Tech Tips (TIPS 0718)
Publication date: 2018-07-01Reference number: TIPS 0718
TECH TIPS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| SUBARU: | All Models |
01 QMR OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to announce this month's Winner of QMR of the Month:
This highly-detailed QMR outlined diagnosis of a customer's complaint stating both their key fobs only communicate with the car intermittently. Jeremy verified the condition and began his diagnosis. He noticed the interior lights were inoperative which led him to a blown Fuse #26. Using his testing equipment, he determined the amperage draw on the circuit to be normal at that time. He installed a new fuse and all systems operated normally so, another call was made to the customer for more details about the condition. Jeremy then started looking into other related circuits powered by Fuse #26 which eventually led to the sun visor vanity mirrors. With his testing equipment still connected, he could see the current draw on the fuse jump to over 18 amps when moving the driver's visor along with a flickering of the right-hand vanity lamp. Upon closer inspection, Jeremy found a screw in the lamp housing which was intermittently shorting between one of the bulb sockets and the frame. It was the same type of screw used to secure the lamp to the visor but, all the other screws were in place and tight. Since there was evidence of arcing, Jeremy replaced the visor assembly then proceeded to test all the involved circuits to confirm normal operation before releasing the vehicle back to the customer. Numerous excellent quality photos were provided in his report along with a progression of each diagnostic step used to isolate the root cause of the condition.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us, Jeremy will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:
The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during May 2018 were:
- Mark Wood from Tri City Subaru in Somersworth, NH
- Eric Williams from Superior Subaru of Houston in Jersey Village, TX
- Tucker Labadie from Bob Wade Subaru in Harrisonburg, VA
- Alex Guerrero from Subaru of Englewood in Englewood, NJ
Any Subaru Technician can participate in the QMR of the Month program. See the February 2013 and January 2016 issues of TechTIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a future issue of Tech TIPS!
01 QMR OF THE MONTH AWARD PRESENTATIONS
As part of our "enhanced" QMR of the Month recognition program, we will be including a photo (whenever available) of the recipient's award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month submissions received during May was Jeremy Hughes, a Technician at Subaru of Spokane in Spokane, WA. Jeremy is shown above receiving his award and is flanked by: (l to r), Michael Keegan, General Manager, Mark Kuhns, Service Manager and Randy Ontko, Field Service Engineer, SOA.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to May's QMR of the Month Award recipient!
01 SYSTEM OWNER MANUALS
The Techline has received calls from Technicians regarding missing information in the Owner's Manual. Most calls are Starlink or EyeSight related. Keep in mind, both STARLINK and EyeSight have their Owner's Manual.
Example: EyeSight equipped vehicle with cruise on, speed increases in five MPH increments. A quick review of the EyeSight Owner's Manual will show this is normal operation when pressing the RES/+ button. If you hold the RES/+ button, speed will increase in one MPH increments.
Example from 2019 Ascent:
01 UNDERSTANDING DTCS AND HOW TO PROCEED PROPERLY WITH REPAIRS
The Techline has been receiving calls from Technicians who in some cases are following the wrong trouble tree when diagnosing DTCs. When a vehicle comes in with multiple codes stored, always look at the Freeze-Frame (FF) data and the Time Count PID first. This will be the best place to get a direction as to what the first DTC to set in the affected system was.
In the example below, a customer came in with a traction (VDC) light, Check Engine light and A/T Temp light on. If the root cause issue is not current, they could come in with no warning lights on at all. The Technician connects the SSM and the following DTCs are stored:
- VDC code C1424 (ECM failure): DTC indicates there is a code in the ECM.
- ECM code P0700 (AT request MIL on): DTC indicates there is a code in the TCM.
- TCM code P0841 (Secondary Pressure Sensor Malfunction): This DTC is the root-cause issue and should be the code the Technician diagnoses first.
In this case, the other codes (C1424 and P0700) are secondary codes. The TCM informed the other control modules of its failure by setting the P0841. Whenever a control module has an issue and stores a DTC, there is a strong possibility of DTCs in other modules due to the interdependence of one system on another through operation of the high-speed CAN system.
