Recall - Electronically Controlled P/S System
NUMBER: WZM-48Date: December 20, 1991
APPLICABILITY:
1988 thru 1991 MY Subaru XT-6 Vehicles
SUBJECT:
Electronically Controlled Motor Power Steering System
Subaru of America has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1988 thru 1991 MY XT-6 Models.
The defect is due to the electronically controlled motor pump power steering system which may malfunction, resulting in intermittent loss of power steering assist.
To prevent this potential condition from occurring, it is necessary to install a modified signal controller, power controller and applicable harnesses within the steering system.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are 1988 thru 1991 MY XT-6 Models within the VIN ranges.
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Computer Listings. Computer listings contain the VIN, owner name and address data, and are furnished to the dealers with this bulletin. Owner name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with owners involved in this campaign. These listings may contain owner names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification letter and a two-part Recall Certification / Repair Order Form to the owners of all potentially affected vehicles. The Owner Notification mailing is scheduled for mid January 1992. A copy of the Owner Notification Letter and a sample two-part Recall Certification / Repair Order Form are included in this bulletin.
Owners are being advised that the parts necessary to perform the repair will not be available until January 20, 1992.
Owners are also being advised of precautionary measures to be taken as stated in the owner letter.
Vehicles which have already been repaired with P/N 31186GA070 have been removed from the notification process. However, for each vehicle presented at your dealership for the recall repair, please verify through the STAR system or your region that such vehicle has not been previously repaired with P/N 31186GA070.
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward. When you are presented a two-part Recall Certification / Repair Order Form by a Subaru owner, follow the instructions presented in the Service Procedure section of this bulletin.
Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign or any open campaign is taken into new or used vehicle inventory, or it is in your dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle.
Owners of vehicles, recently sold from your vehicle inventory within the VIN range listed are to be contacted by the dealer, and arrangements should be made to make the required correction according to instructions contained in this bulletin.
PARTS INFORMATION
Each Subaru Dealer will receive an initial allocation of P/N 31186GA070 under separate cover. These allocations will be shipped in early January.
Should additional quantities of the Motor Power Steering (MPS) controller set become necessary. These parts will be available through your normal parts supply after January 15.
Parts Pricing:
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
INSTALLATION OF SIGNAL CONTROLLER AND HARNESS "A"
Step 1) Ensure all parts are available before beginning.
Step 2) Verify that the vehicle is included in the VIN range listed and has not been repaired.
Step 3) Disconnect negative battery cable.
Step 4) The signal controller is located inside the vehicle, behind the left side rear seat arm rest trim panel mounted next to the automatic seat belt rail motor. Remove trim from this area as described in the applicable service manual to gain access, See Figure 1.
Remove the existing signal controller and replace with the modified unit. Note that harness "A" has several connectors. One of these is a 5 pin diagnostic connector that can be used for accessing diagnostic information. This connector doesn't get plugged into anything. The multi-pin blade type connector mates with OEM harness connector R49. The remaining pin type connectors should already be plugged into the modified signal controller. See Figure 2.
Route the wiring below the signal controller. Avoid pinching or contact with sharp objects, using vinyl tape to secure as necessary.
NOTE:
Leave trim off for access to diagnosis connector. D-check must be performed after the Installation.
INSTALLATION OF POWER CONTROLLER AND HARNESS "B"
1. Before beginning ensure the battery is still disconnected. Harness "B" power controller is installed under the hood between the negative terminal on the motor pump and 11 pin brown check connector F62 located near the left strut tower. See Figure 3.
2. Remove the existing power controller. Note proper wire placement and orientation. To install new power controller, first insert the eye hook terminal of harness "B" through the rubber protector/ insulator on the blue line from the new power controller and secure both to the negative terminal of the motor pump. See Figure 4.
3. Fasten remaining wire terminals to complete installation of the new power controller. Ensure all previously removed terminals are refastened tightly and correctly.
4. Run harness "B" behind wiper motor and existing harness towards the left hand strut tower. Mate harness "B" with F62 of the vehicle's wiring harness. When harness "B" is properly positioned, secure with vinyl tape every 2 - 4 inches as necessary.
5. Reconnect battery cable.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should the dealer dispose of the signal or power controller. These components are to be held for your District Service Representative to inspect and dispose of.
6. Using the diagnosis connector (figure 2), perform a D-check as outlined on the diagnosis access information page.
7. After completing D-check, reinstall trim panel.
8. Test drive vehicle.
9. Apply the campaign identification label, properly filled out to the radiator core support.
A diagnostic supplement will be released shortly providing full details on interpreting trouble codes and confirming component operation, until then additional information on diagnosis is available through the SOA Tech Help Line.
