Tech Tips January 2022 (TIPS0122)
Publication date: 2022-03-01Reference number: TIPS0122
TECH TIPS JANUARY 2022
TECHNICAL INFORMATION TIPS
| SUBARU: | All Models |
01 QMR OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to announce this month's QMR of the Month Winner:
The winning QMR of the Month selected from November's submissions provided a detailed diagnosis of a 2021Outback with no audio output from the infotainment system regardless of the selected source. While confirming the condition, Jeremy noticed the Telematics LED was illuminated red, indicating a fault. A check for DTCs with the SSM revealed DTC B2A06 in memory for the R/F speaker circuit. He attempted to perform an active test of the R/F speaker through the Telematics system but was unable to complete it as the PID shown indicated the output for the speaker was shorted. Jeremy proceeded to dig into the wiring between the DCM and the speaker, checking resistances and for any shorts to ground or to power with no problem found leading him to replace the DCM. After replacing the DCM, the LED returned to green and audio output was restored initially but during road testing, audio output was lost, the Telematics LED went back to being red and DTC B2A06 DTC returned. Techline was contacted and after reviewing the prior diagnostic steps taken, a recommendation was made to locate and inspect the connection where the R/F door harness joins the instrument panel harness at i29. Upon close inspection, a small puncture was found in the insulation of the violet wire. Jeremy ordered and installed a new R/F door wiring harness which restored normal audio and Telematics function. The TechShare report submitted included detailed results of each diagnostic test he performed. High quality photos were also included to document his findings.
In appreciation for going the extra mile and sharing his experience and TechShare feedback with us, Jeremy will be receiving the following from his Field Service Engineer:
The other Regional winners selected from QMRs submitted during September 2021 were:
- David Rizzo from West Herr Subaru in Orchard Park, NY
- Luke Wasson from CMA's Colonial Subaru in South Chesterfield, VA
- Chris Grad from Ganley Subaru of Wickliffe in Wickliffe, OH
- 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 November 2021 was 3-Time QMR of the Month Winner Jeremy DeGroodt, a Master Technician at Capitol Subaru in San Jose, CA.
Jeremy is shown above (right/center) after being presented with his $500.00 Snap-On Gift Card. To his right are Capitol Subaru's Service Manager Tony Tran and Subaru of America, Inc. District Parts and Service Manager Michael Anderson. To his left is Subaru of America, Inc. Field Service Engineer Alan Wolfe.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our November 2021 QMR of the Month Award recipient!
This series features TechTIPS articles frequently referred to by Techline. This month's feature is from April 2020.
03 SQUEAK/CHIRP SOUND FROM HIGH-TORQUE CVT WHEN SHIFTING FROM P/N TO D
The High-Torque CVT equipped in the 2019+MY Ascent, 2015+MY Legacy/Outback 3.6R and XT, 2014-2018MY Forester XT, and 2015MY+ WRX (CVT equipped), may emit a brief squeak or chirp sound when shifting the transmission from park or neutral to drive. This sound is caused by the operation of the forward clutch, just before the clutch fully engages. The sound is caused by the clutch plate friction materials sliding against each other. These plates are designed to accept this type of contact. The sound does not affect the performance or reliability of the transmission and is characteristic of its operation so, no attempt should be made to try to repair it. It is important to ensure there are no DTCs stored as current or in history, there are no drivability concerns present and, the sound only occurs while the vehicle is stopped and under the conditions described above.
03 HUB BEARING AND BACKING PLATE REPLACEMENT
It has come to SOAs attention that Technicians are not replacing the backing plate when faced with hub bearing replacement. It is important to replace the backing plate along with the hub bearing assembly to avoid repeat bearing failures. TSB 05-70-19R is available to review this information.
A portion of the TSB is shown here as a reference. Always consult the appropriate service manual on STIS and the most up to date Technical Service Bulletins when replacing parts.
07 WIRING HARNESS GROUND BOLT TORQUE SPEC
When performing diagnostics or replacing vehicle wiring harnesses, verify all vehicle body ground bolts are torqued to spec. Vehicle body ground bolts are M6 and have an "E" (earth/ground) stamped on the bolt head. Be aware, these bolts may be used in other locations on the vehicle. Proper torque specification is 13 Nm (9.6 ft-lb). This does NOT include grounds that bolt to the engine, transmission, or other components that are not part of the vehicle body. Please see applicable section (ex: Transmission Assembly > Installation) in STIS for bolt torque specs on these components.
