Tech Tips March 2017 (TIPS 0317)

TECH TIPS MARCH 2017

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

03 - 2017MY IMPREZA: AUDIO VOLUME TURNED TO MAX WHEN MONITORING INFOTAINMENT DATA MONITOR

If you are monitoring the Infotainment System Data Monitor and the volume level display (Figure 1)  appears showing the volume level increasing but the sound level remains the same, this is a normal operation of the Harman unit. When Technicians access the Infotainment System Data Monitor, the unit enters "Diagnostic Mode" and the volume level will be displayed in this manner. No repairs should be performed on the unit to address this concern as it is a normal operating characteristic.

06 - HILL START ASSIST LIGHT ON BUT NO CODES

The Techline has received multiple reports on vehicles coming into the shop with hill start assist light on and no codes in the VDCCM. If there are no codes in the system this would indicate there is no current issue. What we have found during the diagnosis on these vehicles is, at some point, the hill assist was deactivated. If you come across this issue, the recommended procedure is to attempt to activate the system and see if the issue is resolved. The procedure for activation and deactivation can be found in section 7 of the Owner's Manual.

11 - ELCM SELF TESTING FOR DIAGNOSIS

The Techline continues to receive calls for codes related to the Evaporative Emissions system that Technicians are struggling to diagnose. In 2011, Subaru introduced the Evaporative Leak Check Module better known as the ELCM. This was released to give Technicians the ability to run a force test on the evaporative system to confirm if the system is operating normally or not. The system also has an automatic test the vehicle performs on its own. A full description of the system can be found in the 2011 Forester New Technology Training Technician Reference Booklet.

If you run into an evaporative emissions code, it is recommended to use the force test to diagnose and verify the issue is repaired. In order to run this test, you need to meet the following conditions:

1. Battery Voltage must be greater than 10.9 volts.
2. Coolant Temperature higher than 39.9 degrees F. and lower than 113 degrees F.
3. Intake Air Temperature higher than 39.9 degrees F. and lower than 122 degrees F.
4. Engine must not be operating
5. The inspection mode connectors must NOT be connected.
6. The fuel level in the tank must be lower than 90%.

After all conditions are verified met, clear the memory of the ECM. Next turn on the key and navigate to the OBD menu and select Evaporative System Leak Test. Press OK to confirm the test is running. You will get a message indicating the conditions have been met and the test is now running. If you get a conditions not correct message, review and recheck parameters 1-6 above. While the test is running navigate to the ECM menu and select current data. Select the PIDs for the ELCM switching valve and ELCM pump. These PIDs will change when the testing is complete. There is no other indication of the test completing. After the PIDs change, navigate to the OBD menu (do NOT cycle the key) and select Temporary Code Display. If there is a stored code, diagnose the car according to that specific code. If no code is stored, the system has passed and there is no current failure.

Never cycle the key before checking for temporary codes as cycling the key will delete the code. 

Never run the ELCM force test more than 5 times. 

For models using SSM III, specific screenshots are provided in 2011 Forester TRB 

See below for SSM 4 screenshots of how to access the self-test. 

Below is the result of a failed self-test. 

15 - 2017MY IMPREZA - SERIAL NUMBERS ON GEN 3 HARMAN AUDIO UNITS

If the audio unit serial number is ever needed for a Gen 3 Harman audio unit, it can be found on the back panel as shown in the photo and inset below. CAREFULLY  remove the audio unit following the service procedure in the applicable Service Manual. A small sticker with a QR code surrounded by 4 numeric segments which make up the serial number can be found on the back side of the case, upper left corner as shown in the example below. Record the 4-part serial number in order as shown in the inset.

REMINDER:  Always take all proper precautions to protect the surrounding dash trim components from damage.

15 - 2017MY IMPREZA KEY START RES TIPS

• The registration must be completed within 2 minutes or it will fail.
• The vehicle must be in Park.
• The DST-i firmware must be updated to the latest version (as of now 2.4 is the latest).
• The destination setting of the DST-i must be set to North America.
• If the registration cannot be completed using the DST-i in stand-alone mode, try using SSM4.