Tech Tips June 2015 (TIPS 0615)

TECH TIPS JUNE 2015

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

01 AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS / BETTER PICTURES REQUESTED

Recently, we have seen an increased amount of requests for retailers to submit better quality pictures showing the condition being reported in Authorization Requests for glass or paint. In most cases, requests can be processed in the same day when the pictures are clear and in focus. Make sure your photos do not have glare or reflections and the area of the defect is clean.

Why were my pictures not useable?

1. The camera you are using is unable to provide a quality picture. We request you review ALL of the pictures you plan to attach and only attach quality pictures which clearly show the condition being reported.
2. Pictures were taken too far away from the condition being reported.
3. Glare/reflection from overhead makes many of the pictures unusable.
4. The area of the vehicle has not been cleaned prior to taking pictures.
5. Out of focus pictures are unable to be used to make an informed decision.
6. The condition has not been captured with enough detail to make an informed decision.

You must be able to see the condition in the pictures you are submitting.

Examples of poor quality pictures: 

01 AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS / BETTER PICTURES REQUESTED

Things to remember when taking photos that will be attached to an Authorization Request:

• Use only a quality camera shooting in a high resolution
• Clean the area you intend on photographing.
• Avoid taking pictures in areas where overhead lights, clouds or other items will cause glare or reflection.
• Review ALL pictures before releasing the vehicle. Only attach quality pictures to your Authorization Requests.
• When submitting a picture of a windshield, take pictures from a distance that clearly shows the condition. Show the entire crack, even if it means taking more than one picture, or use overlapping photos to capture it.

If you are unable to see the condition clearly in the pictures you are submitting, neither will the person reviewing the Authorization Request. Take the time to provide the best pictures possible on the first submission.

09 COOLING SYSTEM APPEARS TO BE OVERFILLED AT PDI

The 2015 Impreza (2.0 models) and XV Crosstrek now employ a liquid-cooled EGR system (EGR cooler). As a result, this new system requires an additional amount of coolant to be added to the system during vehicle manufacturing and servicing (12.8 to 16 ozs. more than prior model years depending on the vehicle). You may notice this during a PDI, as the coolant bottle may appear to be overfilled (by about 60mm above the "FULL" line). DO NOT  adjust the fluid level as the engine will eventually do it on its own. This additional coolant will be drawn into the engine as the cooling system completely purges itself of any remaining air pockets through normal vehicle operation. This "purging" period may vary slightly depending on the vehicle's initial use patterns.

01 COMBINATION METER AND BIU SHIPMENTS TO SOA

If it becomes necessary to send in a BIU, combination meter, or any other component during the course of a Techline correspondence, please ensure you or the person packaging the box takes the time to review the following:

• Did you use enough bubble wrap and a properly sized box to protect the Combination Meter from damage during shipping?
• Is the BIU properly wrapped and isolated away from the Combination Meter to avoid damage or scratches?
• Did you include a copy of the fax form in the box with your return shipping address?

Packing materials we suggest you avoid using: 

• Styrofoam packing peanuts
• Inflated bags

14 NEW SSM4 SOFTWARE ON THE C2 TOUGHBOOK

Those with the new Panasonic C2 Toughbook may have noticed the new SSM4 software has been deployed. This was done in advance of the launch of certain 2016 Subaru models which will require SSM4 software for diagnosis. Please note: the SSM4 software is not intended to be used with 2015MY and previous vehicles and will not work properly if attempted. DO NOT contact Nuspire or the Subaru Techline if you are having trouble using SSM4 software on 2015 or earlier vehicles. You may use the Denso DST-i interface in combination with SSMIII software to communicate with 2004-2015MY vehicles by choosing the proper interface by pressing the F10 key and then restarting the application.

01 SENDING DATA INTO SUBARU

Have you been requested to send data files in for review while corresponding with Subaru Techline? Techline recently has had a few instances of data not being received by our mail servers. The issue seems to originate from domains being managed by Yahoo.com and AOL.com.  We are currently working towards a resolution but in the interim we would recommend emails come from other domains, such as Gmail.

Alternatively, you can save your data onto a storage device and email the file from another computer to Tech@Subaru.com

In order for any data to be properly routed you must include your Techline case number in the title of the email followed by the last 8 of the VIN and the name of the Techline representative it is intended for. Do not assume your data has been received; it is always a good idea to call and confirm receipt.

Here is an example of a properly titled email:

Case #: 7186397171 / E808042 / Robert on Techline

The body of the email can include more details such as:

"I marked the file at point 447, this is when I felt a vibration"