Tech Tips September 2017 (TIPS 0917)
Publication date: 2017-09-01Reference number: TIPS 0917
TECH TIPS SEPTEMBER 2017
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| SUBARU: | All Models |
01 QMR OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to announce this month's winner of QMR of the Month:
Frank submitted a very detailed QMR on his diagnosis and repair of a 2017 Outback with just over 10,000 miles. The customer presented this vehicle stating the air conditioning controls seem to lose power intermittently and the air conditioning turns off. Frank started by attempting to duplicate the customer's concern. This involved letting the vehicle soak in the sun for several hours on a hot day. When he started the car, the outside ambient temperature display remained blank and the air conditioning did not function. This condition would later clear after bringing the car into the shop for about two minutes. After confirming cabin heat was a factor, Frank used a heat gun and carefully warmed the control module and connectors looking for a possible poor connection. He found the condition could be duplicated. With additional testing, Frank found if the connections to the A/C Control Module were disconnected while the failure was occurring, the ambient temperature display illuminated on the control panel. This prompted him to replace the control module with a known good one and perform a similar test. Frank found the condition no longer occurred with the new module. Based on these findings, he replaced the control module as the final repair. Frank's QMR included an excellent video showing both the condition and his testing process. That combined with the specifics of his diagnosis and repair made the QMR easy to follow and understand. Thanks to Frank's clear report, the failed control module was collected for further investigation by Subaru Corporation.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us, Frank will be the first to receive our newest premium award from his Field Service Engineer (FSE):
Any Subaru Service Technician can participate in QMR of the Month. See the February 2013 and January 2016 TechTIPS for full details. You may see your name here in a future TechTIPS.
01 LOST KEYS? CONTACT THE SUBARU TECHLINE
If you receive a vehicle from the customer where all their originally registered keys have been lost, contact the Subaru Techline for the necessary steps to program new keys. Depending on the immobilizer type, you will be unable to just program one new key without an original key. Both immobilizer Type-B and Type-D require an original key to make any changes to the immobilizer system. Without an original key, a new one cannot be added. Unsure of which type immobilizer you have? Refer to the Quick Reference Chart found in the October 2016 TechTIPS newsletter. Once you have confirmed the vehicle is the Type-B or Type-D immobilizer system, the following:
- Verify the vehicle is onsite.
- Open a Repair Order with all necessary information.
- VIN, RO number, RO date, Mileage if it can be obtained, etc.
- Verify key type (push-button, turn-key)
- Contact the Subaru Techline.
SOA will no longer clear immobilizer modules for salvage/rebuilt title vehicles. Please refer to the Service Manual/Registration Manual for Immobilizer for repair of these vehicles.
When calling the Subaru Techline, please ensure all necessary information is available at the time of the call. Once connected with the Techline, we will be able to provide the necessary procedure to program new keys to the vehicle.
See Latest Immobilizer chart below:
| US model | 2005MY | 2006MY | 2007MY | 2008MY | 2009MY | 2010MY | 2011MY | 2012MY | 2013MY | 2014MY | 2015MY | 2016MY | 2017MY | 2018MY | ||
| Legacy OBK | Key Start type | A type | B type | |||||||||||||
| keyless Access with push-button start system | D type | |||||||||||||||
| Tribeca | Key Start type | A type | ||||||||||||||
| IMPREZA Crosstrek | Key Start type | A type | B type | |||||||||||||
| keyless Access with push-button start system | D type | |||||||||||||||
| WRX/STI | Key Start type | A type | B type | |||||||||||||
| keyless Access with push-button start system | D type | |||||||||||||||
| Forester | Key Start type | A type | B type | |||||||||||||
| keyless Access with push-button start system | D type | |||||||||||||||
| HEV | keyless Access with push-button start system | D type | ||||||||||||||
| BRZ | Key Start type | X type | ||||||||||||||
| keyless Access with push-button start system | Y type | |||||||||||||||
| CANADA model | 2005MY | 2006MY | 2007MY | 2008MY | 2009MY | 2010MY | 2011MY | 2012MY | 2013MY | 2014MY | 2015MY | 2016MY | 2017MY | 2018MY | ||
| Legacy/OBK | Key Start type | A type | E type | |||||||||||||
| IMPREZA Crosstrek | Key Access type | Same as US model | E type | |||||||||||||
01 UNDERSTANDING DTCS AND HOW TO PROCEED PROPERLY WITH REPAIRS
The Techline has been receiving calls from Technicians who in some cases are following the wrong trouble tree when diagnosing DTCs. When a vehicle comes in with multiple codes stored, always look at the Freeze-Frame (FF) data and the Time Count PID first. This will be the best place to get a direction as to what the first DTC to set in the affected system was.
