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Tech Tips June 2017 (TIPS 0617)

Publication date: 2017-06-01
Reference number: TIPS 0617

TECH TIPS JUNE 2017

TECH TIPS JUNE 2017

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): TIPS 0617, Date of Issue:  June, 2017
SUBARU: All Models

01 APPLICATION CHART FOR IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

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 pushbutton start system D type 
Tribeca  Key Start type A type   
IMPREZA Crosstrek  Key Start type A type  B type 
keyless Access with pushbutton start system D type 
WRX/STI  Key Start type A type  B type 
keyless Access with pushbutton start system D type 
Forester  Key Start type A type  B type 
keyless Access with pushbutton start system D type 
HEV  keyless Access with pushbutton start system D type 
BRZ  Key Start type X type 
keyless Access with pushbutton 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 

06 BRAKE OVERRIDE SYSTEM OPERATION AND HESITATION COMPLAINTS

Should you encounter a hesitation-type complaint on a 2013MY, BRZ, Legacy, Outback, XV Crosstrek, Impreza or Tribeca, don't overlook the possibility it may be customer-induced due to the operation of the Brake Override System (BOS). This feature was incorporated to avoid accidental acceleration.

Simply stated, if the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are applied at the same time, under specific conditions, engine operation and acceleration will be reduced. This reduced acceleration could be interpreted by a customer as a hesitation. During the time the BOS is activated, any further accelerator pedal application will not increase the vehicle's acceleration. Once the vehicle speed is at 0 MPH, the accelerator pedal must be fully released to return the system to normal operation.

There are some parameters which can be monitored with the SSM to determine if this might be the cause of the customer's complaint. One of the indications this may be the issue would be the customer's actual driveability complaint, but without any related DTCs in memory when the OBD system is checked. If a DTC is found, normal diagnosis should be performed using the appropriate Service Manual procedure.

Information about the operation of the BOS can be reviewed in Training Module 501 pages 87-90. It might be a good time to review this and become familiar with it.

The customer can also Google "Subaru Brake Override System" for an explanation of this system.

07 B1650 PROPER DIAGNOSIS

Techline has been receiving calls with the airbag light on and a DTC B1650 stored in the Airbag Control Module. The first step in the Service Manual trouble tree/flow chart for this DTC says to "Read the DTC of the Occupant Detection System." This step is often over looked. When you have this DTC, think of this as having a P0700 in the ECM (Engine Control Module). When there is a P0700 in the ECM, you should know to look for any stored DTCs in the TCM (Transmission Control Module). When there is a B1650 in the Airbag Control Module, always read the DTC(s) in the Occupant Detection Control Module. If there are DTC(s) in the Occupant Detection Control Module, follow the trouble tree/flow chart diagnostics. If there are no DTCs in the Occupant Detection module, continue diagnosis according to the Service Manual.

07 IGNITION KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION SWITCH

NOTE: Inspection of this item only applies to models without a push button ignition switch.

If you confirm a customer complaint of the ignition key not able to be removed from the ignition switch, check the following PID (Figure 1  ) in the Body Integrated Unit  current data display:

G11472103

If the key lock solenoid output  reads as Lock  , the next step in diagnosis should be to inspect the following PID (Figure 2  ):

G11472104

P SW  is the park range switch, located in the AT shifter assembly. If the shifter is in the park position and this PID remains OFF  , suspect an issue with the park range switch or circuit. Inspect for drink spills, previous interior repairs, modifications, and shifter position. Troubleshooting procedures can be found in the applicable Service Manual under the AT Shift Lock Control System > KEY INTERLOCK CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED.

15 LED LIGHTING

The Techline continues to receive calls where a customer has decided to use an aftermarket lighting source. We have seen multiple issues when LED or HID lights are added to the vehicle. Most common issues include but are not limited to DTCs, abnormal electronic component operation and control module failure. It is recommended that during your pre-inspection any odd looking light source be verified original before moving forward with diagnosis. If aftermarket lighting is identified, we would recommend returning the vehicle to factory specifications or offer an LED Upgrade - Map and Dome Light Kit (H461SFL100), if applicable, then proceed with the appropriate diagnostics.

G11472105
G11472106

16 CVT FLUID

The Techline has received multiple calls from Technicians inquiring about CVTF (CVT Fluid) intervals. The CVTF is a "lifetime" fluid and has no maintenance interval. In the case the customer is towing with the vehicle repeatedly, the recommendation from Subaru Corporation is to replace the CVTF every 25,000 miles. Other than repeated towing, there is no reason to replace the CVTF unless there is an issue with the CVT assembly.

CVTF inspection intervals as outlined in the applicable Service Manual maintenance schedule require inspection for external CVTF leakage only  .

While there are fluid inspection guidelines found in the Service Manual section for CVTF Inspection, these fluid inspections are only necessary under the following conditions:

See inspection below from a 15 Outback Service Manual:

G11472107