Tech Tips July 2015 (TIPS 0715)

TECH TIPS JULY 2015

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

06 BRAKE FLUID COLOR CHANGE

As new Impreza and XV Crosstrek models from the main assembly plant in Japan arrive at Subaru retailers in June, you may notice a change in the color of the brake fluid from vehicles produced in prior months and years and even between current production models. This is due to FHI adopting the brake fluid currently used in the BRZ as the single-source brake fluid for all models produced at the main plant in Japan. The other plant in Japan which builds Forester, Impreza and XV Crosstrek will continue to use the existing brake fluid as before. FHI has informed us both brake fluids have the same DOT3 rating and can be mixed with no compatibility concerns. As a result, SOA will NOT be making any changes in our Genuine Subaru Brake Fluid. Genuine Subaru Brake Fluid (p.n. SOA868V9220) can be used with either fluid.

11 SECONDARY AIR INJECTION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P2441 AND P2442

When working on a vehicle with Secondary Air Injection System DTCs P2441 or P2442, check the vehicle history to see if there has been any work done to the engine or the Secondary Air Injection System prior to the DTC setting.

If so, check to see if there appear to be traces of carbon on the back of the right hand cylinder head. Turbo Charger removal may be necessary to get a good view of the pipe which bolts to the back of the cylinder head. If carbon traces are seen as shown in the photos below, there is a good chance the gasket that seals the secondary air pipe to the back of the cylinder head is installed in the wrong direction (from prior repair) causing secondary air flow to be partially blocked.

As seen in the attached photos, this gasket is pointed on one end. The correct way to install this gasket is with the pointed end facing towards the transmission.

15 USE OF AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY ENGINE/FUEL ECONOMY MONITORS

While gathering your initial information to aid in diagnosis, it is always a good idea to inquire from the customer if they have installed any aftermarket accessories. Always inspect for them on your own regardless of the customer's response. A QMR was received outlining a driveability and stalling concern the customer was experiencing. The Technician's inspection revealed an aftermarket engine/fuel economy monitor similar to the unit shown below plugged into the vehicle's OBDII connector. After further discussion with the customer about the accessory, it came out that the driveability concerns only occurred when the monitor was connected.

Remember, the only accessories tested and confirmed to be compatible with the various operating systems used on Subaru vehicles are those found in the Genuine Subaru Accessory catalogs and brochures.

01 SUBARU OIL CONSUMPTION

Oil consumption is an inherent feature of all internal combustion engines and the rate of consumption can be affected by such factors as transmission type, driving style, terrain and temperature. Our internal data shows that very few of our owners have experienced above-expectation oil consumption, much less than 1% of Subaru vehicles overall. We have continued to develop our products and our data suggests that this already low rate has been further reduced. The Subaru owner's manual includes a normal consumption example of 1 qt per 1,200 miles, and most owners will experience consumption at lower rates with normal driving. However, if an owner feels they are using more oil than they should be, retailers will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis and can perform a consumption test to determine what actions should be taken. Different drivers in the same car may experience different results. However, Subaru will continue to offer assistance to customers who feel they are experiencing above-expectation consumption.