Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function Of Airbag Module (17-17-13R)

Publication date: 2021-01-29
Reference number: 17-17-13R
Supersedes refnos: 17-17-13

EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) FUNCTION OF AIRBAG MODULE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 17-17-13R, Date of Issue: January 29, 2021

SUBARU:

2013 and Later Legacy/Outback; 2014 and Later Forester; 2012 and Later Impreza 2.0L NA; 2013 and Later XV Crosstrek, BRZ; 2015 and Later WRX and WRX STI; 2019 and Later Ascent

APPLICABILITY

2013MY and Later Legacy/Outback

2014MY and Later Forester

2012MY and Later Impreza 2.0L NA

2013MY and Later XV Crosstrek

2013MY and Later BRZ

2015MY and Later WRX and WRX STI

2019MY and Later Ascent

INTRODUCTION

This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality. This feature has been incorporated into the airbag system starting with the 2012 Impreza and added with each subsequent vehicle full model change introduction. The function of the EDR is best explained using the following statements found in the vehicle Owner's Manual:

"This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in the understanding how a vehicle's systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal;
How fast the vehicle was traveling.

This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs. No data is recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g. name, gender, age or crash location) are recorded. However, other parties such as law enforcement could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

To read data recorded by the EDR, special equipment is required and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, who have special equipment will be able to read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR".

PART INFORMATION

EDR data is normally retrieved through the Data Link Connector (DLC), as long as the vehicle's electrical system has not been compromised.

If a severe collision occurs and EDR data cannot be retrieved through the DLC, a test harness must be utilized which connects directly to the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control module to facilitate EDR retrieval.

IMPORTANT: Retailers who wish to retrieve EDR data by the direct to module method will need to purchase a Bosch CDR tool and the applicable model's test harness. Bosch CDR test harnesses are only for use with the Bosch CDR tool and are NOT compatible with the Subaru Select Monitor.

The Bosch CDR tool and harnesses can be obtained by visiting the Subaru Special Service Tools website. Go to: Subarunet > Service Operations & Technical > Service Tools & Equipment and click on the link for Subaru Essential & Special Tools. Once on the Service Tools & Equipment home page, a link to the Bosch Crash Data Retrieval tool kits is located at the bottom of the list on the left hand side.

PARTS INFORMATION

Description	Part Number	Applicability
EDR TEST HARNESS	BOSCH# F00K108614	2013-14MY Legacy/Outback
		2012MY and Later Impreza
		2014-18MY Forester
		2013MY and Later Crosstrek
		2015MY and Later WRX and STI
		2013MY and Later BRZ
	BOSCH# 836	2015-19MY Legacy/Outback
	BOSCH# 835	2019MY and Later Ascent and Forester
	BOSCH# 844	2020MY and Later Legacy/Outback

SERVICE PROCEDURE/INFORMATION

CAUTION: At NO time should data in any EDR be accessed by a dealer technician without having received, in advance, proper legal authorization from the vehicle owner to view this data. Existing laws generally provide that information recorded in an EDR is confidential and is the property of the owner of the motor vehicle. Violations of those laws may result in both civil and criminal penalties.

Service information on the EDR may be found in the Airbag System (Diagnostics) section of the applicable Service Manual. The EDR function may be accessed through the Airbag Systems portal of the Subaru Select Monitor (SSMIII or SSM4) when retrieving EDR data through the DLC.

This area is found by going to the Main Menu, selecting Each System Check and then Airbag System. Once there, Event Record Data may be selected from the options listed. Once this area is selected, an Important Notice screen will appear with the following compliance message:

The user will be asked to check a box indicating they are aware of and in compliance with the areas outlined in the Important Notice message. Once the box is checked, the "YES" button will become available to select to proceed with viewing any data collected by the EDR.

If the user reaches this area in error or has not received proper legal authorization to view any data in the EDR, simply press "NO" to return to the Airbag System menu.

IMPORTANT: Any questions regarding compliance with applicable federal, state, or local laws should always be directed to your dealership's legal counsel.

NOTE: Data supplied in this Service Bulletin was accurate at the time of its publication however, it is subject to change without notice.