Reprogramming File Availability For Additional Optimization Of HARMAN Gen 3 Audio And Navigation Head Units (15-211-17R)
Publication date: 2024-07-09Reference number: 15-211-17R
Supersedes refnos: 15-211-17
REPROGRAMMING FILE AVAILABILITY FOR ADDITIONAL OPTIMIZATION OF HARMAN GEN 3 AUDIO AND NAVIGATION HEAD UNITS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| SUBARU: | 2017-18MY Impreza; 2018MY Crosstrek, Legacy and Outback, BRZ |
APPLICABILITY
2017-18MY Impreza
2018MY Crosstrek
2018MY Legacy and Outback
2018MY BRZ*
INTRODUCTION
The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. These files do NOT include Map Update data. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely to understand all changes from prior releases before proceeding. A time line chart along with a complete list of all the conditions addressed by this and previous Harman 3.0 software updates is provided in "Appendix A" located at the end of this bulletin.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- If a vehicle presents with a current blank or black screen condition, request an exchange unit.
- Be sure to locate and re-format any existing USB drives used for updating Harman audio units in order to fully clear them before adding these new files to them.
- If a Map update is pending, please follow the instructions posted on Subarunet: Service Operations & Technical > Forms/Downloads > Navigation System Map Updates and select the applicable link.
- If the navigation maps have been recently updated, the newest software may have already been installed at the same time. This may eliminate the need to attempt any further update of the software. ALWAYS check the head unit's software version prior to attempting any new software installation.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION
These latest updates (June 2019) apply to the models listed above equipped with Harman Gen 3.0 Audio and Navigation head units only. They include all previous enhancements implemented in all prior software updates INCLUDING the previously released WTN-74R updates. Therefore, if WTN-74R is still open, these latest updates will continue to satisfy the campaign. See the WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION section at the end of this bulletin for further instructions.
The latest software version (including all available updates) was incorporated into production per the starting VIN table below:
| Model | Starting VIN |
|---|---|
| Legacy | Post Production |
| Outback | |
| Impreza 4-Door | |
| Impreza 5-Door | |
| Crosstrek | |
| BRZ |
| Multimedia System Type | Descriptive Features |
|---|---|
| 6.5 Inch Display Audio System (Base) | No CD slot/Eject Button |
| 8.0 Inch Display Audio System (Mid) | Phone Button |
| 8.0 Inch Audio/Navigation System (High) | Map Button but no Phone Button |
2018MY Legacy and Outback Harman Audio/Navigation system Faceplate images
Materials Required:
16GB (MINIMUM) USB 2.0 or 3.0 flash drives which are readily available at most office supply retailers will be needed to perform these updates.
Recommended Flash Drives:
- Kingston®: Data Traveler G3, G4, SE9 or the Hyper-X Series
- SanDisk®: Cruzer Series, Ultra Flair
- Transcend®: JetFlash 300, 600 or 790
- Verbatim®: Store 'n' Go
- The USB flash drives can be USB 2.0 or 3.0.
- The USB flash drive MUST be reformatted to NTFS before loading any files to it. NTFS is not the standard format on most USB flash drives.
- The update files are not overly large but, during the reprogramming procedure, the head unit backs up some files to the USB drive. For this reason, sufficient USB drive memory size is required, especially for the High/Navigation units.
- The flash drives should be dedicated to storing these reprogramming files only. Do NOT use any flash drives which contains or requires the use of file management, encryption, file backup or other software to function properly.
- Re-format (see Step 2) any prior USBs you may have used for WTN-74R as that version of software must no longer be installed. This update includes all WTN-74R updates.
SERVICE PROCEDURE/INFORMATION
Affected Vehicles/Audio Units
| Vehicle Model | Audio Unit Type (High, Mid, Base) | Audio Unit Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18MY Impreza & 2018MY Crosstrek | NAVIGATION (HIGH) | 86271FL60A |
| 8-Inch Display Audio (MID) | 86201FL62A | |
| 86201FL63A | ||
| 6.5-Inch Display Audio (BASE) | 86201FL60A | |
| 86201FL61A | ||
| 2018MY Legacy/Outback | NAVIGATION (HIGH) | 86471AL65A |
| 86471AL66A | ||
| 8-Inch Display Audio (MID) | 86431AL65A | |
| 86431AL66A | ||
| 6.5-Inch Display Audio (BASE) | 86431AL61A | |
| 2018MY BRZ | NAVIGATION (HIGH ONLY) | 86271CA670 |
STEP 1- Verify the currently installed Software Version ID using the following steps:
- After starting the engine, from the HOME screen, touch "Settings".
