VDC G Sensor (WVG-17)
Publication date: 2008-12-01Reference number: WVG-17
VDC G SENSOR
SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
| SUBARU: | 2008-2009MY Tribeca |
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that certain 2008 & 2009 Tribeca models may have been produced with an improperly installed Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) G sensor. This sensor is designed to be mounted in a forward facing direction but may have been installed backwards during production.
There is a potential safety risk associated with this condition. The VDC G sensor is a component of the vehicles electronic stability / traction control system and is located in the passenger compartment beneath the center console. If the sensor was improperly installed, vehicle handling characteristics during hard braking, sudden turns or other quick maneuvers could cause the vehicle to react in an unexpected manner or result in unstable handling. Under extreme conditions, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and a crash could occur. The driver would have no prior warning that this condition exists.
The Owner Notification letter, found at the end of this bulletin, recommends the vehicle driver "turn off" the Traction Control System until the inspection and, if necessary, repair is performed. Disabling the system will eliminate the possibility of a malfunction associated with an incorrectly installed VDC G sensor. Please refer to the letter for additional information.
This recall will involve inspecting the position of the VDC G sensor. If the sensor is found to be installed correctly, no further action is needed. If the sensor is found to be installed incorrectly (backwards), the sensor must be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. The VDC system will also require reprogramming to ensure proper operation. Please refer to the Service Procedure section of this bulletin for more details.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
- 2008-2009MY Subaru Tribeca.
Potentially affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart below. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
| MODEL | FROM | TO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008MY | Tribeca | 84418312 | 84420236 |
| 2009MY | Tribeca | 94400001 | 94406703 |
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail Owner Notification Letters to owners of affected vehicles on or around December 19, 2008.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is included at the end of this bulletin.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
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 recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
New or used vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in dealer stock must be:
- Immediately identified.
- Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.
- Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin.
Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore, any Authorized Subaru Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 USC 30165(a) of the Safety Act, and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
This recall will involve inspecting the position of the VDC G sensor. If the sensor is found to be installed correctly, no further action is needed. If the sensor is found to be installed incorrectly (backwards), the sensor must be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. The VDC system will also require reprogramming to ensure proper operation.
VDC G SENSOR POSITION INSPECTION
The VDC G sensor is located in the center of the console just below the transmission shifter.
Move the driver's seat to the most reward position. Position yourself as illustrated.
Push in, slightly pull down, and move the carpet slightly forward to gain a view of the G sensor. Use a flashlight to verify the direction of the arrow on the G sensor.
If the arrow is pointing towards the front of the vehicle, no further action is required.
If the G sensor arrow is pointing towards the rear of the vehicle, continue with the following procedure.
G SENSOR REPOSITIONING PROCEDURE
Remove the indicator ring by gently prying up on each corner using a plastic trim tool.
Remove the front console panel by gently pushing in on each tab (4) using a plastic trim tool.
Remove the 2 screws that secure the front of the console.
Remove the 4 bolts that secure the upper console pocket.
Gently pull the center console assembly rearward to disengage from the lower instrument panel. Carefully position center console assembly upward to gain access to G sensor.
Remove 2 nuts which secure the G sensor to the bracket.
Reposition the G sensor with the arrow pointing towards the front of the vehicle, install nuts and torque to 7.5 N-m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.53 ft-lb).
Reinstall console and trim pieces in reverse order of removal.
Use the SDS SMIII to set the following two positions.
STEERING ANGLE SENSOR AND G SENSOR ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE
- Select Each System Check
- Select Brake Control System
- Press OK
- Select Function Check Sequence
- Select Steering Neutral G sensor 0 Set
- Wait and read the following screens.
- At this point in the procedure the steering angle sensor data to the VDC/ABS Control Unit is evaluated. There are 3 possible results from this evaluation:
- The steering wheel is perfectly straight.
- The steering wheel is off center a small degree.
- The steering wheel is off center a large degree.
This is the display when the steering wheel is off center a large degree.
This is the display when the steering wheel is off center a small degree.
In either case, the display will go back to the function check sequence after a few seconds. Center the steering wheel and repeat the procedure.
NOTE: Centering is best performed by moving the steering wheel to the left and right of the center point and then back to center. - When the steering wheel is centered the following screen will be displayed indicating the alignment procedure is beginning.
- This screen will be displayed when the alignment procedure is complete.
This will conclude the entire repair procedure.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a recall identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through the Customer Dealer Services Department (CDS) at 1-866- 782-2782.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this procedure will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.
| CLAIM TYPE / CAMPAIGN CODE | LABOR / LABOR TIME | LABOR OPERATION |
|---|---|---|
| RC WVG-17 | A156-608 0.2 hrs. | Inspect VDC G sensor, inspection only. |
| A156-601 0.5 hrs. | Inspect, reposition and reprogram VDC G sensor alignment. |
OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru Plaza
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
www.subaru.com
Important Safety Recall Notice
Subaru Recall Campaign WVG-17
NHTSA Recall No. 08V-645
December 2008
Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2008 and 2009 model year Subaru Tribeca vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT
Subaru has determined that your vehicle could have been manufactured with an improperly installed Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) G sensor. This sensor is designed to be mounted in a forward facing direction but may have been installed backwards during production.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY HAZARD
The VDC G sensor is a component of your vehicle's electronic stability / traction control system and is located in the passenger compartment beneath the center console. If the sensor was improperly installed, vehicle handling characteristics during hard braking, sudden turns or other quick maneuvers could cause the vehicle to react in an unexpected manner or result in unstable handling. Under extreme conditions, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and a crash could occur. The driver would have no prior warning that this condition exists.
REPAIRS
To correct this condition, Subaru will inspect the position of the VDC G sensor. If the sensor is found to be installed correctly, no further action is needed. If the sensor is found to be installed incorrectly (backwards), the sensor will be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. The VDC system will also be reprogrammed to ensure proper operation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO PROMPTLY
You should immediately contact your Subaru Dealer for an appointment to have the VDC G sensor inspected and any related repairs performed at no cost to you.
In the meantime, until the VDC G sensor has been inspected and, if necessary repositioned, we recommend that you "turn off" your vehicle's Traction Control System. Disabling the system will eliminate the possibility of a malfunction associated with an incorrectly installed VDC G sensor. However, please be aware that it will also completely disable your vehicle's electronic stability / traction control system. The system can be "turned off" by depressing the Traction Control System switch located at the left lower instrument panel. When the system is turned off, the Vehicle Dynamics Control monitor light will illuminate on the instrument cluster indicating the system is deactivated. It will be necessary to follow this procedure each time the vehicle's engine is started. Please see the following sections in chapter 7 of your Tribeca Owner's Manual for additional information: 1) "Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor", and (2) "Traction Control system OFF switch".
If you choose not to turn off the VDC system, please remain alert for the conditions and safety hazards described in this letter and take appropriate precautions when operating your vehicle.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The actual time to inspect the VDC G sensor is approximately 10 minutes. It will take an additional 20 minutes if the sensor requires repositioning and reprogramming. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle the full day of your scheduled appointment to allow your dealer flexibility in scheduling. Please present this letter to your Subaru Dealer at the time this repair procedure is performed.
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru Dealer you can access our website at www.Subaru.com and select "Find a Dealer". Or, you may call us at 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) during normal business hours for assistance. Please call us immediately if the dealer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge or write to the address listed on the first page of this letter.
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.gov if you believe the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of time.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and your vehicle's proper operation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have this repair performed.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
Notice to Lessors
Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle's title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)