Tech Tips February 2018 (TIPS 0218)

TECH TIPS FEBRUARY 2018

TECHNICAL INFORMATION TIPS

01 QMR OF THE MONTH

We are pleased to announce this month's winner of QMR of the Month:

An excellent QMR outlining diagnostic steps used to isolate the root cause of an inoperative back-up camera. There was no response on the head unit display screen when putting the car into reverse. After confirming the Reverse signal switched to ON when shifting into reverse using the SSM4, he headed for the trunk area to start his wiring harness inspections and connector checks. Utilizing the split-half technique, Jeremy tracked down an open circuit in the CA+ line for the camera. The problem turned out to be pin number 6 of connector R356 which had pushed out and unfortunately, damaged the plastic harness connector itself. After confirming proper camera operation with holding the connector together by hand, he replaced the trunk harness to complete the repair.

01 CALLING THE TECHLINE REVISITED

In order for Subaru Techline to best serve our retailers, Technicians requesting assistance must meet the following criteria before  calling. Following these guidelines can help reduce wait times, decrease comebacks, and increase customer satisfaction.

• The vehicle should be available to the Technician for testing while on the phone with the Techline representative, if appropriate.
• If calling to discuss any type of warranty extension or TSB, included but not limited to CVT Extension, the Technician must have diagnostic results and be prepared to discuss those results. REMINDER:  Techline authorization is limited to paint and glass defects only.
• When a case number is given to a Technician, it serves as a means to document vehicle issues and repairs. It does NOT give authorization to replace anything. If diagnosis leads to replacement of a component and testing results have been reviewed with the Techline Representative, it is still recommended to review this with your Service Manager. When in doubt about the need for an authorization, consult the Policy and Procedures Manual to be sure recommended procedures are followed.
• Oil consumption issues falling within the guidelines of Technical Service Bulletin 02-157-14R do not need to be called in to the Techline unless you require assistance as stated at the bottom of the Consolidated Oil Consumption Form found on Subarunet.
• The only Authorizations the Techline can provide are for Warrantable Glass and Paint issues.  These Authorization Requests are to be submitted through the Authorization Request (AR) process also found on Subarunet.
• When encountering a Customer complaint of a normal condition also confirmed on a comparable model, there is no need to call in for a case number to document this. When a repair has been completed successfully, there is no need to call and get a case number. It is suggested a QMR gets completed and submitted in these cases.

The Technical Support Line (Techline) is here to provide assistance to our retailers ONLY.

REMINDER:  The Techline phone number should never be given to the Customer! We can assist Authorized Subaru Retailer personnel ONLY. Customers must be directed to Customer Retailer Services (CRS) by contacting them online or by calling:

http://www.subaru.com/customer-support.html or 1-800-782-2783. 

01 LOCATING TECHTIPS

The Techline receives many calls throughout the year for Technicians looking for specific TechTIPS. Most Technicians are unaware of the Locator document and how it works. The Locator document is an excellent tool for finding TechTIPS of all years and months. It can be found by navigating to STIS and click Online Reference, click the box for Publication Type Other/Miscellaneous. Next find TechTIPS Article Locator Index.

Screenshot below:

At this point, it is recommended to save the Locator. It gets updated quarterly so, be sure to save the latest copy. Once opened, press Ctrl + F on your keyboard and enter keywords. This will make searching for TIPS much easier.

01 UNDERSTANDING POWER SUPPLY

The Techline continues to receive calls from Technicians not understanding power supply. The power supply is found under Body & Electrical/WIRING SYSTEM. It is supplied to assist with identifying and tracing power flow. If unable to communicate with a specific module or, a vehicle comes in with multiple issues, check the power supply. MB= Main Box (under hood fuse box) FB= Fuse Box (in car fuse box).

EXAMPLE 1: 2015 Legacy-No start-No communication to ECM 

After scanning all systems and finding no communication to the ECM, we should be checking the power supply next. A quick review of the power supply shows MB-38, MB-42 and MB-45 all supply power to ECM. Find the circuits (MB-38, MB-42, MB-45) then follow up the page to see where they get powered. MB-38 is powered by fuse #25. MB-42 is power for the main relay coil side. MB-45 is powered by fuse # 16. The next step is check the fuses. In this example fuse #25 was blown.

