Engine Surges/Jolts During Accelerator Release (09-100-23)

Publication date: 2023-01-24
Reference number: 09-100-23

ENGINE SURGES/JOLTS DURING ACCELERATOR RELEASE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 09-100-23, Date of Issue: January 24, 2023

SUBARU:

2021-23 Crosstrek 2.5L; 2019-22 Forester 2.5L

APPLICABILITY

2021-23MY Crosstrek 2.5L

2019-22MY Forester 2.5L

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin announces availability of reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address rare cases of the engine surging/jolting when releasing the accelerator from half-throttle. These new files contain enhanced logic to optimize fuel trim and provide stabilized engine combustion during Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve operation. If this condition is duplicated, reprogram the ECM using the procedures outlined in this bulletin.

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION

These files were incorporated into vehicle production as per the table below.

Model	Starting VIN
Crosstrek	TBD
Forester	NH505689
Forester Wilderness	NH504522

PAK FILE APPLICABILITY

Model	MY	PAK File Description	New ECM Part #	Decryption Keyword	Old ECM Part #	New ECM CID #
Crosstrek	21	22765AP813.pak	22765AP813	D90188D6	22765AP810 22765AP811 22765AL822	XE1P502G00G
	22	22765AS343.pak	22765AS343	71271247	22765AS340 22765AS341 22765AS342	XE1R202G00G
	23	22765AT151.pak	22765AT151	7B6694A0	22765AT150	XE1W011G00G
Forester	19	22765AL825.pak	22765AL825	41631B25	22765AL820 22765AL821 22765AL822 22765AL823 22765AL824	XE1P900A
	20	22765AN464.pak	22765AN464	A327790F	22765AN460 22765AN461 22765AN462 22765AN463	XE1M501a00G
	21	22765AR673.pk2	22765AR673	31707948	22765AR670 22765AR671 22765AR672	XE1P501a00G
	22	22765AR602.pak	22765AR602	604D170A	22765AR600 22765AR601	XE1R201a00G
	22	22765AR552.pak	22765AR552	E8EE410D	22765AR550 22765AR551	XE1R201a00G
	22	22765AR612.pk2	22765AR612	62CD940E	22765AR610 22765AR611	XE1R201z00G

These files are included in the December 2022 SSM 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 utilizing either the Subaru Midtronics DCA8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System or the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle in 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 will take 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 (Enhanced Flooded, Flooded, 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 DST-010 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 DST-010 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 14 Volts 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.
ALWAYS set the power supply voltage to 13.5 Volts when using Power Supply Mode. NEVER turn the ignition switch on when charging at voltages 15 Volts or higher.

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.