In the example below, a customer came in with a traction (VDC) light, Check Engine light and A/T Temp light on. If the root cause issue is not current, they could come in with no warning lights on at all. The Technician connects the SSM and the following DTCs are stored:
In this case, the other codes (C1424 and P0700) are secondary codes. The TCM informed the other control modules of its failure by setting the P0841. Whenever a control module has an issue and stores a DTC, there is a strong possibility of DTCs in other modules due to the interdependence of one system on another through operation of the high-speed CAN system.
You may also see CAN communication codes stored. These DTCs should be interpreted as secondary or by-product codes unless no other codes are stored. Always check each system for DTCs as once the issue has subsided, the only place the DTC will be stored is in the affected system. An All-System scan will only provide current codes which in the example above, would be C1424.
09 HARD TO FILL FUEL TANK REVISED
If you have a customer concern of difficulty filling the fuel tank, please be aware it may be the filler neck hose. We have had situations of fuel tanks being replaced for this concern because the hose was not removed with the fuel tank and inspected for obstructions.
Because of lighting and location, a quick look at the outside of the hose may not show any problem. The hose needs to be removed and light needs to be directed into the hose on both ends in order to see the obstruction. Originally, this issue was only found on 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback models but recently, we have confirmed reports of this same issue on 2013 models as well. When presented with this complaint on any model year Subaru, it is always a good idea to inspect this hose prior to removing the fuel tank.
15 EYESIGHT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS
The Techline continues to receive calls from Technicians with EyeSight system concerns. Most of the time, the concern is not duplicated by the Technician and there are no codes stored in memory. The follow up question is, what is the cancel or temporary stop code? Most times the response is there is none. Whenever the EyeSight system is disabled, there will be a cancel code or a Temporary stop code. The cancel or Temporary stop codes indicate why the system was turned off. After checking DTCs, always check for cancel and temporary stop codes. Once found, go into the Service Manual to Diagnostics, and see what the code is telling you.
See example below from the 2017 Legacy Service Manual:
| EyeSight pause code | Item | Contents of diagnosis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| E5 | Stereo Camera Temporary Stop | The operation stopped temporarily due to vertical deviation of the optical axis of the stereo camera. (During CRUISE MAIN ON, "Halt" is displayed in the multi-information display.) | Perform inspection concerning the item for E5 of the "CHECK LIST (CAMERA TEMPORARY STOP)". Ref. to EyeSight (DIAGNOSTICS) > EyeSight Temporary Code(s) Display > LIST > CHECK LIST (CAMERA TEMPORARY STOP)
. This code may be displayed when the rear of the vehicle is lowered by the overload. When the failure is resolved, and the operation returns from the temporary stop status after driving for a while, it is normal. If this code is displayed In an ordinary use under which the vehicle is not tilted, readjust the stereo camera. Ref. to EyeSiaht>Camera Adjustment, Inspection> PROCEDURE . If the same cancel code is still detected after readjustment, replace the stereo camera. Ref. to EyeSight > Stereo Camera > REMOVAL . |
16 DAMAGED TRANSMISSION AND FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CASES DUE TO OVER-TORQUE OF FILL/DRAIN PLUGS
Please be advised that power tools MUST NEVER be used when removing and installing fill/drain plugs on transmissions. These plugs are precisely torqued to specification by a computerized system at the manufacturer's facility and air leak tested before shipment. All damaged cases due to cracks are identified by the leak tester prior to assembly.
Tighten all Fill/Drain plugs with a short 3/8" torque wrench ONLY . DO NOT OVER-TORQUE . Ensure the correct torque value is set on a properly calibrated torque wrench before performing this procedure. See the Service Manual for correct torque specifications on the plugs. Testing has shown the application of as little as 15% additional force can strip the case. Once stripped, the case can crack when the stripped threads bunch up on one another while continuing to turn the plug. Apply smooth, even pressure when tightening or loosening plugs. NEVER use impact tools or a hammer.
If a damaged case is encountered while torqueing to specification, please submit a Quality Monitoring Report (QMR) with clear pictures of the damage and the yellow serial number tag.
CVT (TR580):
DO NOT REUSE GASKETS
CVTF Drain Plug Torque: 31 N.m (3.2 kgf-m, 22.9 ft-lb)
CVTF Filler Plug Torque: 50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
Front Differential (TR580):
- Overflow Drain Plug Torque: 50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
- Filler Plug Torque: 50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
- Gear Oil Drain: 70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)
CVT (TR690):
DO NOT REUSE GASKETS
CVTF Drain Plug Torque: 39.2 N.m (4.0 kgf-m, 28.9 ft-lb)
CVTF Filler Plug Torque: 50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
Front Differential (TR690):
Overflow Drain Plug Torque: 35 N.m (3.6 kgf-m, 25.8 ft-lb)
Gear Oil Drain: 70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)