Tech Tips May 2022 (TIPS0522)
Publication date: 2022-05-01Reference number: TIPS0522
TECH TIPS MAY 2022
TECHNICAL INFORMATION TIPS
| SUBARU: | All Models |
01 TECHSHARE QMR OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to announce this month's TechShare QMR of the Month Winner:
John created a high quality QMR using TechShare reporting on key fob not communicating with vehicle. His report included diagnostic steps, high-quality photos, videos and SSM Data.
Please refer to the following link to review the TechShare QMR in detail. https://subarutechshare.com/qmrs/TS-192945
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience with us, John will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:
The other regional winners selected from TechShare QMRs submitted during March 2022 were:
- David Nichols from Morrie's Minnetonka Subaru in Minnetonka, MN
- John Venegas from Sierra Subaru of Monrovia in Monrovia, CA
- Trevor Wales from Burlington Subaru in Burlington, VT
- Luke Wasson from VCMA's Colonial Subaru in South Chesterfield, VA
Any Subaru Technician can participate in the TechShare QMR of the Month program. See the February 2013 and January 2016 issues of TechTIPS for full details. You just might see your name and photo in a future issue of TechTIPS!
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 March 2022 was John Cote, Shop Foreman and Master Technician at Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru, Orangeburg NY.
John is shown above (center) after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card and NOCO Boost GB40. To his right is Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru's Fixed Operations Director Joe Minns. To his left is Subaru Distributors Corporation Field Service Engineer, Jim Colamarino.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our March 2022 QMR of the Month Award recipient!
01 REPLACEMENT OF COMPONENTS ON THE CAN NETWORK AND CENTRAL GATEWAY CONTROL MODULE LAN REGISTRATION
Techline recommends that if any component on the CAN network attached to the Central Gateway Control Module (CGW) is replaced, that the CGW be re-registered so it can properly identify and function with other modules.
An example Techline has identified is if the DCM is replaced for a fault code, the remote services associated with the Gen 2 Telematics system may operate erratically or be inoperative. The DCM provides the command to the network through the CGW, and in turn, the CGW distributes the command. If the CGW is not registered to the new device, the command may not be completed.
This situation could happen with any device on the network, including but not limited to the Cockpit Control Unit (CCU), Cockpit Information Display (CID), Body Integrated Unit (BIU), Engine Control Module (ECM, Air Conditioning Control Module, or Keyless Access Control Module (KACM). These devices receive and provide commands to and from the CGW.
It is best practice to perform this action before the repairs are finalized and the vehicle system in question is retested for proper operation. The re-register command can be found in the CGW Work Support using the SSM. Proper battery charge should be checked before issuing this command.
If a component is swapped for another vehicle for testing, a Recovery option is also in work support which will have you re-register the system again.
RE REGISTER LAN CONNECTION UNIT
- On [Start] screen, select [Diagnosis].
- On [Select Vehicle] screen, input the target vehicle information and select [OK].
- On [Main Menu] screen, select [Each System].
- On [Select System] screen, select [Central Gateway], and then select [Next].
- On [Select Function] screen, select [Work Support].
- Select [Re-register LAN connection unit] on the [Work Support] screen.
15 CHARGING CABLES AND TOUCH SCREEN CONCERNS
Please be aware that charging cables should not be routed in front of any touch device such as the Denso F10, Harman Headunits, and CP1 Cockpit Display. Routing the cables across the touch screen can cause erratic operation of the screen. This is referred to as 'ghost touch'. This is caused by an electrical pulse through the wire being interpreted as an input by the screen. This unwanted input can cause intermittent screen concerns and even unit crashing. This concern can be traced back to the first Denso F10 Units.
If faced with an intermittent screen operation concern, it is important during the customer interview process to ask where the customers phone/device is kept or mounted. Pay close attention to the windshield/dashboard area for suction cup mounting marks, magnetic mounts or weighted phone mounts. An example of an external device is typically, but not limited to; a third-party GPS, a cell phone mount, or wireless charger. These components are useful hints as too how the vehicle is being used.
Pictured to the right, is an example from Techline of a customer with a wireless charger mounted to the pocket above the Headunit. The Customer concern was intermittent no response from the touch screen and screen distortion. Not only is the charging cord across the screen but the electromagnetic effect of the wireless charger. In some vehicle this may affect speaker performance.
Pictured to the left, is an example of a phone mount and charging set up that could affect the screen responsiveness and behavior. Projection apps can be affected by this concern as well.