15 2022MY FORESTER, HVAC GESTURE CONTROL
A new feature that will be integrated into Subaru vehicles is Gesture Control. The driver will be able to make hand gestures to control HVAC features through the Driver Monitor System (DMS). The Gesture feature is designed so that the customer can change their temperature settings without taking their eyes of the road. To accomplish this the driver will place their hand in front of the occupant recognition sensor. The gesture of an open palm with the fingers spread will raise the temperature of the air conditioning while a gesture of a closed fist will lower the temperature. The customer should be aware that if they are wearing gloves it may interfere with the recognition of the gesture being made. If a customer has a concern that involves the intermittent changing of climate control features the Gesture Control may be the cause. The Technician should confirm that the feature is active and interview the customer to ensure that they are aware of its function and confirm that they know proper operation.
Be sure to interview the customer about objects that are on the dash or rearview mirror area that they may remove when they drop off the vehicle as they may contribute to a false command being recognized. There has been confirmation that some objects hanging from the rearview mirror have triggered the Gesture Control to change settings. Technicians should confirm the concern by test driving the vehicle with all the customers items present in the vehicle. Once the concern has been duplicated a second test drive should be performed with objects such as parking passes, handicap placards, graduate tassels, or beads removed from the rearview mirror to confirm if they are associated with the customer concern. The Gesture Control can be temporarily turned off by the customer, but it requires them to turn off the Driver Monitor System. The system will turn back on if the ignition is cycled, or the driver's door has been opened and closed. The Gesture Control can be disabled with SSM through Driver Monitor customization functions. Additional information regarding activation conditions.
Non-activation conditions
The gesture control function does not work under the following conditions.
- DMS is OFF, paused, or faulty.
- Ignition switch is OFF or the select lever is in "P" or "R".
- When driving and the turn signals are operating, when the steering wheel is turned greatly (about 180° or more), when a looking aside/doze alarm is given, or when personal recognition is in progress.
- Driving at low speed.
- The heater control switch is not turned on.
- DMS cannot recognize the driver's face.
Conditions under which the system may not work properly
Gesture recognition may not work properly in the following cases:
- Sunlight enters the vehicle interior.
- Sunlight (including light with strong near-infrared components) is causing a shadow on the hand.
- The intensity of sunlight (including light with strong near-infrared components) illuminating the hand fluctuates greatly and quickly.
- The driver is wearing gloves or hand accessories.
- Wearing thick gloves
- Wearing gloves that absorb near-infrared light
- Wearing hand accessories
- There is a blocking object between the hand and the system.
- There are multiple hands within the recognition range (such as when the hand of the person in the passenger seat is within the recognition range).
- The hand is turned a lot or tilted too much.
In the following cases, the temperature setting of the air conditioner may change due to unintended gesture recognition.
- A hand is placed within the recognition range, when such as sending a signal to a person outside the vehicle.
- The driver operates the inner mirror or room light.
- Something is put on or off the MFD.
- Someone in the back seat, etc. reaches out to near the navigation system.
