Recall - Engine Control Module Reprogramming
NUMBER: WWF-89DATE: 04/2002
APPLICABILITY:
2000-01MY Subaru Legacy and Outback 4EAT
2000-02MY Impreza MT5 or 4EAT
2001-02MY Forester MT5 or 4EAT
SUBJECT:
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogramming
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that some affected vehicles listed below may require ECM reprogramming. The ECM logic for the air/fuel ratio circuit may not be broad enough to accept the signal parameters of the A/F ratio sensor. Should the A/F ratio sensor signal repeatedly fluctuate beyond the parameters of the ECM logic, the CHECK ENGINE warning light / Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate steadily while the engine is running, advising the driver of a malfunction and the need to seek repair service. Reprogramming the ECM will broaden the allowable A/F ratio signal parameters and correct this condition.
This condition is a software issue and has no impact on vehicle emissions or driveability.
This service program will involve reprogramming the ECM on affected vehicles.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2000-01 MY Subaru Legacy and Outback with H4 engine and 4EAT transmission only. (Legacy and Outback vehicles with the H6 engine or MT5 transmission are not affected.)
^ 2000-02 MY Impreza with MT5 or 4EAT. (Impreza WRX models are not affected.)
^ 2001-02 MY Forester with MT5 or 4EAT.
Affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart.
NOTE:
Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of affected vehicles on or around April 24, 2002.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly service all vehicles subject to this service program at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of the vehicle, or ownership.
For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure section of this bulletin.
Dealers are also to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this service program is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the service program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SPECIAL TOOLS
Dealers will automatically be shipped the necessary special select monitor reprogramming cables and cartridges for this campaign at no charge. If additional reprogramming cables and cartridges are needed, please contact your District Service Operations Manager for ordering instructions.
Part numbers are as follows:
Select Monitor Reprogramming Cable - 22775Z0C00
Select Monitor Reprogramming Cartridge - 24082X0A54
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Using the Select Monitor Reprogramming Cable, Part Number 22775Z0C00, connect the Select Monitor to the vehicle's Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) located in the vehicle's lower left dash panel. Insert the appropriate "Diagnostic" cartridge for the vehicle being serviced, and retrieve and record any diagnostic trouble codes previously stored in the ECM.
If no codes are found, proceed to the "ECM Reprogramming Precautions and Instructions" section of this bulletin.
If trouble codes are found, refer to the table for the correct repair procedure. Make any necessary repairs and clear all codes prior to reprogramming the ECM.
Important:
Only use the specified Select Monitor Programming Cable for reprogramming. The Select Monitor should remain "off" until instructed to turn "on" while following the reprogramming instructions.
NOTE:
The front oxygen (A/F) sensor should ONLY be replaced when trouble code P0031, P0130 or P1133 is present and should not be replaced for any other reason. Front Oxygen (A/F) Sensors that have been replaced should not be returned unless requested through the Service Part Return System.
ECM Reprogramming Precautions
Before reprogramming the ECM, the following precautions must be observed:
1) Only use the appropriate reprogramming cable P/N 22775Z0C00 for ECM reprogramming.
2) Keep the vehicle at least 150 feet (50 meters) from high voltage power lines.
3) Keep the vehicle at least 30 feet (10 meters) from any machinery that creates high voltage.
4) Keep the vehicle at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other vehicles that may generate electrical "noise". (Example: Other vehicle being checked for ignition spark, etc.)
5) Keep the vehicle at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from any electrical device that can generate an electronic wave, such as mobile phones, pagers, radios, etc.
6) Turn off all electronic devices that can generate electromagnetic waves (mobile phones, pagers, etc. - no radios).
7) Turn off the vehicle's electrical devices before reprogramming (every light, seat heater, audio system. Do not use the cigarette lighter, power seat switch, etc. during reprogramming)
8) Do not attempt ECM reprogramming if the vehicle's under hood temperature is below 32° F (0° Celsius).
ECM Reprogramming Instructions
Tools needed: Select Monitor, short programming cable, P/N 22775Z0C00, and Select Monitor Reprogramming Cartridge P/N 24082X0A54.
Important:
Only use the specified Select Monitor Programming Cable for reprogramming.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING THE CALIBRATION IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (CID) FROM THE ECM
This procedure should only be followed when ECM reprogramming is not possible and you must contact Subaru Tech Line.
STATE EMISSION TESTING ADVISORY
After ECM reprogramming, the OBD system's readiness code monitors will set to "incomplete". Normally, the vehicle needs to be driven under a variety of conditions before the readiness code monitors will indicate "complete". (See the November 1999 Subaru Technical Support T.I.P.S. and the State I/M Program Advisory Bulletin, number 11-68-02, dated 3/5/02 for details.)
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Service Program identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
A quantity of labels is provided to each dealer with this bulletin. Additional labels are available through your Area/Distributor Service Office.
CALIFORNIA/MASSACHUSETTS "VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL - PROOF Of CORRECTION " CERTIFICATE
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles Registration/Recall Program requires that all emission related Recall/Campaign or Service Program repairs be completed before a vehicle registration is renewed. Please provide owners of vehicles registered in the states of California and Massachusetts a completed "Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate. Vehicle owners should be advised to retain this certificate because the California/Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles may require they provide proof this service program repair has been completed.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this Service Program will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.
ECM Reprogramming Only - Use the applicable claim submission information for Reprogramming the ECM.
For ECM Reprogramming enter labor operation 145-580 for 0.6 labor hours.
Replacement of the Front Oxygen (A/F) Sensor and ECM Reprogramming - Use the applicable claim submission information when trouble codes P0031, P0130 or P1133 were found and the Front Oxygen (A/F) Sensor is replaced and the ECM reprogrammed.
For Replacement of the Front Oxygen (A/F) Sensor and ECM reprogramming enter Labor Operation Number 145-515 for 0.9 labor hours. Parts will be reimbursed at dealer cost plus the applicable handing allowance.
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