Finally, with the addition of CP1 to the Subaru lineup, there is a much larger screen where multiple inputs can be made. Shown to the right is an example of how a charging cord could affect the screen. This is especially noticeable in radio mode or a screen with several selections such as SXM or Navigation. This could cause a no response situation or screen distortion until the key is cycled and the cord is removed.
15 CP1 NAVIGATION SHOWS THE WRONG LOCATION
Retailers may receive vehicles with a customer complaint of the navigation showing the wrong location.
This condition may show the vehicle a few miles off from the current location, the wrong town, the wrong state, or out in open water. The following instructions will clear the condition and explain how to reset the vehicle properly. Failure to follow these steps will not resynchronize the unit and may lead to unnecessary part replacement.
Below are two examples of common wrong locations seen.
Navigation Resyncing procedure.
- Verify the condition.
- Install the newest logic as per TSB 15-261-20R; refer to the TSB for the latest version.
- Document the customers' settings, radio stations, favorites, and saved locations.
- Perform a 10-minute
capacitive discharge.
It is recommended that no short cuts be taken at this time. Failure to meet the allotted capacitive discharge time may not erase the memory and the Technician will find the same condition present when setting the vehicle back up.
- Set up the customers' settings, radio stations, favorites, and saved locations.
- Road test the vehicle in as straight of a line as possible for 10 minutes or ten miles
, whichever resets the GPS arrow icon from gray to blue. Be mindful of the road test route selected.NOTE: When the arrow icon changes, the vehicle's location will change immediately to where the vehicle presently is.NOTE: If the map display does not show the street names, refer to TSB 15-259-20R; Condition 1b.
15 HARMAN 3.1 BASE & BASE+ ONLY, GHOST IMAGE OR DOUBLE IMAGE
If a customer is concerned with a Ghost Image or Double Image on a Base+ or Base Harman unit, this condition requires no repair at this time. The vender has determined that this condition is non detrimental to the operation of the Headunit and will clear with time as the unit is used. The exchange process is NOT recommended for this concern.
Refer to the images below for an example of the condition.
15 HARMAN UNIT, BUBBLE SCREEN CONDITION
Recently, there have been an increase in reports of Harman Headunits exhibiting screen bubbling to TechShare and Techline. The root cause of this concern is liquid entering the airgap between the screen and inner Headunit components through the CD player port. Liquid enters down into the air gap of the screen and will cause permanent damage. This may originate from spray bottle splash or liquid cloth wipes coming in contact with the area. The only repair for this concern is the Headunit exchange program.
In the Starlink owner's manual, reference page 7 for cleaning recommendations. No liquid should be put on the display. This means spray disinfectants, liquid cleaners (wipes included), or food products. If the screen is dirty, it should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. If a chemical cleaner is needed, see the recommendations listed in the manual.
If you suspect the unit has been damaged by liquid, some Technicians report being able to use their flashlight on an angle to see the liquid behind the clear plastic when the Headunit is off. If liquid can be seen, a Headunit exchange will be needed.
- If juice or similar liquid is spilled on the display, wipe off immediately. Failure to do so may result in product malfunction.
- The screen is easily marked by fingerprints and tends to attract dust, and should therefore be cleaned occasionally. When cleaning, turn off the power, and wipe lightly with a soft, dry cloth. To remove dirt, soak a soft cloth in neutral detergent and squeeze well before wiping. Do not use a wet floor-cloth, organic solvents (benzene, ethanol, thinner, etc.), acids, or alkalis. Using such agents will result in screen deterioration. Furthermore, do not hit the screen or rub it with hard objects.
15 IMPORTANCE OF INSPECTING FOR AFTERMARKET DEVICES. CHECK THE USB PORT & LEDS
Techline has seen an increase in concerns that are in direct relation to aftermarket components. These concerns can range from Telematics RES operation to Infotainment concerns and even as wide as drivability concerns.
It is extremely important to ask the following questions when assessing the vehicle and during the customer interview.
- Is anything installed in the vehicle that was not originally equipped at the time of PDI?
- Did the customer take any belongings with them when they dropped the vehicle off?
- How does the customer operate the vehicle daily?
- Does the concern happen when an aftermarket device is in use?
- Are any devices plugged into the USB/AUX port?
What are Aftermarket Devices?
Techline typically asks: Are there any aftermarket components installed on the vehicle? (Excluding SOA installed accessories). This is a broad question but when asked, take note on ANYTHING that did not come with the vehicle at the time of PDI. Does the customer have a dash camera and additional cables? Does the customer have a power inverter in the car for a mobile computer? If so, how are they being supplied power? Are there any other devices being used in the USB port? Thoroughly inspecting the vehicle during the multiple point inspection will help answer these questions. If you have any questions about whether or not a device is aftermarket, contact the Techline.