00 STIS NEW RELEASES
| ITEM CODE | ITEM TYPE | TITLE | CREATED DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-192-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | Infotainment Concern Data Coll... | 18-Mar-22 |
| C1010VA001 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY WRX... | 16-Mar-22 |
| SOA567R200 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2019-22MY Ascent Pet Rear Door... | 16-Mar-22 |
| SOA567R100 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2019-22MY Forester Pet Rear Do... | 16-Mar-22 |
| F411SSJ020 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2019-22MY Forester Seat Cover... | 16-Mar-22 |
| 07-205-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection... | 15-Mar-22 |
| 13-104-21 | Technical Service Bulletin | 2022 MY Paint Coding Informati... | 10-Mar-22 |
| 16-136-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | Vibration & Possible Judder Co... | 9-Mar-22 |
| 18-217-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | Service Manual Correction/DT... | 9-Mar-22 |
| 06-84-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | DTC B2809-VDC Abnormal & B2C2... | 7-Mar-22 |
| L9020BE | Service Manual | 2022MY WRX Body Repair Manual | 7-Mar-22 |
| 09-83-21R | Technical Service Bulletin | 3.6L Water Pump-Design Change... | 7-Mar-22 |
| 15-293-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Remote Climate Control Operati... | 4-Mar-22 |
| 15-240-19R | Technical Service Bulletin | New Harman Audio Amplifiers | 2-Mar-22 |
| 09-80-21 | Technical Service Bulletin | DTC # P2682 & P26Ax**/Thermo... | 28-Feb-22 |
| 12-234-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Body Repair Manual Correction | 28-Feb-22 |
| J121SAN500 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY Outback Exterior Graphi... | 28-Feb-22 |
| J121SAN200 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY Outback Exterior Graphi... | 28-Feb-22 |
| J121SAN100 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY Outback Exterior Graphi... | 28-Feb-22 |
| 01-175-16 | Technical Service Bulletin | E-Mailing Files to Techline an... | 28-Feb-22 |
| 06-85-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Rear Stabilizer Bar/Design C... | 23-Feb-22 |
| WRL-21 | Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin | Front Axle Housings | 23-Feb-22 |
| 15-255-19R | Technical Service Bulletin | Map Data Update Procedure for... | 22-Feb-22 |
| C1010VA001 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY WRX... | 22-Feb-22 |
| 15-234-18R | Technical Service Bulletin | 2019 Audio/Navigation & Power... | 21-Feb-22 |
| WRE-21R | Subaru Product/Campaign Bulletin | Ignition Coil Replacement | 21-Feb-22 |
| MSA5B2205A | Owner Manual | 2022MY WRX Getting Started Gui... | 18-Feb-22 |
| 15-291-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Gen1 Telematics DCM Replacemen... | 18-Feb-22 |
| MSA5M2210A | Owner Manual | 2022MY WRX Subaru STARLINK® Ow... | 18-Feb-22 |
| MSA5M2215A | Owner Manual | 2022MY WRX Eyesight Owner's Ma... | 18-Feb-22 |
| MSA5M2205A | Owner Manual | 2022MY WRX Owner's Manual | 18-Feb-22 |
| 07-204-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Tentative Select Monitor Proce... | 18-Feb-22 |
| H505SSJ000 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY Fore... | 18-Feb-22 |
| E7210VC200 | Accessory Installation Guide | PORT INSTALLATION: 2022MY WRX... | 18-Feb-22 |
| J121SVC000 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY WRX - Carbon Fiber Trun... | 18-Feb-22 |
| H101SSJ000 | Accessory Installation Guide | 2022MY Forester Long Range Pus... | 18-Feb-22 |
| All | revised publications are | highlighted in | yellow. |
| 15-192-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Infotainment Concern Data Coll... | 16-Feb-22 |
| 12-233-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Squeak Sound During Front Wind... | 11-Feb-22 |
| 05-75-20R | Technical Service Bulletin | Front Coil Spring-Design Chan... | 10-Feb-22 |
| 16-132-20R | Technical Service Bulletin | Diagnostic Information for All... | 8-Feb-22 |
| 06-83-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | VDC Reprogramming File Availab... | 8-Feb-22 |
| 16-125-19R | Technical Service Bulletin | CVT Oil Pan-Design Change | 3-Feb-22 |
| 16-138-22R | Technical Service Bulletin | DTC P0613 - TCM Processor | 3-Feb-22 |
| E721SAN031XX | Accessory Installation Guide | 2020-2022MY Legacy - Trunk Spo... | 2-Feb-22 |
| TSG 900MHz KS | Troubleshooting Guide | Remote Engine Start Systems Tr... | 2-Feb-22 |
| Service Diagnostics | 2022 WRX Service Manual VH | 2-Feb-22 | |
| 09-85-22 | Technical Service Bulletin | Front Exhaust Pipe Cover Repla... | 1-Feb-22 |
| 15-261-20R | Technical Service Bulletin | Reprogramming File Availabilit... | 28-Jan-22 |
| SUTTIPSLOC | Other/Miscellaneous | TechTIPS Article Locator Index... | 25-Jan-22 |
All revised publications are highlighted in yellow.