Difficulty Starting At Low Temperatures Or High Altitude Conditions (09-76-21)

WARNING: This page is about the Outback Limited XT, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2021-07-28
Reference number: 09-76-21

DIFFICULTY STARTING AT LOW TEMPERATURES OR HIGH ALTITUDE CONDITIONS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 09-76-21, Date of Issue: July 28, 2021

SUBARU:

2020-21 Legacy and Outback 2.4L DIT

APPLICABILITY

2020-21MY Legacy and Outback 2.4L DIT

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin announces the availability of NEW reprogramming files to correct a starting condition which may occur during ambient temperatures (10 degrees Fahrenheit and lower) or in high altitude conditions. Under these conditions, a lean mixture may occur causing the engine to become difficult to start. Lower mileage vehicles are the most susceptible. This logic produces an ideal air/fuel mixture under these conditions.

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION

This logic has been installed on all Legacy models as of starting VIN M3015603 .

This logic has been installed on all Outback models as of starting VIN M3183696 .

PAK FILE APPLICABILITY

Model	PAK File Name	Decryption Keyword	New ECM CID Number
2020MY LEGACY/OUTBACK	22765AM974.pk2	F27A1122	LG7D501B00G
2021MY LEGACY/OUTBACK	22765AR242.pk2	A62AD183	LG7F301F00G

This reprogramming file is included in the July 2021 SSM4 software update.

SERVICE PROCEDURE/INFORMATION

REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.

Reprogram the ECM following the normal FlashWrite procedure.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) highly recommends connecting either the Subaru Midtronics DCA8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System or the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a vehicle control module is being reprogrammed. Once the Midtronics charger is connected to the vehicle, if the battery is fully charged, it takes less than three (3) minutes to boot-up the charger, select the Power Supply Mode, and have the battery voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming.

NOTE:

For instructions on using the power supply mode, reference the applicable User Manual for the Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System and the Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger on STIS.
Confirm all electrical loads such as lights, audio, HVAC, seat heaters, and rear defroster are all switched OFF before setting up the charger for Power Supply Mode.
Select the correct battery type (Flooded, EFB, Gel, AGM or AGM Spiral).
Input the CCA which matches the vehicle's battery.
NOTE: OE and replacement batteries have different CCA ratings. Always confirm the battery's CCA rating before proceeding.
If using a DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System, set the power supply voltage to 13.5 volts.
DO NOT connect the DST-i or SDI until the Power Supply mode function has completed its battery test mode and the Charging Voltage has dropped to and shows a steady 13.5 Volts on the display.
Once Power Supply Mode reaches a steady 13.5 volts, connect the DST-i or SDI to the OBD connector and proceed with initiating the normal FlashWrite reprogramming process.
Amperage will fluctuate based upon the vehicle's demand for power.
NOTE: If the voltage rises beyond 14V while programming is in process, the procedure will abort. This can indicate a need to test or charge the vehicle battery before any further attempt at programming is made.

REMINDER: If the DCA-8000 or GR8-1100 indicates the vehicle's battery must be charged, charge the battery fully before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle while using the Power Supply Mode.

NOTE: Control module failures resulting from battery discharge during reprogramming are not a matter for warranty. Should any DTCs reset after the reprogramming update is performed, diagnose per the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

VERY IMPORTANT:

This information is applicable to the Subaru Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System and the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger ONLY . It does not apply to any other brand/type of "generic" battery charger whatsoever. ONLY the DCA-8000 and the GR8-1100 and their Power Supply Mode feature have been tested and approved by SOA .

WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:

Labor Description	Labor Operation #	Fail Code	Labor Time
MFI OBDII ECM Reprogramming	A455-288	UPG-48	0.4

IMPORTANT: Always note the original Calibration Identification number (CID) the vehicle came in with on the repair order before reprogramming and, make sure to list the NEW CID for any newly-installed programming (as confirmed from the actual control module AFTER installation). The NEW CID MUST also be noted on the repair order as this information is required for entry in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission.

NOTE: The pak file listings provided in this bulletin are the latest available at the time of publishing. Updates are often released thereafter without revision to the original bulletin. For this reason, it is critical to always have the latest version of Select Monitor software installed on your system. You can confirm if a later version is available by entering the CID listed in this bulletin into FlashWrite. If a newer CID is shown as available in FlashWrite, reprogram using that file.

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.