Have you ever been asked if anything was plugged into the car?
Techline may ask if you interviewed the customer or found any devices plugged into the vehicle. This question includes the USB data port, USB charger port, front accessory port, or Hardwired into the vehicle. This could be an Insurance Tracker, Cellular accessory battery charger, Phone cords, Dash Cameras, or aftermarket lighting. Any of these devices could draw or provide power that may affect vehicle operation.
Example 1: The customer states they have a concern of the Infotainment system having erratic screen operation. When the Technician performed his inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle, they found no aftermarket devices and unable to duplicate the concern. After an interview was performed, it was found that the customer was mounting their phone above the Head unit and charging it. At the time of drop off however, the customer took their phone setup (phone, mount & cord) with them. If the Technician had known, they could have attempted to mimic the customers setup in an effort to duplicate and advised the customer against this.
Example 2: A classic example some Technicians may have heard when talking with Techline, is the case of a 15MY WRX with a fuel rail pressure DTC. When the Technician contacted Techline, they had already completed the DTC Trouble Tree, which led to replacement of the fuel pressure sensor. After replacement, the code returned and was current. Further inspection with the SSM4 found that the actual rail pressure reading was approximately 40% lower than the target rail pressure. The tech completed the Trouble Tree a second time, again it was pointing to a failed pressure sensor. The tech thoroughly inspected connections for the circuit. All were found to be fully seated with no signs of tampering. The Technician inspected the battery health, battery terminals, and ECM grounds. Again, all came back with the correct specified results. Not finding any issues, the Technician was asked if there were any aftermarket parts or electrical devices in the vehicle. The Technician mentioned that the vehicle was equipped with aftermarket LED license plate bulbs. The Technician proceeded to remove the LEDs and found the code had moved to history. This was new as previously the code was only current. The Technician went back to check the actual and target fuel pressure PIDs and found that they were now in agreement with one another. With OEM bulbs installed, the code remained in history and did not re-set.
Example 3: A recent report was shared with Techline in reference to a customer concern of the Telematics Remote Engine Start request not being completed. It was later found the customer was using the USB port to charge a battery. When the customer left this in the vehicle there was an abnormal voltage reading at start up. The charge from the batter connected to the USB power supply back feed into the power supply circuit. The Telematics RES saw this abnormal voltage and would not operate as designed.
Techline has provided multiple references over the years of aftermarket components that could affect vehicle systems and performance. Listed below are a few key Tech TIP articles for reference.
| February 2022 - GEOTAB |
| November 2021 - Aftermarket Accessories |
| April 2020 - OBD port devices |
| March 2019 - LED disclaimer |
| March 2019 - Electrical Diagnostics |
| June 2017 - LED reference |
00 STIS NEW RELEASES
| ITEM CODE | ITEM TYPE | TITLE | CREATED DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| V6710BE - card | Service Manual | 2023 Solterra Emergency Respon... | 30-Jun-22 |
| V6710BE | Service Manual | 2023 Solterra Emergency Respon... | 30-Jun-22 |
| 15-246-19R | Technical Service Bulletin | New Immobilizer Registration P... | 30-Jun-22 |
| 13-105-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | 2023 MY Paint Coding Informati... | 29-Jun-22 |
| 09-88-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | P0890 TCM Power Relay Sense Ci... | 29-Jun-22 |
| DCA-8000 | Other/Miscellaneous | DCA-8000 Diagnostic Battery Ch... | 29-Jun-22 |
| DSS-5000 | Other/Miscellaneous | DSS-5000 User Guide | 29-Jun-22 |
| 07-206-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | Auto Headlamp Leveling System... | 28-Jun-22 |
| WRA-20R | Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin | Rear Seat Belt Webbing Locking | 28-Jun-22 |
| 07-208-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Metallic Rattle Sound While Op... | 27-Jun-22 |
| J121SAN500 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2023MY Outb... | 27-Jun-22 |
| J121SAN100 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2023MY Outb... | 27-Jun-22 |
| PT91242231 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2023MY Solt... | 27-Jun-22 |
| PS93642230 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2023MY Solt... | 27-Jun-22 |
| PT97442231 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2023MY Solt... | 27-Jun-22 |
| 15-236-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | Reprogramming File Availabilit... | 27-Jun-22 |
