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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© 2019 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

2019-23MY Impreza
NUMBER: 15-256-19R
2019-23MY Crosstrek (Including Hybrid Model)
DATE: 11/08/19
2019-24MY Forester
REVISED: 08/01/24
2019MY Legacy & Outback
2019-21MY WRX
2019-21MY BRZ- Navigation -equipped Models ONLY
2019-22MY Ascent

SUBJECT:

FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) Reprogramming
Procedure to Optimize Harman Gen 3.1 Audio / Navigation Units

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the
Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed above.
Firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) is a process by which remote devices can receive updates to their
operating software. This process has become second nature with smartphones, tablets and many
other connected devices. FOTA for automotive infotainments systems has been designed with
a similar type of customer convenience in mind. FOTA updates are designed to provide regular
enhancements along with some software patches to our infotainment systems improving the user
experience for our customers. The convenience factor comes not only with the supply of regular
updates and the enhancements they provide but also through customer control of when these updates
are applied by allowing them the freedom to choose when these updates are downloaded and
installed. All that is required is a secure WiFi connection such as through a home network or the use
of a secure WiFi hotspot to create a connection to the update server and any customer can obtain and
install an available FOTA update to their infotainment head unit. In this bulletin we are focusing on
FOTA for Harman Gen 3.1 MID-level audio systems and Gen 3.1 HIGH audio-navigation systems.
BASE and BASE PLUS models are not FOTA capable. This bulletin will describe in greater detail
the process for how FOTA is accomplished as well as provide insights and some procedures for
how to resolve conditions that may arise as a result of audio or audio/ navigation head unit swaps or
replacements performed outside of the Harman/ United Radio exchange unit program. The procedure
will involve:
•

Assisting customers with FOTA related concerns if they have been unsuccessful in
performing the FOTA by themselves. (Possible vehicle or H/U concern.)*

•

Performing the FOTA update for customers not comfortable or needing assistance with
performing it themselves but have requested the Retailer install it.*

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: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24

Page 1 of 19

•

Updating the software using a USB flash drive following the steps outlined in
TSB 15-236-18R, “Reprogramming File Availability for Additional Optimization of
Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation Head Units” when FOTA cannot be performed due to
VIN/ head unit serial number mismatch.*

*NOTE: If a customer is simply requesting help with how to perform FOTA, NEVER share a copy
of this bulletin. Instead, provide a copy of the appropriate customer instructions for FOTA. Detailed
customer instructions for this procedure are available on the Subarunet: Service Operations &
Technical > Forms/Downloads page. See Appendix B on pg. 17 for more information.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely before proceeding.
NOTES:
• On the models listed, FOTA is available for MID and HIGH (Navi) H/Us only.
•

NOTE: For Gen 3.1, there is a new type of H/U known as BASE PLUS. BASE PLUS may
look similar to a MID unit (both have a CD player) but, just like the BASE model, it is not
FOTA capable. See the related Exchange Bulletin or Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) to
determine the H/U type.

•

The available FOTA software version is usually the same as the USB version available
to Retailers. But, since the USB software is always released to retailers before the FOTA
version, availability of the latest FOTA version may be delayed.

•

FOTA software updates are for the H/U software 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: dealer.subaru-maps.com

•

On BRZ models, this update procedure is applicable to HIGH / Navigation (Navi) -equipped
head units only.

PART INFORMATION:
Multimedia System Type

Descriptive Features

6.5 Inch Display Audio System (Base)

No CD slot / Eject Button

6.5 Inch Display Audio System (Base +)

Equipped with CD Player and Eject Button

8.0 Inch Display Audio System (Mid)

Phone Button

8.0 Inch Audio / Navigation System (High)

Map Button but no Phone Button

Reference photos of each head unit faceplate are supplied below:

NOT FOTA-Capable

BASE +
Uses MID
update file

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24

Page 2 of 19

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT:
When FOTA reprogramming cannot be performed and the head H/U is updated using a USB flash
drive, capture and record the head unit’s serial number. In these cases, the serial number is required
to be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission. In addition, capture a photo
of the serial number tag for reference in case there is any question about the serial number submitted.
NOTE: H/U R&R is necessary to access the Serial Number label.
The head unit software may be updated:
1) Using Smartphone and cellular network (3G, 4G) - outlined starting on page 6
2) Using a Secure WiFi Network (home network or hotspot)- outlined starting on page 15.
The update process involves downloading and installing the software update therefore, time duration
depends on signal strength and transfer rate performance. During installation, H/U functionality will
be restricted.
NOTE: Although the following Flow Chart provides an overview of the Service Procedure, it
is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand ALL the information contained in this bulletin
completely before proceeding.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24

Page 3 of 19

Flow Chart:

Customer presents with a concern of FOTA
update cannot be completed or, requests a
head unit software update.

Has the customer
attempted a FOTA
update?

NO

Check the current software
version ID. Access the
System information setting
from the General Settings
menu. Is the software up to
date?

YES

YES
NO

Did the customer
receive "Your device's
software is up to
date" message when
they attempted to
perform the FOTA
update?