- From the Settings > General screen, scroll down to and then touch "System Information".
- Confirm the current Software Version ID. If the Current Version is REL_A2.22.10.20, REL_A2.22.39.20, REL_A2.23.10.20, REL_A2.23.41.20 or REL_A2.24.12.20 STOP as this latest update has already been installed.
Please note: Image below is for example purposes only. It may not reflect latest software version(s) available.
STEP 2- Prepare the USB:
- Make sure the USB flash drive contains no other files.
- Right click on the corresponding "Removable Disk".
- Select "Format".
- From the File System drop-down menu, select "NTFS"
- Check the "Quick Format" box (if not already done).
- Click on "Start" to format the USB flash drive.
STEP 3-
The files are available for download on Subarunet (see "A" below).
The applicable reprogramming files have also been sent directly to retailers by Nuspire in the same way a Select Monitor Update would be pushed out. (see "B" below).
Follow "A" when using files downloaded from Subarunet.
Follow "B" when using the files sent directly to the SDS notebook from Nuspire.
"A" When using update files downloaded from Subarunet:
Click Here to Access the Downloads for Audio/Navigation Information on Subarunet
Using the normal audio/navigation system file update download procedure: Go to Subarunet, select Service Operations & Technical>>Forms/Downloads>> Gen 3/Harman for Audio/Navi then click on the applicable Hyperlink to download the file(s) to your SDS Notebook or PC:
"BASE-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-AUGUST 2022"
"MID-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-AUGUST 2022"
"HIGH-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-BRZ-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-AUGUST 2022"
- Go to Downloads.
-
CAUTION: After download is complete, NEVER change the file or folder names.
- Once the files have been downloaded from Subarunet, click on the Downloads folder and then sort by Date Modified to bring the most recent files to the top of the list.
- Open/display the contents of File folder, for example (BASE-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2020).
- Click on "Extract All Files".
- From the dialog box, browse to My Documents then click on "Extract".
- Double-click on the required file (for this example, select the file entitled "BASE-17-18 Impreza-18 Crosstrek-18-Legacy-Outback-18-HARMAN AUDIO UPDATE-JUNE 2020").
- Copy ONLY the "update" folder then paste (or click/drag) it to the "clean" USB flash drive as listed (Removable Disk) in the directory.
- To avoid confusion, label the flash drive with the file contents (e.g. BASE 3.0, MID 3.0 or HIGH 3.0).
- Go to Step 4.
"B" When using update files sent directly from Nuspire:
- Go to My Documents on the GUI screen to display the list of available update files shown below.
-
CAUTION: After download is complete, NEVER change the file or folder names.
- Sort by Date Modified to bring the most recent files to the top of the list. The folder is named: _Harman Audio-Navi Update Files.
- Double-click on the required folder (for this example, select the folder entitled "BASE"), then double-click on folder name "System Only" to get to folder "update". It will display as shown.
- Select the update folder and either copy/paste or click/drag it to the USB flash drive.
- Once the folder named "update" is loaded onto the USB flash drive, right click on the drive and select "Eject".
- Remove the USB flash drive after the prompt appears that says "Safe to Remove Hardware".
- Mark the USB to indicate the head unit it will update (BASE in this example).
- Repeat the above steps to create the MID and HIGH USB flash drives as needed using a separate USB drive for each update folder.
STEP 4 -
- After confirmation, move to the car and either start the engine or connect either the Subaru Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System or the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilize the Power Supply Mode.
Copy ONLY the folder named "update" to the USB.
- Never change the folder name from "update".
- Confirm there is only a folder named "update" on the flash drive.
STEP 5- Update Installation:
- With the engine idling (or DCA-8000/GR8-1100 connected), plug the flash drive into the USB Port.
Important Note: If the head unit does not recognize the USB flash drive during the reprogramming process, this may be due to an incompatible Controller IC in the USB flash drive or it is otherwise incompatible with the head unit. If this occurs, delete all files from the flash drive and re-format it to "FAT32" , instead of "NTFS" and reload the appropriate "update" folder to the USB flash drive. If the USB flash drive is still not recognized, please discontinue the use of that drive and instead use a USB flash drive from a different manufacturer.
- After the unit "authenticates" the USB flash drive, press "Next" and after the second screen is displayed, press "Next" again.NOTE: If an attempt is made to install the wrong "grade" file into the wrong grade head unit (EXAMPLE: "Base" update file into a "Mid" or "High" head unit), the USB Authentication error screen below will be displayed:
- The current and available software version information will be displayed. The Available Version I.D should be Rel_A2.22.10.20.