| 18-224-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Diagnostics Procedure Addition... | 27-Jun-22 |
| E5610VC110 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY WRX Rear Under Diffuser | 27-Jun-22 |
| 18-225-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Diagnostics Procedure Addition... | 27-Jun-22 |
| 15-211-17R | Technical Service Bulletin | Reprogramming File Availabilit... | 27-Jun-22 |
| L101SXC005 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY Asce... | 27-Jun-22 |
| MSA5M2311A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Legacy/Outback Subaru S... | 22-Jun-22 |
| MSA5M2303A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Legacy Owner's Manual | 22-Jun-22 |
| MSA5M2304A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Outback Owner's Manual | 22-Jun-22 |
| MSA5M2314A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Legacy/Outback Eyesight... | 22-Jun-22 |
| 01-184-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)... | 14-Jun-22 |
| SPN0004850 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2019MY Legacy/Outback - REMOT... | 14-Jun-22 |
| J1310VC624 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY WRX Shift Boot WRX RED... | 14-Jun-22 |
| 09-89-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | P0890 TCM Power Relay Sense Ci... | 14-Jun-22 |
| 16-136-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | Vibration & Possible Judder Co... | 14-Jun-22 |
| 12-239-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Non-Power Rear Gate Stay/Des... | 14-Jun-22 |
| 09-90-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | P0890 TCM Power Relay Sense Ci... | 14-Jun-22 |
| 07-206-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Auto Headlamp Leveling System... | 12-Jun-22 |
| TIPS0422 | TechTIPS NewsLetter | 2022 April TechTIPS Newsletter | 10-Jun-22 |
| TSG 900MHz PS | Troubleshooting Guide | Remote Engine Start Systems Tr... | 8-Jun-22 |
| MSA5M2301W | Warranty Booklet | 2023 Warranty and Maintenance... | 8-Jun-22 |
| E7710VC501 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY WRX Exhaust Finisher | 8-Jun-22 |
| E5610VC010 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY WRX Rear Side Under Spo... | 2-Jun-22 |
| L101SSJ005 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2019-2022MY... | 25-May-22 |
| 07-162-19R | Technical Service Bulletin | Automatic Door Lock/Unlock F... | 23-May-22 |
| 12-288-20R | Technical Service Bulletin | Power Front Seat Cushion Frame... | 23-May-22 |
| J101SVC100 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY WRX - Mud Flaps | 19-May-22 |
| 16-112-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | Ignition Key Sticking/Design... | 19-May-22 |
| MSA5M2312A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Impreza Eyesight Owner'... | 18-May-22 |
| MSA5B2301A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Impreza Getting Started... | 18-May-22 |
| MSA5M2309A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Impreza Subaru STARLINK... | 18-May-22 |
| MSA5M2301A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Impreza Owner's Manual | 18-May-22 |
| 12-203-16R | Technical Service Bulletin | Squeaking Sound from Front Sea... | 18-May-22 |
| J131SVC001 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2017-22MY Impreza (all trims)... | 18-May-22 |
| MSA5M2318A | Owner Manual | 2022MY Crosstrek Eyesight Owne... | 17-May-22 |
| MSA5B2307A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Crosstrek Getting Start... | 17-May-22 |
| 15-236-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | Reprogramming File Availabilit... | 17-May-22 |
| MSA5M2327A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Eyesig... | 17-May-22 |
| MSA5B2308A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Gettin... | 17-May-22 |
| MSA5M2325A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Subaru... | 17-May-22 |
| MSA5M2308A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Crosstrek Hybrid Owner'... | 17-May-22 |
| WRG-21R | Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin | Fuel Pump Impeller Failure | 17-May-22 |
| 15-296-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Denso CP1 MID & HIGH (11.6" Di... | 13-May-22 |
| 15-273-20R | Technical Service Bulletin | Denso CP1 BASE (Dual 7" Displa... | 13-May-22 |
| 15-295-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Denso CP1 BASE (Dual 7" Displa... | 12-May-22 |
| 18-219-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Service Manual Correction/D... | 12-May-22 |
| 01-167-08R | Technical Service Bulletin | Recommended Materials (All Veh... | 11-May-22 |
| MSA5M2319A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Crosstrek Subaru STARLI... | 10-May-22 |
| MSA5M2307A | Owner Manual | 2023MY Crosstrek Owner's Manua... | 10-May-22 |
| Service Diagnostics | 2023MY Impreza/Crosstrek Se... | 10-May-22 | |
| MSA5M2301M | Warranty Booklet | 2023 Solterra Warranty and Mai... | 9-May-22 |
| 18-218-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Service Manual Correction/DT... | 9-May-22 |
| 4-28-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Squeaking Sound Occurs When Tu... | 3-May-22 |