Tech Tips September 2018 (TIPS 0918)

TECH TIPS SEPTEMBER 2018

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

01 STICKERS ON THE WINDSHIELD

If you receive a vehicle which has a sticker in the windshield that has a black "A" with a green background or a black "W" with a yellow background, be advised the vehicle had an issue discovered at the plant or port of entry. Generally, the "W" is used for a mechanical or electrical type repair which needs to be addressed before delivering the vehicle to a customer. Your Service Manager will receive a message via Subarunet describing the issue in detail. The "A" is used for body repairs such as a dent, scratch or stain type repair. The following text is copied directly from the Policy and Procedures Manual and the photos show these stickers.

2.1.2. Disclosure of Repaired Damage

SOA will notify the retailer through the Regional Distribution Manager of repaired damage prior to retailer receipt of the vehicle. After receiving retailer acceptance, the vehicle will be shipped with a removable green sticker in the upper left inside corner of the vehicle's windshield. This sticker, marked with a bold black letter "A" will indicate to the retailer that a damage repair has been performed on this vehicle. Details of the repair are found in the claims history of the vehicle.

Most states have adopted disclosure laws. Since these laws vary by state, retailer personnel should familiarize themselves with the laws that apply in their jurisdiction. It is the retailer's responsibility to comply with their state's laws in disclosing damage to the retail customer accordingly.

SOA's policy is that all damage shall be disclosed by the retailer to the customer to the extent required by applicable state law. SOA will assist retailers in fulfilling this obligation by providing repair documentation through the Vehicle Claim History on Subarunet.

01 AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS (AR) FOR PAINT AND GLASS OVER $500.00

On a daily basis, Techline receives Authorization Requests (AR) through Subarunet for paint and glass repairs exceeding $500.00. These ARs are reviewed to determine if the condition reported will be covered under Warranty. Many of the ARs submitted describe damage caused by outside influence which is not a defect and therefore, not a matter for warranty. Prior to submitting your next AR, please review the Subaru Claims Policy and Procedures Manual (Sections 8.4.25 and 8.4.31) to familiarize yourself with valid repairs criteria related to Paint and Glass.

Common reasons ARs are rejected: 

To improve the process, a close inspection of the glass crack or paint condition is required to identify any source of outside influence. If you determine a condition is not warrantable, review your findings with the customer at the time of the inspection. Submitting an AR when it is known it will be rejected is counterproductive for everyone involved.

If it is determined an AR is required, provide only quality pictures that clearly show the condition being reported. All retailers are required to have a 5 mega pixel (minimum) camera that provides high quality photos.

It is important to review all of the pictures you intend to submit and ensure they are quality photos clearly showing the condition being reported. If you are unable to see the condition on the photo, we will not see it either resulting in requests for additional photos.

Following these recommendations will save you time and improve the Authorization Request process for everyone.

03 P2751 AND NO CVT ENGAGEMENT

Techline has received a limited number of reports CVT-equipped vehicles with the AT Oil Temp light illuminated, MIL illuminated and, the vehicle will not move. After an inspection for DTCs, Technicians find P2751 Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor "C" Circuit No Signal, which needs to be saved electronically along with the freeze frame data. Reviewing the General Description in Figure 1, we can see in order for this DTC to be detected, battery voltage must be greater than or equal to 9V, the CVT in drive or reverse, and the measured primary pulley shaft speed greater than or equal to 1000 rpm.

Under the conditions of the DTC General Description, once all of the enable conditions are met and the measured secondary pulley shaft speed remains at 0 rpm, the DTC is set and stored in the TCM memory. If by following the Trouble Tree for DTC P2751 all electrical inspections are within acceptable limits, do not forget the Variator Chain which is the link between the primary pulley and secondary pulley. Knowing that our secondary speed sensor circuit has everything required to operate, there is a possibility the Variator Chain has broken causing no secondary pulley speed and no vehicle movement. Removal of the CVT unit oil pan for an inspection is required and if chain components are found, replacement of the CVT unit is necessary to correct the concern.

15 COMBINATION METER REPLACEMENT

Did you know your Parts Manager can now order certain combination meters with the mileage already programmed? This has been available for several months now. More information is accessible by selecting the parts operations tab in Subarunet under "Parts Operations" and then "Combi Meter Order Request." The models that support this service are listed below:

• BRZ - 2013 and newer
• Crosstrek - 2013 and newer
• Forester - 2012 and newer
• Impreza - 2012 to 2016
• Legacy - 2010 and newer
• Outback - 2010 and newer
• Tribeca - 2008 and newer
• WRX/STI - 2012 and newer

16 CVT REPAIRS

The Techline continues to receive calls from Technicians regarding CVT repairs. A lot of questions involve what is an applicable repair inside the CVT? This information can be found in the Claims Policy & Procedures manual on STIS. Other concerns include noises and a binding/shudder feeling. Whenever attempting to diagnose a CVT issue, the tires should be confirmed to be within specification. As little as a quarter inch (1/4") difference in rolling circumference can cause internal issues. We recommend measuring the circumference by using a rope tape measure. If unavailable, you can use a piece of rope and standard tape measure. Wrap the rope around the center of the tread on each tire, mark it with a marker and measure the difference of markings.

After the tires are confirmed to be within specification, move on to confirming the condition with the CVT in Front Wheel Drive mode. In this mode, the duty solenoid for the All Wheel Drive is turned off.

This mode is achieved using the Subaru Select Monitor in the Transmission Control Module settings under Work Support. Once activated, look for a change in the condition. For example: Customer states the vehicle is binding on turns. Tires are within specification so, FWD mode is activated to diagnose further. Technician notes the condition is no longer present. This would indicate an issue in the AWD system transfer clutches which is repairable. Another example: Customer states there is a noise in the CVT. With FWD mode is activated, if the sound goes away, it may be repairable and again, the AWD system should be inspected. If the noise continued while FWD is active, the CVT assembly would most likely need replacement. FWD mode should be used anytime a CVT issue is being diagnosed.

If issues continue after verifying the tires are within specification and using FWD mode, use Subaru Select monitor to retrieve a drive file. Hitting the Enter button when the issue occurs will put a mark in the file. Refer to the January 2018 Tech TIPS and TSB# 16-95-15R to assist in data review.