- After confirming the Available Version, press "Install Now" to start the reprogramming process. The screen will go blank (black) for a brief period after installation begins.
- Each of the updates (Base, Mid and High) should take less than 10 minutes to install.
Important Note:
- Do not leave the vehicle once the update begins as ignoring pop-up requests may lead to battery discharge.
- Do not touch any of the buttons on the head unit while the updating process is taking place.
- If during the updating an error screen is displayed asking "Do you want to Retry", press "Retry" to restart the update.
- Once the updating process is complete, the head unit will perform a "soft" reboot.NOTE: several "hard" reboots are required to fully install the update. This procedure is covered in Step 6 below.)
- CRITICAL STEP:
After the reboot process completes, press the HOME
button to return to the HOME screen.NOTE: (If the "install message" is displayed asking if you want to start the update process again, press "Cancel", press the HOME button again and return to the HOME screen.)
STEP 6 - Turn the ignition OFF, open and close the driver's door then remove the flash drive from the USB port. If an error screen is displayed asking "Do you want to Retry", press "Cancel".
STEP 7 - Verify the newly-installed Software Version ID using the following steps:
- Turn the ignition back ON. Confirm the "SUBARU STARLINK" screen is displayed. If "SUBARU STARLINK" screen is NOT displayed on the first screen, system did not fully enter "sleep mode" and reboot properly. Perform Step 6 again and wait AT LEAST 3 MINUTES before proceeding.
- In some cases, the radio presets may not appear initially.
- From the HOME screen, touch "Settings".
- From the Settings > General screen, scroll down to and then touch "System Information".
- Confirm Software Version is now "Rel_A2.22.10.20".
- Press (Home) to return to the Home screen and shut the engine OFF. Open and close the driver's door.
STEP 8 - CRITICAL: Operation Check and Full Re-Boot Procedure:
- Turn the ignition back ON (ACC) and confirm normal system operation.
- Confirm the Home screen is displayed.
- Turn the ignition OFF, open and close the driver's door then WAIT AT LEAST 3 MINUTES to confirm the unit "times out" or "goes to sleep".
- Perform 1, 2 and 3 above again (a total of 5 cycles if completing WTN-74R OR only 2 cycles (1 additional cycle to Steps 1 & 2) if WTN was previously completed). If normal operation is confirmed, press to return to the Home screen and shut the ignition OFF to complete the procedure.
STEP 9- If lost during the update process, reset the customer's radio station presets, navigation favorites (where applicable) and if necessary, reset the clock to complete the procedure.
WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru Added Security Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
| Labor Description | Labor Operation # | Labor Time | Fail Code | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-CUSTOMER DELIVERY HARMAN AUDIO/NAVI UNIT REPROGRAMMING(1) | A031-368 | 0.4 | ZSG-48 | ||
|
|||||
| Labor Description | Labor Operation # | Labor Time | Fail Code | Claim Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HARMAN AUDIO/NAVI VERSION ID & OPERATION CHECKS ONLY(1) | B031-150 | 0.4 | ZTA-48 | WC | ||
| HARMAN AUDIO/NAVI UNIT REPROGRAMMING (INCLUDES VERSION ID CHECK AND OPERATIONAL CHECKS).(1) | B031-268 | 0.6 | ||||
| HARMAN AUDIO/NAVI QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETION | C101-228 | 0.3 | ||||
| WTN-74R OPEN: HARMAN AUDIO/NAVI UNIT, VERSION ID & OPERATION CHECKS ONLY | B103-110 | 0.4 | WTN-74 | RC | ||
| WTN-74R OPEN: HARMAN AUDIO/NAVI UNIT REPROGRAMMING (INCLUDES OPERATION CHECKS) | C103-118 | 0.2 | ||||
|
||||||
REMINDER: On BRZ models, this update applicable to HIGH/Navigation - equipped head units only.
Important Note:
- Use Operation Number B031-150 or B031-268 for all TSB 15-211-17R-applicable Crosstrek, Legacy, Outback and 2018MY Impreza models along with any 2017MY Impreza models which have already had the WTN74 campaign completed.
- Any remaining 2017MY Impreza models having an OPEN WTN-74 campaign must use the campaign coding FIRST.
- CRITICAL Claim Processing Update: When completing this TSB procedure OR a WTN-74R campaign, the post-update software version number MUST be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field when submitting the claim.
