Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Control Module Optimization (06-81-20)

WARNING: This page is about the Outback Limited XT, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2020-10-29
Reference number: 06-81-20

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) CONTROL MODULE OPTIMIZATION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 06-81-20, Date of Issue: October 29, 2020

SUBARU:

2020 Legacy and Outback

APPLICABILITY

2020MY Legacy and Outback

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the operation of the VDC Control Module (VDCCM). The new files will address concerns of the Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) feature not operating properly and enhance the automatic braking feel while utilizing the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) feature.

PACK FILE APPLICABILITY

PAK File Name	New VDCCM Part Number	Old VDCCM Part Number	Decryption Keyword
27596AN00B.pk2	27596AN00B	27596AN00A	21975744

SERVICE PROCEDURE

REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.

Reprogram the VDCCM following the normal FlashWrite procedure.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) highly recommends connecting either the Subaru Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System or the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a vehicle control module is being reprogrammed.

Once the Midtronics charger is connected to the vehicle, if the battery is fully charged , it takes less than three (3) minutes to boot-up the charger, select the Power Supply Mode, and have the battery voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming.

NOTE:

For instructions on using the power supply mode, reference the applicable User Manual for the Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System and the Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger on STIS.
Confirm all electrical loads such as lights, audio, HVAC, seat heaters, and rear defroster are all switched OFF before setting up the charger for Power Supply Mode.
Select the correct battery type (Flooded, EFB, Gel, AGM or AGM Spiral).
Input the CCA which matches the vehicle's battery.
NOTE: OE and replacement batteries have different CCA ratings. Always confirm the battery's CCA rating before proceeding.
If using a DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System, set the power supply voltage to 13.5 volts.
DO NOT connect the DST-i or SDI until the Power Supply mode function has completed its battery test mode and the Charging Voltage has dropped to and shows a steady 13.5 Volts on the display.
Once Power Supply Mode reaches a steady 13.5 volts, connect the DST-i or SDI to the OBD connector and proceed with initiating the normal FlashWrite reprogramming process.
Amperage will fluctuate based upon the vehicle's demand for power.
NOTE: If the voltage rises beyond 14V while programming is in process, the procedure will abort. This can indicate a need to test or charge the vehicle battery before any further attempt at programming is made.

VERY IMPORTANT:

This information is applicable to the Subaru Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System and the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger ONLY . It does not apply to any other brand/type of "generic" battery charger whatsoever. ONLY the DCA-8000 and the GR8-1100 and their Power Supply Mode feature have been tested and approved by SOA.

REMINDER: If the DCA-8000 or GR8-1100 indicates the vehicle's battery must be charged, charge the battery fully before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle while using the Power Supply Mode.

NOTE: Control module failures resulting from battery discharge during reprogramming are not a matter for warranty. Should any DTCs reset after the reprogramming update is performed, diagnose per the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited, an applicable Emission Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru Added Security Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:

Labor Description	Labor Operation #	Fail Code Labor Time
VDCCM Reprogramming	A567-318	FCR-48 0.4

IMPORTANT: Always note the new Decryption Keyword on the repair order for any newly installed programming as this information is required for entry in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission.

NOTE: The pak file listing provided in this bulletin is the latest available at the time of publishing. Updates are often released thereafter without revision to the original bulletin. For this reason, it is critical to always have the latest available version of Select Monitor software installed on your system. You can confirm if a later version is available by entering the CID listed in this bulletin into FlashWrite. If a newer CID is shown as available in FlashWrite, reprogram using that file.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.