Tech Tips September 2013 (SUSTIPS 0913)
Publication date: 2013-09-01Reference number: SUSTIPS 0913
TECH TIPS SEPTEMBER 2013
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| SUBARU: | All |
02 2.0L AND 2.5L FA/FB CHAIN DRIVEN ENGINE TIMING INFORMATION
When performing repairs involving the removal of the timing chain and related components, to minimize the chances of improper timing upon reassembly, we highly recommend referring to the Technician Reference Booklet (TRB) for Module 105: "Chain Driven Valve Train Boxer Engines". The illustrations and instructions found in this TRB present the information in a different manner which many technicians have indicated they prefer over those outlined in the Service Manual. We would also strongly recommend attending the Module 105 instructor led training course if you have not already done so.
07 HVAC ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The Subaru Techline and Quality Assurance Department have received several calls and submitted QMRs (Quality Monitoring Reports) regarding inoperative HVAC climate control systems and audio systems after a technician has replaced a bulkhead wiring harness or dash pad. From 2005 model year and later, there are identical connectors that plug into the back of the A/C control panel and audio unit. These connectors are easily confused with one another and can be plugged into either component. The difference is wire location. As with any repair, you should always check the operation of all vehicle systems whenever a major repair to wiring is done. The photos below show the connectors side by side.
15 MAJOR RES (REMOTE ENGINE START) DIFFERENCES 2007 TO 2014 MODEL YEAR
The reference chart below shows the differences in the remote engine start systems from 2007 to 2014 model year. All of the troubleshooting guides for these systems can be found on STIS.
In STIS, select the "Online Reference" tab, click the drop down arrow on "Publication Type" and select "Troubleshooting Guide". You do not need to put any model year or vehicle type to have all of the troubleshooting guides returned. Next, simply click "View PDF" for the vehicle that you are working on. There are detailed troubleshooting steps to check inputs/outputs as well as a parts matrix for each RES system.
| Major Remote Engine Start System Operating Feature Differences | Audiovox (Turn Key To Start Engine) | Fujitsu-Ten (Push Button To Start Engine) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | 2007-2009 Legacy/Outback | 2007-2014 Tribeca | 2008-2011 Impreza | 2009-2013 Forester | 2010-2014 Legacy/Outback | 2012 Impreza | 2013 Impreza | 2014 Forester | 2013-2014 Legacy/Outback | 2014 Forester | |
| General Operation | Bi-Direction Communication | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Stop Engine if... | Any door/tailgate is opened | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AT/CVT is shifted from Park | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Key is inserted in ignition | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | |
| Engine start button is pressed | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| Hood is opened | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Brake pedal is applied | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| ~3000RPM is exceeded | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Prevent Starting If... | Any door/tailgate is open | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AT/CVT is not in Park | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Key is in ignition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | |
| Ignition is ON (push or turn) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Hood is open | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Brake pedal is applied | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Service mode is enabled | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | |
| Disarm OE Security (RES takes over security features while idling) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| System Operates On CAN Bus | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Power Windows Disabled During Idling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Idle Time ("time out" before system shuts engine off) | 15 min | 15 min | 15 min | 15 min | 15 min | 15 min | 15 min | 15 min | Selectable: 3, 10, 15 min | Selectable: 3, 10, 15 min | |
01 TOWING SUBARU VEHICLES REVISITED
The following information applies to all automatic and manual transmission Subaru vehicles. Each vehicle's owner's manual has specific information regarding towing. There are also five Tech Tip articles on the subject and a Service Bulletin. The Tech Tips are August and October 1993, February 1997, February 2001 and July 2005. The Service Bulletin number is 01-162-05 which is specific to the STI. The best way to tow any Subaru vehicle is on a flat bed truck with all 4 wheels off the ground.
All manual transmission vehicles can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. Leave the gear position in neutral with the steering wheel unlocked. When the vehicle is towed on a flat bed truck, you must set the parking brake. Never attempt to tow with only two wheels on the ground or the vehicle could spin away and likely cause damage to the transmission. If you receive inquiries about towing a Subaru Impreza STI behind a motor home, you can advise your customer the vehicle can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground like a conventional manual transmission but, the DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), must be set to the manual mode and the DCCD control dial must be set to the furthest rearward position. All of this information can be found in the Service Bulletin (01-162-05).
For CVT, 5 AT and 4 AT equipped vehicles, you can tow the vehicle with all of the wheels on the ground but you cannot exceed 20 MPH and must not travel further than 31 miles. For further distances and higher speeds, the vehicle must be transported on a flat bed truck. For BRZ models equipped with either a 6 MT or 6 AT, a flat bed truck is required.