-xxx (Mid model software)
MY
Carline
Trim/Grade
MID
Outback/Legacy
HIGH
23-24MY
MID
Ascent
HIGH
MID
24MY
Impreza/Crosstrek
HIGH
Installed Software Versions
Available Software Version
033-270
043-270
033-570
043-570
033-681
043-670
043-781
not eligible for FOTA
053-880
not eligible for FOTA
033-270
043-270
033-570
043-570
033-681
043-670
043-781
not eligible for FOTA
053-880
not eligible for FOTA
033-570
043-570
033-681
043-670
043-781
not eligible for FOTA
053-880
not eligible for FOTA
033-570
043-570
033-681
043-670
043-781
not eligible for FOTA
053-880
not eligible for FOTA
033-681
043-670
053-880
not eligible for FOTA
033-681
043-670
053-880
not eligible for FOTA
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 4 of 38
If the software version number matches “Installed Software Versions” review the information
outlined below. If the software version is “Available Software Version” as the unit already has the
latest software version installed. Proceed to the WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION section of
the TSB and process a claim for Version Check Only.
FOTA REPROGRAMMING OVERVIEW:
•
SUBSCRIPTION STATUS - Confirm SUBARU STARLINK Safety Plus subscription
NOTE: FOTA update is possible only with valid SUBARU STARLINK Safety Plus subscription
and active DCM. If the status of subscription is unclear, contact STARLINK Customer Care at
(855) 753-2495 and find details of STARLINK agreement.
•
SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD - When software update becomes available, the software is
automatically downloaded following IGN-ON operation without customer’s operation.
CAUTION: The process could be obstructed due to incorrect clock setting or poor DCM reception.
If the clock has wrong time, see Appendix B for how to set the correct time on the clock. If the DCM
has lost reception, move the vehicle to a better (4G phone signal) reception area.
Downloading automatically starts and finishes. While the DCM is downloading the new software,
all functions of Cockpit Control Unit remain available. The status of the downloading process can be
checked using Settings/General/Software update feature as shown below.
Normally downloading takes 10-20 minutes depending on reception condition. Even if
in the 3rd screen to return, downloading process continues.
is pressed
In case of intermittent loss of reception by DCM (vehicle moving out of signal range), or Ignition
Switch being turned OFF, downloading is paused but the operation resumes as soon as the reception
is re-established or system is turned back on.
•
INSTALLATION - The installation consists of two stages: installation and activation.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 5 of 38
Notification screen is automatically displayed, after the background downloading has been
successfully completed. This screen is displayed only while the vehicle is not in motion. Select “Yes”
‘=> Start installation. Once “Yes” is pressed, installation continues even if the
button is pressed.
Customers can skip installation by selecting up to two times. However, after
skipping two times the installation starts automatically as soon as the Ignition Switch is turned ON
without any notification. In that case the installation notification (3.a.i) is not displayed anymore.
See below for more information.
NOTES:
•
If ignition Switch is turned OFF while 3.a.i screen is being displayed, the installation process
is terminated. In that case the screen 3.a.ii pops up automatically the next time the Ignition
Switch is turned on.
•
If ignition Switch is turned OFF during 3.a.ii screen is being displayed, the installation
process is terminated. In that case installation process automatically resumes without showing
3.a.ii next time the Ignition Switch is turned on.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 6 of 38
•
Activation: Wait until the installation is completed (Time required for installation: 15 minutes
or less). After the first installation process is coming to an end and the pop-up screen shown
below comes up, then press “OK.”
Switch the vehicle OFF, exit the vehicle, lock all doors including the rear gate (if equipped) and
move the key fob away from the vehicle at least 10 feet (3m) to enable affected systems to go to
sleep. WAIT AT LEAST 5 MINUTES prior to switching the vehicle ON to assure proper software
activation.
Pop-up screen shows up soon after the system completes to boot up. It confirms the software has
been installed.
NOTE: See Appendix D for troubleshooting tips if any errors are encountered.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 7 of 38
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 Description
Labor Operation #
Labor Time
Fail Code
DENSO CP1 CHECK ONLY
A031-178
0.2
ZTZ -48
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: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 8 of 38
Appendix A
Links to Customer self-install instructions for FOTA Customer Instructions will be added to the
Subarunet Service Operations & Technical > Forms/Downloads page when they become available.
Once the links are available and to enhance customer satisfaction, consider providing customers
with a copy of the appropriate instructions for their specific system along with access to the retailer’s
secure customer Wi-Fi network. Doing so will enable customers to try performing the FOTA update
on their own while at the retailer.
REMINDER: Retailers performing these updates are to follow the Service Procedures outlined in
this bulletin ONLY. Always follow the applicable service procedures as outlined in this and other
Service Bulletins. The additional steps and requirements supplied in Service Bulletins support a
Subaru Technician’s proper diagnosis and repair of any customer concern.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 9 of 38
Appendix B
How to set the correct time on the clock
Software Update availability notification only works, if the clock has been set accurately. Check if the
time shown on the status bar is correct or not.
If the time is not correct, set the clock using procedure below.
a. Confirm GPS signal is received. Vehicle position on the map should match its location. If
necessary, drive the vehicle to assure good reception.
b. Check is Clock set to “Auto”: Setting”→”Clock”→”Time Setting” .
c. Once the Navi receives the GPS signal the clock is adjusted automatically.
d. If the GPS signal is not available, set the clock to “Manual Setting”.
a. Select “Setting”→”Clock”→”Time Setting” and check if the setting is “AUTO”. In case the
clock is not adjusted correctly, set the clock in “Manual” setting.
For more details, refer to the Owner`s Manual.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-311-23R; Revised: 04/12/24
Page 10 of 38
Appendix C
The currently available FOTA software version is not the same version available to Retailers for USB
updating use. However, the system which has been updated via the FOTA can be further updated
using USB update. Updating the firmware using a USB flash drive by following the steps outlined
in TSB 15-305-22R “Reprogramming File Availability for Optimization of Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5
Infotainment Systems” .
List of Conditions, Symptoms and improvements Addressed By this update
No
Category
1
SXM
The voice search feature in SXM has difficulty recognizing spoken voices
due to low microphone input volume during voice search.
2
SXM
When performing the operation to delete SXM viewing history under a
certain 'Driver Profile' state, it may result in the deletion of SXM viewing
history recorded under a different 'Driver Profile'.
SXM
When repeatedly switching radio preset channels using the steering wheel
switch, the previous preset channel may play back, and the highlight on
the radio preset button disappears. Alternatively, preset channel switching
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