Oil Leaking From AVCS Oil Control Valve (02-170-17R)

Publication date: 2019-04-23
Reference number: 02-170-17R
Supersedes refnos: 02-170-17

OIL LEAKING FROM AVCS OIL CONTROL VALVE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 02-170-17R, Date of Issue: April 23, 2019

SUBARU:

2013-19 BRZ; 2015-19 WRX; 2014-18 Forester Turbo; 2013-19 Legacy and Outback; 2012-19 Impreza; 2013-19 Crosstrek; 2011-19 Forester

APPLICABILITY

2013-19MY BRZ

2015-19MY WRX

2014-18MY Forester Turbo

(Models Equipped with FA Engines)

2013-19MY Legacy and Outback

2012-19MY Impreza

2013-19MY Crosstrek

2011-19MY Forester

(Models Equipped with FB Engines)

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil control solenoid valves (OCV) which contain a redesigned internal oil seal. The new seal will eliminate potential oil see page into the wire harness connector portion of the valve. If oil seeps into the connector, over time, the Check Engine lamp may illuminate and set various AVCS-related DTCs.

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.

Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS ISO 14001 COMPLIANT

ISO 14001 is the international standard for excellence in Environmental Management Systems. Please recycle or dispose of automotive products in a manner that is friendly to our environment and in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION

The new OCVs were incorporated into production starting with the following VINs.

Vehicle/Model	Starting VIN
Legacy	J3221066
Outback	J3009467
Impreza	J3601119
Crosstrek	J3702623
Forester	JH425420
WRX	J9807386
BRZ	H9604945

PART INFORMATION

Description	NEW Part Number	OLD Part Number
VALVE ASSEMBLY-OIL CONTROL	10921AA231	10921AA230
	10921AA241	10921AA240
	10921AA23B	10921AA23A

New OCVs can be identified by their production lot number located on the face of the solenoid as shown in the illustration below.

SERVICE PROCEDURE/INFORMATION

If oil is found in the harness connector during diagnosis of AVCS-related DTCs, replace the affected OCV with a new part as listed in the parts information supplied above. Follow the service procedures as outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

There have been a small number of reports involving engine oil "wicking" past the OCV engine harness connector and into the related wiring harnesses and connectors as shown in the photos below.

If related engine wiring harnesses and/or connectors are contaminated, the harness itself may also need to be replaced if degreasing affected components using a spray parts cleaner is unsuccessful.

WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited or covered by an active Subaru Added Security Gold plan, please consult the Labor Time Guide for applicable claim coding information.

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.