YES
Attempt FOTA update to confirm condition.
If FOTA fails, update the head unit via USB.
Confirm system function then R&R the
head unit and record the head unit serial
number. Take a photo of the serial number
as back-up in case questions arise with the
claim. Submit claim for FOTA attempt, USB
update and R&R for serial number
documentation.

NO

Access the system
information Setting from the
General Setting menu. Is the
software up to date?

NO

YES

Software was updated successfully at some point
either through FOTA, MOTA, or prior USB update at
retailer. Confirm the vehicle history to determine
how this was accomplished. If via MOTA or USB,
R&R the head unit and record the serial number to
ensure customer receives future updates via FOTA.
Take a photo of the serial number as additional
documentation. Submit claim for R&R and serial
number documentation only. If update was
completed by FOTA, no additional action is
necessary

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24

Page 4 of 19

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the H/U needs to be removed for any reason, always confirm the part
number shown on the unit matches the part number in the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for the
specific VIN being repaired. Example photos are provided below for reference.

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.

•

Unplug any devices, chargers, cables or other USB drives from the vehicle’s USB and power
ports.

Step 1: Check the Current Software Version Number
1-1) Turn the engine ON. When the H/U powers on, press “I Agree”.
Once audio start-up completes, press the HOME button and select “Settings”.
1-2) From the General screen, select “System Information” to check current software version.
(The pictures below are for illustration only and do not show the latest software version
information.)
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24

Page 5 of 19

•

If the current software version is REL_UK.23.16.70, REL_UK.23.42.70 or
Rel_UM.24.08.70, STOP as the head unit has the latest version installed and no further
action is needed.

•

Confirm the vehicle history to see if any H/U replacement has occurred in the past. If a new
H/U was installed (part number listed in claim information) or if the H/U was swapped from
another vehicle at any time, the H/U serial number must be captured and entered during
claim submission to ensure compatibility for future FOTA updates. REMINDER: H/U
R&R is necessary to access the Serial Number label. See the H/U serial number sample
photos presented on page 11 for reference.

Step 2: Required Preparation before Initiating the FOTA Update
NOTE: As part of this software update, the H/U will delete all the customer’s radio station presets
and change the volume settings to a default volume level. NOTE: If the radio volume is turned down
during the update process, the volume may seem suddenly very loud once the update completes. This
is normal operation. Always note the customer’s radio station presets and volume settings and be
sure to reset them after updating is completed.
TIP: Taking photos of the screens may be easier than writing down the contents of each.
2-1) Record all the preset stations saved by the customer.
2-1-1) Confirm the driver profile (example shows “Default” as driver profile).

2-1-2) Go to the Radio screen.
2-1-3) Record the saved preset stations (SXM, AM, and FM) (example shows #1: FM87.7 #2:
FM92.7...).

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24

Page 6 of 19

NOTE: Make sure to check the next screen by scrolling (pressing the right arrow > button).
2-1-4) Change to next driver profile and repeat the actions above as necessary. (Example
photo below shows other driver profiles. Be sure to note all the preset stations for each
driver profile.)

2-1-5) Select the first driver profile again.
2-2) Record the volume settings for each driver using the following steps:
2-2-1) From the Settings > Sound screen, press the “Sound” button.
2-1-2) Record each volume setting for: Entertainment Volume, AUX Volume Gain,
Microphone Volume, and Navigation Volume.

Step 3: FOTA Reprogramming Procedure
1: Procedure for performing FOTA using Smartphone as WiFi hotspot and cellular network
(3G, 4G):
IMPORTANT: The H/U clock must be set correctly in order to check for any available FOTA
updates.
Navi/Radio internal clock settings:
Set the clock via GPS signal (Navi -equipped models only) or by smartphone using one of the
following procedures, 1.1 or 1.2:
NOTE: Once the clock is set, it never resets unless the vehicle battery power supply is interrupted
as a result of a discharged or disconnected battery. For Navi -equipped models (only), proceed to
Step 1.1. For all others proceed to Step 1.2. If the head unit displays the time correctly, proceed
ahead to Step 1.4.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24

Page 7 of 19

1.1) Setting the clock via GPS signal (Navi -equipped models only):
NOTE: The H/U clock must be set correctly in order to check for any available FOTA updates.
Always confirm the Clock Adjustment mode is set to Auto.

1.1.1) Check current vehicle position on the map screen. If position is correct, the Navi will
receive clock information correctly. Proceed to Step 1.3.5. If position is not correct, please go to
Step 1.3.1.b.
1.1.2) Move the vehicle to a location where the Navi can receive a strong GPS signal. (e.g.
outside with a clear view of the sky). If the vehicle position shown is correct, Navi should be
receiving and displaying clock information correctly. Proceed to Step 1.3.5.
1.2) Setting the clock using any smartphone (Phone MUST be paired to the H/U.):
Bluetooth Pairing Procedure (Follow this procedure if the phone is not already paired to H/U.):
REMINDER: The H/U clock must be set correctly in order to check for any available FOTA
updates. Always confirm the Clock Adjustment mode is set to Auto.

1.2.1) Select Phone on Home screen.

1.2.2) Select Yes on “No Device Connected” pop-up.

NOTE: If H/U display does not show the pop-up, please select “Add device” from the Phone
Overview.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-256-19R; Revised: 08/01/24