Tech Tips September 2021 (TIPS0921)

Publication date: 2021-09-30
Reference number: TIPS0921

TECH TIPS SEPTEMBER 2021

TECHNICAL INFORMATION TIPS

Reference Number(s): TIPS0921, Date of Issue: September 30, 2021

SUBARU:

2020 Ascent

01 QMR OF THE MONTH

We are pleased to announce this month's QMR of the Month Winner:

Our selection for July's QMR of the Month outlined the diagnosis and repair of 2020MY Ascent with an intermittent concern of the battery going dead. Shaun measured the battery voltage to be down to 5.4v following a full charge the day before and sitting overnight. Further Midtronics battery testing provided a Replace Battery decision. Shaun also tested for Dark Current and at first, found a maximum of 30mA. He then "disabled" both front door switches which allowed him to get in and out of the car without changing the current draw measurement. While exiting from the driver's side, he noticed a sound from the seat along with a single "beep" from what was determined to be coming from the seat memory. Shaun also noted when the beep was heard, the current draw spiked up to 3 amps. He proceeded to remove the driver's seat and found the light blue wire from pin 6 of connector R200 shorting out against the seat frame near the seat adjustment switch. After replacement of the seat harness and insulating the opening where it passes through the frame, normal operation was restored. Shaun's QMR documented all th e diagnostic steps taken, his test results along with excellent photos to support the repair.

In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us, Shaun will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:

The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during June 2020 were:

Luis Hernandez from Farrish Subaru in Fairfax, VA
Robert Burden from West Herr Subaru in Orchard Park, NY
Jonathan Spencer from Dreyer & Reinbold Subaru in Greenwood, IN
Craig DeMeo from Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH

Any Subaru Technician can participate in the QMR of the Month program. See the February 2013 and January 2016 issues of Tech TIPS 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 include a photo (whenever available) of the recipient's award presentation in TIPS. The winner selected from QMR of the Month submissions received during July 2021 was Technician/Shop Foreman Shaun Westerbeck from Maita Subaru in Sacramento, CA.

Shaun is shown above (right/center) after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card. Also pictured (left to right) is Maita Subaru's Parts Manager Cliff Maunder and Service Manager Darrell Lewis. To Shaun's left is SOA Field Service Engineer Jeremy Fox.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to our July 2021 QMR of the Month Award recipient!

TECHLINE SURVERY ANNOUNCEMENT AT LEARNING CONTROL INFORMATION

Please complete the Techline™ Survery!

For Retailer and Field Staff

Techline is evaluating how to best help Technicians by taking a look at their processes and available technology and information systems in the field. Please help us discover exactly what would be most helpful for Technicians and retailers when creating new tools and processes for Technicians to more efficiently and effectively service Subaru vehicles.

Your responses will guide Subaru in what specific technology or processes will be implemented. Please complete the survey and share with all Subaru retailer and field personnel (including Technicians, Service Advisors, dealer principals, and more).

Who should fill out the survey? Technicians, Service Advisors, retailer principals, any other retailer personnel, and Subaru field staff (e.g. FSEs, DPSMs).

How to fill out the survey? Scan the QR code above or click this link to fill out the form: https://forms.office.com/r/Cx3cBCS6Ny

When is the deadline? October 5th - Later responses will still be accepted, but they may not be included in analysis for current projects.

How long will this take to complete? All but 2 questions are optional! Can take as little as 3 minutes or as long as you'd like to provide your ideas and information.

Thank you for your participation and support!

07 INFOTAINMENT CONTINUES TO PLAY AT KEY OFF AND DOOR OPEN (ALL MODELS)

Techline has recently seen an increase in calls regarding concerns of the Audio/Infotainment system continuing to play even with the key off and door open.

NOTE: the audio system has an automatic time out of 3-5 min at key off but should automatically turn off when the door is opened. It can accomplish this by communicating with the BIU, which is, in turn, monitoring the door switch inputs. Be mindful of other abnormalities such as the interior lights turning on when the door is opened, and the door ajar indicator illumination on the combination meter. Other checks can be performed through SSM BIU current data monitoring. Locate Door SW input (there will be a separate PID for each door). When the door is opened the Door SW input should change from OFF to ON. If this does not occur, inspect the suspected door switch for any visual abnormalities or damage. If no abnormalities are found remove and disconnect the suspected door switch. When disconnected, the Audio/infotainment circuit for the door switch should be open, and the system should power down. The interior room lights should turn on (if door open, the switch should close and the PID selection should read ON) and the door ajar lamp should illuminate on the combination meter. If the PID selection does not read "ON" with the switch disconnected, the harness should be inspected for shorts.

