Tech Tips June 2018 (TIPS 0618)

TECH TIPS JUNE 2018

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

01 QMR OF THE MONTH

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

Daniel submitted an excellent QMR describing a vehicle which presented with a no crank/no start condition. The combination meter warning lights came on normally but, there was no response when turning the key to the start position. After repeated attempts to communicate using the SSM, he was eventually able to obtain a DTC U0100 for "Lost Communication with ECM". His electrical diagnosis revealed Fuse 25 (15a) was blown in the under-hood Main Box which controls circuit MB-38 and powers the ECM, Leak Check Valve, Fuel Injectors 1 to 4, the Mass Air Flow and Intake Air Temperature Sensors and Purge Control Solenoid Valve. While monitoring the fuse circuit using a graphing multimeter, he could start the vehicle and observe the amperage draw on circuit MB-38, Fuse 25. Daniel observed spikes in the voltage draw while wiggling the engine harness. Further inspection isolated the source of the short to ground to a splice located in the engine harness. The splice had rubbed through the insulation and was contacting the aluminum coolant crossover pipe. After completing the repair to the splice and adding extra insulation to prevent recurrence, Daniel verified a stable amperage draw on circuit MB-38, fuse 25 while again wiggle-testing the harness. He then cleared all stored DTCs and road tested the vehicle to confirm normal operation. Daniel attached several high-quality photos to his QMR which were also edited with additional detailed descriptions. In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us, Daniel will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:

The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during April 2018 were:

01 UNDERSTANDING READINESS CODES

The Techline continues to receive calls about readiness codes and their purpose. Readiness codes represent the self-diagnostic condition on each DTC. If the DTC is displayed, this means the self-diagnostic has not completed. After the self-diagnostic is completed, the DTC goes away, regardless of the result.

Example: DTCs P000A and P0011 are stored 

07 AUDIO UNIT SERVICE/DIAGNOSTIC MENU

The Techline has received calls from Technicians unaware of the Service Menu feature available in our audio units. These menus can be very helpful when diagnosing concerns.

Clarion (GEN2, 2.1) 

1. Turn the ignition switch to ACC.
2. Press the button (a) to display the Audio OFF screen.
3. Touch the screen in order from (b) to (e).
   NOTE: Pressing the button (a) or turning the ignition switch from the OFF to ACC position can exit the Diagnostic Mode.

DTEN(F10) (GEN2, 2.1) 

There are 2 kinds of Service Modes. One is a Service Menu which consists of several sub menus. Another is On-Board Diagnostic Mode which is simplified to confirm the connections and other items. Service Menu

1. Power on the unit.
2. Press and hold the home (c) button.
3. Push the Audio/Tune knob (b) 5 times while Holding the Home Button (c). Service Menu will appear next.

On-Board Diagnostic Mode 

1. Power on the unit.
2. Press and hold the info (a) button.
3. Push the Audio/Tune knob (b) 2 times while holding the info button (a), Line Diag will appear next.
   NOTE: Pressing the button (c) and Audio/Tune knob (b) approx. 3 seconds and more can exit the Diagnostic Mode.

The left picture shows Service Menu; the right picture shows the Line Diag.

Harman (GEN3) 

GEN3 also has 2 kinds of Service Modes; Dealer Settings and Factory Settings.

Dealer Settings 

1. Power on the unit.
2. Press and hold HOME button (1) then press TUNE/SCROLL knob (2) 6 times.
3. Dealer Settings will appear next.

Factory Settings 

1. Power on the unit
2. Press and hold the HOME button (1) then press TUNE/SCROLL knob (2) 2 times.
3. Factory Settings will appear next.

The left picture shows Dealer Settings; right picture shows Factory Settings.

15 AIR CONDITIONING SEASON IS HERE

Temperatures are starting to rise across the country and customers are beginning to use their air conditioning systems after another long winter. All experienced Technicians will recognize the challenges and opportunities this will present. At Subaru, we ask for all Technicians to take a moment and review all their Service Department and personal equipment to ensure they are up to the task as no one likes the surprise of having an A/C machine go down when you have customers lined up for needed repairs.

With today's modern refrigerants, we would also like to remind all Technicians the use of dyes in our systems is NOT  recommended. For the all but the most severe leaks, dye is not effective in finding leaks. The proper use of a recently calibrated refrigerant sniffing tool is the most effective method for finding small leaks which can drain a system over the winter months to the point where it won't function.

Always refer to the appropriate Service Manual before servicing an A/C system to ensure the needed parts, refrigerant oils, refrigerant, and tools are available to do the job correctly and effectively. Generally, any Technician who has training and certifications should know any time the A/C system is opened for repair, any related o-rings should always be lubricated and replaced before reassembly. Any components or lines removed must be drained of any residual oil and an equivalent amount of the proper refrigerant oil added back into the system to ensure proper operation. This helps to avoid placing added strain on the system which could reduce the life of the compressor.

Finally, as a company focused on safety and the environment, SOA would be remiss if we didn't remind all Retailers and Technicians to make sure all their required federal, state, and local A/C certifications are in place and current before working on any A/C systems. Always be safe, prudent, and compliant and ensure our customers receive a quality and lasting repair every time.

15 CONTACT PICTURES AND HEAD UNITS

The Techline continues to receive calls about D10 (formerly F10) audio units with picture contact issues. Concerns include any issues with contact pictures displaying on D10 (Gen 2.1) head units. Please verify the specifications below before any further diagnosis.

D10 specification: 

1. Data format: JPG 
2. Max image size: 100kb 
3. Contacts have to be in Call History or Favorites to transfer image. 

If the issue is still current and you are reporting, please make sure you supply customer's phone details: make, model, OS, service provider  and the image file: format and size  . It is also helpful to have a video. As always, please provide head unit software version.