You may also see CAN communication codes stored. These DTCs should be interpreted as secondary or by-product codes unless there are no other codes stored. Always check each system for DTCs as once the issue has subsided, the only place the DTC will be stored is in the affected system. An All-System scan will only provide current codes which in the example above, would be C1424.
02 ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SPECIFICATION DISCREPANCIES
During normal review of Quality Monitoring Reports (QMR), a concern was brought to our attention regarding a discrepancy between oil pressure specification and oil pressure inspection values provided in 2 different sections of the Service Manual. After looking up the information in the applicable Service Manual, the reason for the difference became clear as shown below:
- The Specification section of the Service Manual (above) provides a pressure value with the oil temperature at 120 deg. C (248 F).
- The Inspection section (below) provides a significantly different value due to the oil temperature difference recommendation of a much "cooler" 80 deg. C (176 F).
To review, oil has a thicker viscosity at cooler temperatures which results in higher pressure readings. As oil temperature increases, it's viscosity decreases (gets thinner) which results in a pressure decrease.
10 R-134 A/C OIL GUIDELINES
R134a refrigerant systems utilize a poly alkaline glycol or PAG oil to lubricate the moving parts of the air conditioning system. PAG oil is hygroscopic (absorbs water very easily) and changes color to yellow after absorbing water. PAG oils come in many viscosities and should not be mixed. Always refer to the applicable Service Manual or the identification label on the compressor for the correct oil type and viscosity.
Adjusting the oil level in the air conditioning system can be confusing. The industry standard is to add 2 ounces of oil if modern condensers are replaced and 2 to 3 ounces for evaporator replacement. If compressors are replaced, drain and measure the oil from the old compressor and confirm the same amount is in the new compressor before installing it.
Add no more than 1 to 2 ounces for hose replacement.
- Increase the engine to 1,500 rpm.
- Turn the A/C switch to ON.
- Turn the temperature control dial to MAX COOL position.
- Turn the FRESH/RECIRC switch to RECIRC position.
- Turn the fan speed control dial or switch to HI (MAX) position.
- Leave in this condition for 10 minutes.
If an A/C system has been exposed to atmosphere for an extended period, the remaining PAG oil in the system will absorb water. The water cannot be separated from the oil and will require a thorough flushing of the refrigerant and the oil.
11 DTC P1378- "PRE-IGNITION DETECTED" - 2019MY ASCENT
As OBD technology used on today's new vehicles advances, the list of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) gets longer along with it. For example, on the 2019MY Ascent, there is a new DTC, P1378 which has been added. It is important to understand these key points about this new DTC:
- P1378 will not cause the Check Engine Light (CEL) to set on its own.
- While the presence of this DTC does not necessarily indicate a problem exists, it serves as notification a pre-ignition condition was detected and protection controls in the ECM logic were activated at that time. Examples of those ECM controls are fuel enrichment and engine torque limitation.
If an Ascent presents with a Check Engine Light concern and, let's say a P0456 code is stored along with the P1378, the P0456 would be the primary DTC to be diagnosed as it is the DTC which triggered the CEL, not the P1378.
Should P1378 be found in the ECM memory by itself, with no driveability concerns (e.g. startability, rough running/misfire, engine vibration), clear it and return the vehicle to the customer.
If there are any other DTC(s) stored along with the P1378 and/or any driveability concerns indicated by the customer are confirmed, always follow the applicable Service Manual diagnostics and repair procedures to address them before releasing the vehicle.