15 APPLE CARPLAY CONNECTIONS

Techline has received an increased number of concerns related to Apple CarPlay. It has been determined a majority of these concerns stem from the connection between the audio unit and phone. When Apple CarPlay is activated, the phone takes control of the infotainment and manages the apps, screen display and functionality. The phone is mirroring its software onto the audio unit regardless of which model (Denso or Harman).

Questionnaires: When presented with an Apple CarPlay concern, the first task to be completed is the appropriate questionnaire (Denso or Harman.) In addition, an Apple CarPlay questionnaire should be completed. This will help gather critical information to better understand the customers concern and how it can be duplicated. Through the questionnaire, it may be found the operation is normal, or a simple setting needs to be adjusted to solve the customer's concern. Without this information, unnecessary component replacement may result.

Duplication: It is recommended the Technician and customer attempt to duplicate the concern with the customers set up (phone and cable used). If duplication is possible, always capture a video of the phone and the head unit (HU). This video could be used for research and development by SBR or the radio manufacturer. A simple video could be the difference between normal operation, future software updates, or changes needing to be addressed by the supplier.

OEM Cords: A key component of the Apple CarPlay feature is the cord. Cords come in all prices and varieties, but not all cords are made equally. For best results, the cable which should be used is a genuine Apple Cable. However, an acceptable alternative to the OEM cable is a Made For iPhone (MFi) - certified cable. This rating is awarded by Apple, and means the cable can perform equally well and work as an OEM alternative. Additional information about approved cable accessories can be found here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204566 (shown above). The link for the MFi products can be found here: https://mfi.apple.com/account/accessory-search . Be aware, these cables are approved by MFi, but may not have been tested by SBR.

Aftermarket Cords: Problems, symptoms, and concerns may result from unapproved cables. These cables may charge the phone sufficiently, but the data transfer rate is sub-par and not sufficient to mirror the phone onto the audio unit. These cords may also break down or degrade over time due to the lack of quality.

The main concerns for poor connection are, but not limited to; Apple CarPlay Crashing (returns to home screen and the App tile is not available), audio unit freezing, audio unit black screen, Apple car play distortion, or audio output complaints. These concerns are typically intermittent and corrected by simply unplugging the phone or restarting the vehicle. If one of these conditions is verified, the first thing the Technician should inspect is the connection components. For example, the cable, the USB port and wiring harness in this order.

Another condition causing these concerns is a damaged cable or USB port. Any cable damage is not acceptable. For example, frayed ends or contaminated contact ports. These cables should be replaced immediately and not used for diagnostics. These cables can be a safety risk as well as a risk of short to the USB hub or other components.

Reminders on CarPlay functions:

How does the HU handle two iPhones plugged in via USB?

There is no restriction for plugging both phones to charge. However, only one phone is communicating with the HU. This link remains until connection is interrupted. If an iPhone gets connected, while an Android phone is connected, CarPlay will be launched automatically, and Android Auto is closed. For Harman units, CarPlay is prioritized by the HU.

How does the HU handle an iPhone plugged in and another paired by BT at the same time? EXAMPLE: a couple are both in the car on a trip.

When CarPlay session is active, Bluetooth the pairing feature of the head unit isn't active. All communication between the HU and an iPhone is performed via cable.

15 3G SUNSET VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT, STAR-U TRAINING

Techline and Tech Training are proud to announce the release of the 3G Sunset Troubleshooting video. The video is found on Star U by searching "DCM" and will be referenced in TSB 15-280-21R . Technician review of the video is required before calling Techline regarding a 3G Sunset reprogramming concern. The video covers the most common challenges the field is seeing and how to overcome them. Please remember, the 3G Sunset reprogramming is not a malfunction correction, but a courtesy program. When the 3G network is no longer available, the customer's vehicle will function as originally intended. The bulletin 15-280-21R should never be printed out, as it is updated regularly with TIPS, tricks, and additional information for this program.