DIAGNOSIS ACCESS INFORMATION
READ MEMORY
1. Ignition OFF.
2. Connect 1, black, to 4, yellow of diagnosis connector.
3. Ignition ON, (Engine OFF).
4. Lamp On then Off.
5. Disconnect 1 from 4 of diagnosis connector.
6. Read code.
D-CHECK
1. Ignition OFF.
2. Connect 3, black, to 5, green, of diagnosis connector.
3. Ignition ON, Engine OFF.
4. Lamp blinks ON/OFF/ON/OFF etc. in normal .6 second intervals.
5. Engine ON, light goes out.
6. Drive vehicle at least 50 feet.
7. Turn steering to either lock position and hold for 3 seconds. Return steering to straight.
8. With A/C switch (and compressor) on, confirm that the sub-fan cycles on/off in one second cycles.
9. Wad 10 seconds.
10. Disconnect 3 from 5 of diagnosis connector.
11. Read code.
CLEAR MEMORY
1. Ground 4, yellow, and 5, green, of diagnosis connector through 1, black. and 3, black, or use a good body ground.
2. Ignition ON, Engine OFF.
3. Lamp ON, wait 2 seconds.
4. Disconnect 4 and 5 of diagnosis connector from ground.
5. The lamp should go out.
6. Make sure the memory is cleared using read memory.
NOTE:
Be aware that some codes instantly available in "D" check may not register in the memory until certain parameters such as driving the vehicle a certain distance / speed, etc., are met.
CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label". Each label provides a space to include the five digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be affixed to the radiator core support panel in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in for periodic servicing by the owner. Apply "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean dry surface.
A quantity of 50 blank labels are being provided to each dealer with this bulletin.
CLAIM PROCESSING INFORMATION REIMBURSEMENT
Credit for the performance of the installation of the MPS Controller Set per the Service Procedure will be provided from the two-part Recall Certification / Repair Order Form. Therefore, it is very important that all information in the form be complete and correct.
All claims for reimbursement should follow the procedures outlined below.
You must complete the repairing dealer section of the two-part Recall Certification / Repair Order Form and remove and retain the first copy for your records.
Star System dealers may enter the applicable information using the Campaign Claim (RY) routine.
Non Star System dealers will be reimbursed upon submission of the remaining copy of the Recall Certification / Repair Order Form to your Distributor / Region in an envelope with postage prepaid.
Dealers will be credited 0.9 hours at their approved warranty labor rate based on the Recall Certification Repair Order Form.
OWNER NOTIFICATION MATERIALS SUBARU OF AMERICA IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION
Dear Subaru Owner:
Please present this form to your Subaru dealer when requesting the repair detailed in the accompanying letter. This will be his authorization to perform the repair and will permit him to receive reimbursement for this repair from Subaru of America.
OWNER LETTER
Subaru of America
Recall Headquarters
Subaru Plaza
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
January 1992
Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Subaru of America has determined that a defect exists in certain 1988-1991 model year XT-6 vehicles.
Safety Defect:
The defect is due to the electronically controlled motor pump power steering system which may malfunction, resulting in loss of power steering assist. When the power steering assist fails, the vehicle can be manually steered. However, steering effort may increase and then decrease without warning, leading to potential loss of vehicle control which may result in a vehicle crash.
Repairs:
At no cost to you, your Subaru Dealer will install a modified signal controller, power controller and applicable wiring harness to your steering system.
What you should do:
DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY UNTIL THIS RECALL REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE ON YOUR VEHICLE. If you observe your power steering system indicator light staying on after normal start-up follow these instructions: Turn the ignition key to the off position and then repeat your normal start up procedures, this cycling procedure will eliminate the steering light.
If your power steering light comes on while you are driving, cautiously move your vehicle to a safe area (roadside shoulder, parking lot, etc.) and proceed with the above cycling procedure.
If your power steering assist fails while you are driving, your vehicle can still be manually steered. However, the effort necessary to manually steer your vehicle will be noticeably increased. CAUTION: Power assist may come back unexpectedly in some limited situations, and could lead to loss of vehicle control. You can safely bring your vehicle to a controlled stop, move to a safe area, and perform the cycling procedure above. This may temporarily restore your power steering assist.
Contact your dealer immediately should any of the above conditions occur.
Call your dealer:
Even if you are not experiencing these conditions, you should call your Subaru Dealer and schedule a service date after January 20, 1992 which is the earliest date that the parts to repair your vehicle will be available.
How long will it take?
The time needed to repair your Subaru vehicle is approximately one (1) hour. However, due to the scheduling of other vehicles your Subaru Dealer may need your vehicle for the entire working day.
Changed address or sold your Subaru?
If you have, please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
If you need more information or forms:
You must present the enclosed two-part Recall Certification / Repair Order Form to your dealer at the time this repair procedure is performed. If you lose the Recall Certification / Repair Order Form provided with this notification or d the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Subaru Recall Headquarters at 1-800-782-2783 or by writing to the address listed below.
If your complaint is not resolved, you may notify the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. area residents may call (366-0123).
If you paid for repair previously:
In the event that you have already paid an authorized Subaru Dealer for these repairs to your steering system, you may be entitled to reimbursement for the replacement cost of the signal controller, power controller and applicable harnesses.
Reimbursement by Subaru of America will be based on Subaru of America's suggested retail parts prices and suggested labor time multiplied by the dealer's hourly labor rate at the time of the repair. By law, Subaru of America has no control over actual charges by your dealer for any product or service, so your actual repair cost may be higher or lower than the rate used by Subaru of America to calculate reimbursements.
Please send the original service repair order, which has complete information including date of repair, name of repair facility, vehicle mileage, complete vehicle identification number (17 digits), and your name, with correct address and telephone number, to the address listed below.
Recall Headquarters
Subaru of America
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records. Please be assured that we will attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 90 days for this process to be completed.
We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause you. However, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and your continued satisfaction with our products.
WE URGE YOU TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THESE REPAIR PROCEDURES PERFORMED AS OUTLINED IN THIS LETTER.