EXAMPLE 2: 2010 Forester-RES Inoperative-Horn inoperative-No communication to BIU 

A quick review of the Power supply reveals all three affected circuits are on MB-21. MB-21 is supplied power by the horn relay. A continuity check on the coil side of the horn relay yielded a faulty horn relay.

01 BODY PLUG RELOCATION

Subaru has changed the storage location of the body plug to the Glove Box starting January 22, 2018, for its 2018 Legacy, Outback and Impreza models produced at SIA. These are the critical plugs which must be installed during the PDI process. If not dust, odor, water and insects will have access to the vehicle interior. Any vehicle produced prior to January 22, 2018 will have these body plugs still stored in the foam tray beneath the cargo area near the jack storage.

Subaru recommends all Retailers review and if needed, adjust their new vehicle "check in" inspection procedures to ensure these body plugs remain with the vehicle or are otherwise transferred to the Technician performing the PDI. SOA request Retailers take all steps necessary to ensure these body plugs are installed as part of a properly completed PDI.

14 NEW SPECIAL TOOL-RELAY PLIERS

You may have noticed a new special tool for removing relays was delivered to your Retailer. When using the relay pliers, be sure to pull the relay straight out. Do not wiggle the relay, as this can cause damage to the fuse box internally. Make certain the relay pliers are all the way seated before attempting to remove the relay otherwise, damage to the relay can occur.

The new pliers were distributed to all retailers during November, 2017 as an essential tool in kit SOA321110. The pliers are also available for purchase through:

http://subaruretailersolutions.com/tools 

SOA81400IT  Relay Pliers

SOA814002R  Replacement tips for relay pliers SOA814001T

Pliers fully closed 

Pliers not fully closed 

Relay damage 

15 REMOTE ENGINE START HOOD SWITCH INSTALLATION REVIEW FOR 2017MY-2018MY IMPREZA 15/2018MY CROSSTREK MODELS

Should you encounter a 2017-2018 Impreza or 2018 Crosstrek that will not start with the Remote Engine Starter transmitters, it may be due to an incorrectly positioned/unseated hood switch. Assuring the bracket is seated properly on the vehicle and the switch in the bracket will assure proper operation. Installation instructions are included below.

All RES Systems Turn Start or Push Button Start 

Incorrect RES Hood Switch Bracket Installation. Hood Switch is able to move forward or backward potentially affecting the Hood Switch positioning integrity. 

Correct RES Hood Switch Installation. Hood Switch Bracket Installation tongue is flush or mounted flat to the body panel. The Hood Switch can't move back and forth 

2017 MY Impreza & 2018MY Crosstrek Remote Start Turn (Key) Start Installation #H001SFL100 

Ensure supporting tongue on hood safety switch bracket is seated flat against the top of the fender while tightening bolt. 

MOUNTING HOOD SAFETY SWITCH 

1. Mount the hood safety switch bracket behind the relay box bracket using the supplied (1) 10mm bolt.
2. Ensure supporting tongue on hood safety switch bracket is seated flat against the top of the fender while tightening bolt. Torque the bolt to 96 in lbs. (± 18 in. lbs.). Mark the bolt using a paint marker.
3. Securely mount the supplied safety switch into the bracket and plug in vehicle's pre-fit 2-pin connector to the safety switch. Lightly tug connector to ensure connection.
4. Secure hood safety switch wire harness to vehicle's relay box bracket using (1) (20cm) small wire tie. Trim off excess leader.
5. Reinsert the relay box back in the bracket.

   2017MY & 2018MY Crosstrek Impreza Remote Start Push Start Installation #H001SFL000 

   Ensure supporting tongue on hood safety switch bracket is seated flat against the top of the fender while tightening bolt. 

   MOUNTING HOOD SAFETY SWITCH 

6. Mount the hood safety switch bracket behind the relay box bracket using the supplied (1) 10mm bolt.
7. Ensure supporting tongue on hood safety switch bracket is seated flat against the top of the fender while tightening bolt. Torque the bolt to 96 in lbs. (± 18 in. lbs.). Mark the bolt using a paint marker.
8. Securely mount the supplied safety switch into the bracket and plug in vehicle's pre-fit 2-pin connector to the safety switch. Lightly tug connector to ensure connection.
9. Secure hood safety switch wire harness to vehicle's relay box bracket using (1) (20cm) small wire tie.
10. Reinsert the relay box back in the bracket.