- A ONE-TIME charge of $50.00 can be claimed in sublet to cover the cost of the USB flash drives.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
- Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
- Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.
"APPENDIX A"
The following time line and symptom list represents conditions addressed by all previous Harman 3.0 updates including the most current version as described in this bulletin.
Harman Gen 3.0 Software Update Chronology
(TSB Numbers: 15-211-17R, WTN-74R, WTZ-85R and WUA-86R)
| Update # | Release Date: | NEW Version ID #: | Map Update Software ID # | Conditions Addressed: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 12/16/2016 | Rel1.16.46.20 | n/a | SOP for 17MY Impreza |
| 1 | 2/24/2017 | Rel1.17.08.20 | n/a | WTN-74R Product Campaign
|
| 2 | 6/13/2017 | Rel.2.17.22.20 | n/a | First release of TSB 15-211-17. INCLUDES the WTN-74R update above and addresses these additional conditions:
|
| 3 | 12/19/2017 | Rel.2.17.43.20 (or .30 or .40) | n/a | Revised 15-211-17R, INCLUDES updates 1 (WTN-74R) & 2 above and addresses these additional conditions:
|
| 4 | 7/25/2018 | Rel_U0.18.22.20 | Rel_U0.18.30.20** (Version 4) | Revised 15-211-17R, INCLUDES updates 1 (WTN-74R), 2 & 3 above and addresses these additional conditions:
|
| 5 | 1/3/2019 | Rel_U0.18.43.20 | n/a | WTZ-85R and WUA-86R Product Campaigns: These INCLUDE updates 1 (WTN-74R)-4 above and addresses this additional condition:
|
| 6 | 6/25/2019 | Rel_A1.19.12.20 | Rel_A1.19.45.20** (Version 5.2.1) | Revised 15-211-17R, INCLUDES updates 1-5 above and addresses these additional conditions:
NOTE:
This update also closes WTN-74R, WTZ-85R
and WUA-86R
Campaigns.
|
| 7 | 7/6/2020 | Rel_A2.20.07.20 | Rel_A2.20.18.20** Rel_A2.20.28.20** Rel_A2.21.19.20** Rel_A2.21.40.20** Rel_A3.22.05.25** |
Revised 15-211-17R, INCLUDES updates 1-6 above and addresses these additional conditions:
NOTE:
Added function for SXM Weather Alert is only applicable to HIGH grade head unit.
|
| 8 | 8/12/2022 | Rel_A2.22.10.20 | Rel_A2.22.39.20** Rel_A2.23.10.20** REL_A2.23.41.20** REL_A2.24.12.20** |
Revised 15-211-17R, INCLUDES updates #1 - #7 above and addresses these additional conditions:
|
Important Note:
- If the vehicle's audio/navigation head unit already contains the software version listed in the information below (or a later one) and is experiencing a similar condition as described here, installing the most current software will most likely not resolve it. In that case, do not attempt a software update. Please complete a Harman Questionnaire on this new condition and follow the applicable Harman diagnostic Service Bulletin for the condition and/or follow the related Service Manual diagnosis procedures.
- If the condition is as described below and the software version is prior to the software version referenced as correcting this condition, then it is appropriate to apply the latest software update as found in this bulletin as it will most likely resolve the condition.
The August 2022 software update files include the following new operational enhancements in addition to all of those previously implemented in prior software update releases:
- Noise (random interruption) on AM radio
The June 2020 software update files include the following new operational enhancements in addition to all of those previously implemented in prior software update releases:
- Enhanced CD (e-CD) does not play
- Voice Recognition feature does not operate correctly
- Phonebook cannot be downloaded from a connected smart phone.
- Hands Free mode volume seems to be too soft compared to the audio volume.NOTE: To meet customers' expectation, the Ver. 6.5 software will turn up the Hands Free conversation volume by 6dB against the base audio volume. Customers will now be able to hear equivalent Hands Free conversation volume previously available at audio volume level 30 at level 22 following this software update. If the customer prefers the original Hands Free conversation volume setting, it can be manually adjusted: Home > Settings > Sound Tab > Phone Volume > Lower the volume 6 to 8 steps. The default audio volume setting chosen at the Factory Data Reset is at level 22 compared to the previous setting, which is level 30. This means customers do not have to adjust the base audio volume to get comfortable Hands Free conversation volume.
- Radio station information could not be displayed or HMI is blank at AM/FM
- SiriusXM preset station disappears.
- SiriusXM channel cannot be chosen (gray-out) in category search.
- Incorrect state name is displayed when using Voice Recognition feature.
- DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) station information cannot be displayed if over 16 characters long.