00 STIS NEW RELEASES
| ITEM CODE | ITEM TYPE | TITLE | CREATED DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-114-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | DTC P0C79 - Revised Diagnostics | 13-Jul-18 |
| H001SXC100 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Remo... | 12-Jul-18 |
| 12-176-14R | Technical Service Bulletin | Service Procedure to Address a... | 10-Jul-18 |
| 12-176-14R | Technical Service Bulletin | Service Procedure to Address a... | 10-Jul-18 |
| 05-63-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | Steering Rattle Sound/Steeri... | 10-Jul-18 |
| 07-127-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | Power Rear Gate Rod - Design Ch... | 10-Jul-18 |
| 13-101-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | 2019 MY Paint Coding Informati... | 10-Jul-18 |
| MSA5M1926A | Owner Manual | 2019 Ascent EyeSight Owner's M... | 9-Jul-18 |
| TECH_SRVY_18 | Other/Miscellaneous | 2018 Subaru Technician Survey | 9-Jul-18 |
| MSA5M1900A | Owner Manual | 2019 Ascent Owner's Manual | 9-Jul-18 |
| 05-64-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | Rear Frame Stay Flange Bolts- ... | 9-Jul-18 |
| 15-224-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | Antenna Feeder Cable and Roof ... | 9-Jul-18 |
| 16-94-15R | Technical Service Bulletin | Diagnosis and Repair of DTCs P... | 9-Jul-18 |
| WTS-78 | Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin | Subaru STOP SALE/FMVSS Non-Com... | 9-Jul-18 |
| 05-62-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | Surface Rust Accumulation in F... | 2-Jul-18 |
| 15-211-17R | Technical Service Bulletin | Reprogramming File Availabilit... | 2-Jul-18 |
| E515SSJ000 | Accessory Installation Guide | FORESTER ENGINE UNDER GUARD | 29-Jun-18 |
| J131SSJ000 | Accessory Installation Guide | DOOR SCUFF PROTECTOR - FORESTE... | 29-Jun-18 |
| J501SSJ310 | Accessory Installation Guide | Forester Rear Seatback Protect... | 28-Jun-18 |
| E231SSJ000 | Accessory Installation Guide | Forester Hood Protector | 28-Jun-18 |
| SOA801P050xx | Accessory Installation Guide | Forester Door Edge Guard | 28-Jun-18 |
| 07-135-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | DTC Display Incorrect when Ret... | 28-Jun-18 |
| F551SSJ000 | Accessory Installation Guide | Forester Cargo Net | 28-Jun-18 |
| A091SSJ000 | Accessory Installation Guide | Forester Engine Block Heater K... | 28-Jun-18 |
| L101SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Trai... | 27-Jun-18 |
| 02-176-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | Upper Oil Pan Baffle Plate - De... | 27-Jun-18 |
| J501SSJ330 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2019 Forester Seat Cover | 27-Jun-18 |
| H6710AL010 | Accessory Installation Guide | Cigarette Lighter Kit | 27-Jun-18 |
| 11-181-18 | Technical Service Bulletin | Reprogramming for Idle Drop wh... | 26-Jun-18 |
| H461SXC100 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Int... | 26-Jun-18 |
| B321SFG000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Whee... | 26-Jun-18 |
| J101SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Spla... | 25-Jun-18 |
| E101SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Side... | 25-Jun-18 |
| E771SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Acce... | 25-Jun-18 |
| J501SXC050 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Floo... | 25-Jun-18 |
| H671SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Acce... | 25-Jun-18 |
| SOA801P040XX | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Acc... | 25-Jun-18 |
| J501SXC110 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Rear... | 25-Jun-18 |
| H501SSG203 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Inte... | 25-Jun-18 |
| H461SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Foot... | 25-Jun-18 |
| J201SFL002 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Exte... | 25-Jun-18 |
| 35160AL00A | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent CVT ... | 25-Jun-18 |
| J101SXC200xx | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Body... | 25-Jun-18 |
| H630SXC001 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Rock... | 25-Jun-18 |
| H001SXC100 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Remo... | 25-Jun-18 |
| F501SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Rear... | 25-Jun-18 |
| F551SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Rear... | 25-Jun-18 |
| H451SXC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Fog ... | 25-Jun-18 |
| J131SVC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Door... | 25-Jun-18 |
| F551SXC100 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: Ascent Carg... | 25-Jun-18 |
| MSA5P3930T | Technician Reference Booklet | 2019 Ascent New Technology Tra... | 22-Jun-18 |
| 15-219-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | Error Code 202 and/or 204 Ge... | 21-Jun-18 |
| 16-112-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | Ignition Key Sticking/Design... | 21-Jun-18 |