15 ASCENT WIRELESS CHARGER INSTALLATION, WHITE SHIFT LEVER ROD ORIENTATION

During the Ascent wireless charger accessory installation process, the "White" shift lever rod should never be unseated. If the "White" shift lever rod is unseated, this may result in a vehicle concern or future come back.

The notch in the shift lever rod should align with the notch in the shift lever. Failure do to so could result in DTCs, Remote Engine Start or Power Rear Gate operation problems.

00 STIS NEW RELEASES

ITEM CODE	ITEM TYPE	TITLE	CREATED DATE
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J501SVC110	Accessory Installation Guide	2022MY WRX/STI Rear Seatback P...	1-Oct-21
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15-283-21	Technical Service Bulletin	2022 Audio/Navigation & Power ...	27-Sep-21
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09-81-21	Technical Service Bulletin	Fuel Injector-Design Change ...	24-Sep-21
12-225-21	Technical Service Bulletin	Loose Fitting A-Pillar - Desig...	24-Sep-21
WRG-21R	Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin	Fuel Pump Impeller Failure	23-Sep-21
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15-236-18R	Technical Service Bulletin	Reprogramming File Availabilit...	20-Sep-21
15-240-19R	Technical Service Bulletin	New Harman Audio Amplifers	20-Sep-21
12-299-20R	Technical Service Bulletin	6/8-way and Driver's Seat Hing...	20-Sep-21
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MSA5B2207A	Owner Manual	2022MY Crosstrek Getting Start...	17-Sep-21
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MSA5M2208A	Owner Manual	2022MY Crosstrek Hybrid Owner'...	17-Sep-21
SOA801P040XX	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2019-2022MY...	16-Sep-21
15-286-21R	Technical Service Bulletin	Telematics Diagnostic Strategy	16-Sep-21
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SOA801P051XX	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY Fore...	16-Sep-21
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SOA801P030XX	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2018-2021MY...	16-Sep-21
WRG-21R	Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin	Fuel Pump Impeller Failure	16-Sep-21
J101SSJ500	Accessory Installation Guide	2022MY Forester (Wilderness Ed...	16-Sep-21
J101SSJ400	Accessory Installation Guide	2022MY Forester Mud Flaps	16-Sep-21
J101SCC000	Accessory Installation Guide	2022MY BRZ Mud Flap	16-Sep-21
MSA5M2219A	Owner Manual	2022MY Crosstrek Subaru STARLI...	13-Sep-21
E2410SJ300	Accessory Installation Guide	2022MY Forester - STI Front Li...	13-Sep-21
MSA5M2218A	Owner Manual	2022MY Crosstrek Eyesight Owne...	13-Sep-21
J101SSJ600	Accessory Installation Guide	2022MY Forester Wilderness Spl...	13-Sep-21
MSA5M2207A	Owner Manual	2022MY Crosstrek Owner's Manua...	13-Sep-21
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07-200-21	Technical Service Bulletin	Metallic Rattle Sound While Op...	13-Sep-21
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J501SSJ311	Accessory Installation Guide	2022MY Forester Seat Back Prot...	13-Sep-21
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WRH-21	Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin	ECM Reprogramming for DTC P060...	10-Sep-21
MSA5B2202A	Owner Manual	2022MY Forester Getting Starte...	10-Sep-21
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MSA5M2223A	Owner Manual	2022MY Forester Subaru STARLIN...	10-Sep-21
MSA5M2202A	Owner Manual	2022MY Forester Owner's Manual	10-Sep-21
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F551SCC000	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
J121SCC000	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
B321SFL020	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
C1010CC000	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
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E771SCC000	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
J131SCC000	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
SOA801P070XX	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
H461SCC100	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
H501SCC000	Accessory Installation Guide	PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY BRZ ...	9-Sep-21
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L4600BE	Service Manual	2022 BRZ Body Repair Manual	9-Sep-21
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15-273-20R	Technical Service Bulletin	Denso CP1 BASE (Dual 7" Displa...	8-Sep-21
07-199-21R	Technical Service Bulletin	Measurement of Dark Current (S...	8-Sep-21
09-79-21	Technical Service Bulletin	Lifetime Tracking Data Display...	8-Sep-21
06-78-20R	Technical Service Bulletin	2019-21 MY Ascent Brake Pad De...	2-Sep-21
WRE-21R	Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin	Ignition Coil Replacement	31-Aug-21