Tech Tips September 2014 (TIPS 0914)

Publication date: 2014-09-11
Reference number: TIPS 0914

TECH TIPS SEPTEMBER 2014

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): TIPS 0914, Date of Issue: September 11, 2014

SUBARU:

All Models

01 LOCATING FLASHWRITE REPROGRAMMING FILES FOR 2015MY WRX MODELS

When searching in Flashwrite for pack files to reprogram control units, keep in mind starting with 2015MY, the WRX is now listed separately from the Impreza. When searching by Vehicle spec. for applicable pack files, select 2015MY and WRX from the drop-down lists as shown in the screen shot below to obtain the circled search result. All 2014 and prior MY WRX/STI reprogramming will remain under Impreza as they have been in prior releases. Checking for pak files using the CID search is still the preferred method.

2015 LEGACY/OUTBACK, POWER WINDOW AUTO-UP & AUTO-DOWN FEATURE 07 OPERATION REVISITED

In the August, 2013 issue of TIPS, we published information on how to use the new Auto-Up and Auto-Down feature for the driver's front window on the 2014 Forester. This popular feature has been incorporated into both front door windows on most 2015 Legacy and Outback models (except 2.5i base models). The reset procedure for the new models is unchanged.

If you receive a customer concern of either front power window becoming inoperative at times or only moving up/down in short movements each time the window button is operated, be sure to rule out both of these scenarios before ordering any replacement parts. The condition may be inadvertently operator-induced while in reality, the power windows are operating as designed based on the "AUTO" switch inputs. This condition is more likely to occur when ambient temperatures are higher during the warm weather months.

Possible causes

If the operator pushes and continues to hold down the window switch while using the auto-down feature after the window is fully open, a circuit breaker function in the window motor will operate to protect it from overload. After releasing the switch, the breaker will reset in 10-15 seconds and normal operation will be restored.
After the window is fully closed, the circuit breaker will also operate but the following reset procedure will need to be performed before normal window operation can be restored:
1. After the circuit breaker resets in about 10-15 seconds, push the switch down to open the window about halfway.
2. Pull the switch up to close the window fully in steps (it will only close about 2" each time the switch is operated).
3. Once the window is fully closed, pull up and hold the switch again for 1 second to complete the procedure.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the passenger side window using the passenger window switch.

If normal power window operation is not restored, the switch was most likely held up during the last step for longer than the specified 1 second. Repeat the 3-step procedure above. Once confirmed, review this characteristic function of the power window switches with the customer as well as the initialization procedure outlined in the Owner's Manual should the need arise in the future.

If you receive a customer concern of the front console door (ahead of the shifter) not opening or closing properly, there are 2 areas to inspect for the source of the binding condition. First, always make sure the rubber liner/mat on the bottom of the compartment is fully seated along the front edge inside the compartment. The top photo below shows where to inspect for proper retention and fit of the rubber liner/mat. The 3 retaining "claws" must be fully seated in their respective slots. The second photo shows the liner/mat fully seated but not properly aligned with the surrounding shifter trim panel. This is an indicator of the shifter trim panel not being installed properly. If the shifter trim panel is not installed properly, most likely the compartment door will be difficult to operate. If after removing the trim panel, a close inspection reveals any deformation, it must be replaced. Always inspect these 2 areas closely before ordering any replacement parts for this condition.

12 DESIGN CHANGE TO THE ZIPPERS USED ON FRONT SEAT BACKREST COVERS

Be advised, a design change was made during June, 2014 eliminating the zipper pull tab found on the front seat backrest covers used on all 2014-15MY Impreza, 2015MY Forester and 2015 Legacy and Outback models. A paper clip fed through the hole of the closer portion as shown in the photos below makes for an easy replacement pull tab.

NOTE: Do not replace a seat cover for a missing pull tab.

07 2015MY LEGACY & OUTBACK UNDER-HOOD MAIN FUSE BOX (M/B)

Inquiries have been received regarding some confusion while performing the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) involving the under-hood (M/B) fuse box and its cover being used on 2015MY Legacy and Outback models. Some had questions regarding what appeared to be missing fuses. Others mentioned discrepancies between the fuse location/circuit name diagram located inside the fuse box cover and the Service Manual. Before spending any diagnostic time unnecessarily, always keep the following points in mind:

Refer to the June, 2014 issue of TIPS for Transit Fuse Information. Relocating this fuse is the ONLY item which should need to be addressed inside the M/B during the PDI procedure.
There is no need to install any additional fuses in the M/B other than relocating the transit fuse. For example, on 6-cylinder models, there are 3 empty fuse slots as shown in the photo below. One of these empty slots is for the Active Grille Air Shutter System which is used only on 4-cylinder models therefore, the slot is left empty.
If a required fuse is truly missing, the circuit it controls will be inoperative and will likely become apparent while performing the operational check portion of the PDI. In some cases, the Check Engine light may also illuminate.
The information on the lid of the fuse box is designed to provide very general information in the event of an unanticipated electrical failure. As such, it must never be used as a primary diagnostic aid when performing actual electrical repairs. When diagnosing an electrical concern, always refer to the applicable Service Manual Wiring Diagram section for detailed information about the related circuit(s).