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Oil Level Switch (02-123-11)

WARNING: This page is about the Outback Base, Automatic CVT Trans, which is a different variant/trim than selected.
Publication date: 2011-11-01
Reference number: 02-123-11

OIL LEVEL SWITCH

OIL LEVEL SWITCH

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 02-123-11, Date of Issue:  November 01, 2011
SUBARU: 2010MY and later, Legacy and Outback

INTRODUCTION

The following information is being supplied to better clarify the inspection process required to confirm the operation of the oil level switch. Many times it has been found that switches inspected using this procedure have been replaced when in fact they are not failed. We suspect the following possibilities.

  1. The inspection method (trouble shooting) for the oil level warning light may need additional clarification.
  2. Some additional customer education may be needed on how to turn off the oil level warning light once it has been activated.

REPAIR PROCEDURE/INFORMATION

  1. Clarification of the inspection method (trouble shooting) for the oil level warning light.

    In the troubleshooting process as outlined in the service manual, the oil level switch only requires replacement when indicated after inspection steps 1-6 have been completed. If the oil level switch warning light goes off at Step 3, the oil level switch is normal and does not require replacement. To clarify, the final comment under "YES" for step 3, ("Remove the spare fuse installed to finish this step") is the end of the diagnostic process. There is no need to proceed any further as the switch has been judged as operating properly.

    Step Check Yes No
    3 CHECK OIL LEVEL SWITCH CIRCUIT. 
    1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (engine OFF).
    2. Read the current data for engine in the Subaru Select Monitor to confirm the item for "Oil level switch". <Ref. to EN(H4SO)(diag)-34, READ CURRENT DATA FOR ENGINE (NORMAL MODE), OPERATION, Subaru Select Monitor.> <Ref. to EN(H4DOTC)(diag)-37, READ CURRENT DATA FOR ENGINE (NORMAL MODE), OPERATION, Subaru Select Monitor.>
    		 Is the "Oil level switch" signal displayed in Subaru Select Monitor HIGH? To turn off the oil level warning light, install the spare fuse at the delivery (test) mode fuse in the main fuse box. Then turn the ignition switch to ON (engine off) again, to confirm the warning light turns off. Remove the spare fuse installed to finish this step. Go to step 4  .
  2. Supplemental information on how to turn off the oil level warning light and provide an explanation to the customer.

    One of the following conditions (a or b) must be satisfied in order to turn off the oil level warning lamp:

    1. After all the conditions (1~5) are satisfied and 10 seconds pass.
    2. After you install the spare fuse at the delivery (test) mode fuse connector in the main fuse box and 10 seconds pass.

    Customers may report that the illumination of the warning light is a malfunction, because the warning light did not go off immediately after refilling the engine oil. Therefore, it is very important that the proper function of the sensor be confirmed and if found to be operating correctly, that the methodology of its operation be reviewed with the customer so the system's operation is better understood.

From the Owner's Manual

NOTE:
  • The engine low oil level warning light will not turn off immediately even if you replace or add engine oil. It will turn off only when the vehicle is idling (A/C Off) and the engine is warmed up completely.

If you have added oil to the vehicle as part of any inspection for a low oil light illumination, please confirm that the warning light turns off when installing the fuse in the delivery mode fuse connector after you refill or replace engine oil as mentioned in Step 1 "Check engine oil level" in the service manual.

NOTE:
  1. The purpose of installing the spare fuse in the delivery (test) mode fuse connector in the main fuse box is to diagnose engine oil level in real time, not to clear memory in the ECU.
  2. As described in the owner's manual "When the vehicle is considerably inclined on an uphill or steep slope, the warning light may illuminate temporarily due to the movement of engine oil in the engine". Please understand that oil level warning light will very rarely illuminate due to a sloped road.
  3. Always replace or refill engine oil and inspect oil level on a flat surface to obtain an accurate reading.
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