Tech Tips February 2014 (TIPS 0214)

TECH TIPS FEBRUARY 2014

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

07 OPERATION OF SI-DRIVE, SPORT SHARP (S#) MODE AFTER COLD START

The SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) Sport Sharp (S#) mode is not available until the engine coolant and transmission temperatures reach their normal operating ranges. Should you receive a related customer concern or inquiry, this information will be added to future editions of the Owner's Manual. In addition, S# mode cannot be selected if the Check Engine light is on.

02 FA AND FB ENGINE CONNECTING ROD BOLT REMOVAL TIPS

The Techline occasionally receives calls from Technicians having difficulty removing connecting rod bolts. The one-time use  connecting rod bolts used in FA and FB engines require a female Torx® socket for their removal, size E-12, (listed in the Service Manual as special tool P.N. 18270AA010) or size E-14, (18270AA020) depending on the application. Because of the ready availability of less expensive common shop tools, these special tool sockets were not shipped to dealers. See your local tool dealer for assistance in locating one of each size of these special sockets. As shown in the photos below, there are differences in the "taper" areas of these sockets. Be sure to specify that you need a "low taper" socket for this application.

To reduce the possibility of damage or stripping of the bolt head and to get the most engagement of the socket onto the fastener, our recommendation is to only use the "low" taper socket as shown on the right. In addition, always confirm an E-12 socket is being used on an E-12 bolt. Although an E-14 socket will fit onto an E-12 bolt, it will round-off the fastener and could make it impossible to use an E-12 socket afterward. The following is not recommended as permanent solution. Use of the correct tool for the job is always preferred. If all you have available is a "high" taper version, until a new low taper socket can be secured, carefully  grind it as necessary to remove the excess tapered portion and "convert" it to a low taper tool. Take your time  (always wear eye protection!) and be careful to not excessively overheat the socket while grinding which will likely change the hardness characteristics (temper) of the socket material and soften it.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 

• NEVER use an impact tool to loosen the connecting rod bolts. Use hand tools only. 
• Always make sure the socket you are using is fully seated "square" on the fastener and not at an angle which could cause the fastener to round off as shown below.

16 CVT TORQUE CONVERTERS

When replacing a torque converter on a CVT equipped vehicle, you may notice the appearance of RED colored fluid when unpacking the converter. This fluid is for shipping purposes and will not cause any harm when installed in either generation 1 or 2 CVT transmissions. See the photos below for examples of this fluid when the converter is unwrapped.

07 MIDTRONICS GR8 USE DURING CONTROL UNIT REPROGRAMMING

Among the many features the Midtronics GR8 Diagnostic Battery Charger has to offer, its capability of acting as a "safe" power supply for maintaining the battery state-of-charge at a solid 13.5v during vehicle control unit reprogramming (and extensive service work) is one you may not be aware of. After review and testing of this beneficial feature, SOA now endorses and requests its use anytime a vehicle control module is being reprogrammed. We will also be including this recommendation in all future reprogramming-related service publications going forward. Once the GR8 is connected to the vehicle, as long as the battery is fully charged, it only takes about 3 minutes to boot-up the charger, select the Power Supply mode, and have the battery voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming. Using the GR8 in this capacity should also virtually eliminate any instances of voltage-related control module damage during reprogramming. See the reprint of the related Instruction Manual page below for more information.