- Poor FM radio reception performance.
- Activation Code Not Accepted by Navigation System when updating Map Data
Also the software version Rel_A3.22.05.25 is the last version of firmware to be provided on free-ofcharge basis. Once this software has been installed, customer cannot obtain the latest MAP UPDATE free of charge anymore.
- Added function for SXM Weather Alert setup
The June 2019 software included the following operational enhancements:
- Update to address some or all AM/FM station presets becoming lost and replaced by "Hold"
- Update to further reduce static or "noise" when listening to AM radio stations
- Update to address Navigation system "Freezing-Up" condition (gray screen/rotating loading circle)
- Update to address loss of downloaded Phone Contact list information
- Update to address music "skipping" concerns when using CarPlay
- Update to correct US State Route name pronunciations
- Update to address Hands-Free feature freezing during boot-up
- Update to address discrepancies between Navigation unit and
- Multi-Function Display (MFD) and also between the Navigation unit display and actual posted Speed Limit signage
** Since municipalities may at any time adjust speed limits of roads or sections of roads, the driver is responsible to adjust their speed according to all posted signage. The speed information supplied is the best available at the time of map production and subject to change.
- Update to address system freezing when searching for addresses using Voice Recognition
- Update to address music not playing automatically when connecting a USB device
- Update to address display of "Invalid Destination Code" message
- Update to change "Scan" text display to "Tune Scan" when SXM starts to tune channels.
The November 2018 software included the following operational enhancements:
- On 2018MY Legacy/Outback models with Navigation (High) head units, the update corrects a condition where the head unit remains powered even after the ignition is OFF and the driver door is opened.
- Update for a condition where the SXM presets become lost and only "Initializing" appears as shown below.
- Update for condition where only the star field background is displayed (without icons) after the HOME button is pressed.
- Update for a "Pop" or "Crackling" sound concern when listening to AM radio.
- Update for a concern of the head unit continually resetting itself.
- Update for a concern of after selecting a contact to be a "Favorite" and the "Favorite" list display is blank.
- Operation of the head unit after switching the ignition off and back on has been revised:
PREVIOUS Version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF/black while the audio begins playing automatically. This was the prior characteristic operation.
NEW Version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF/black and the audio will also be OFF until the Power/Volume knob is pressed to turn the head unit back ON.
- The Mute function of the Power/Volume knob (a brief press and release of the Power/Volume knob to mute audio output) is unchanged.
- A "system reboot" function is initiated by pressing and holding the Power/Volume button for 10 seconds. This feature was included as part of the previous (11/2017) software update.
- An enhancement of Voice Recognition feature has been made for improved HVAC system interface and recognition of temperatures requested in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. EXAMPLE: "Set temperature to 75." With the previous version, the system interpreted "75" as degrees Celsius which would have been 167 degrees Fahrenheit and outside system parameters. As a result, there was no response from the HVAC system.
Additional Symptoms and Enhancements addressed by previous updates and also included in this latest (June 2019) update:
- No streaming audio; when using the Pandora® app, there is no audio output.
- "Media is loading" is displayed on the screen but, the media never completes loading.
- The screen freezes when the STARLINK screen is displayed.
The following conditions were addressed in another previous software version update and WTN-74R:
- Radio station presets disappear (touch screen buttons return to "Initializing").
- STARLINK "Telematics Service in Progress" screen freezes.
- Apple Car Play/Android Auto function does not operate ("No Device Connected").
- The complete guidance route can be displayed.
- A Longitude and Latitude search feature has been added.
- A "Beep" notification feature has been added for driving time and rest periods.
- This latest (November 2018) update also includes a security enhancement.
For reference, the previously released WTN-74R symptoms are also provided below. The main purpose of WTN-74R was to address display screen freeze-up during Back-Up Camera display (when the shifter is in "R"). In addition, the screen may also freeze when either the Subaru STARLINK or Disclaimer Caution/I Agree screen is displayed.
The WTN-74R update also addressed these additional operational conditions:
- After switching the vehicle (ACC or IGN) on, the display screen goes black with no audio output and the hard key buttons are illuminated (on solid, or flashing/blinking).
- Time of day displayed in the MFD is incorrect and the arrival time displayed in Navigation unit is also incorrect.
- The time in the MFD automatically reverts to a "default" setting, even after setting the time using "Manual" mode.
- Audio volume goes to maximum automatically after one click of the volume up button on the steering wheel. In some cases, this condition may also occur without input from the operator. Maximum volume is also displayed on the screen.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
- Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
- Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.