Recall - Engine Oil Filter Inspection/Replacement
NUMBER: WXL-69DATE: 9/15/98
APPLICABILITY:
1998 AND 1999 Model Legacy Vehicles
SUBJECT:
Leakage of Certain Genuine Subaru Oil Filters
Subaru has determined that a number of 1998 and 1999 model Subaru Legacy vehicles were equipped in production with an oil filter which could fatigue and fracture the filter can and leak engine oil, initially as a vaporized spray. In very few cases, the vaporized oil spray can spray onto the hot exhaust pipe that can result in oil vapor ignition and a subsequent under-hood fire.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
The potentially affected vehicles are 1998 Model Year Sedans, Wagons and Outbacks and 1999 Model Year Legacy Sedan SUS vehicles. Those vehicles are identified in Chart 1.
These vehicles have production dates of January 30, 1998 through April 4, 1998. All vehicles should be confirmed as applicable using the vehicle coverage inquiry in the dealer communication system (DCS).
SERVICE PARTS
In addition, service parts supplied to Subaru dealers are also potentially affected. Subaru previously advised you in April regarding the "Stop Sale" notice issued by SOA Part Department. Potentially affected filters can be identified by the "lot number" printed on the oil filter can. The "lot numbers" shown are affected.
SERVICE PART - OIL FILTER APPLICATION
Note:
These filters are used as replacement parts on the models shown.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Production Vehicles
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of the potentially affected vehicles identified in "Chart 1." The owner notification is scheduled for September 15, 1998.
Service Customer Notification
Additionally, for replacement filters sold by dealers, the dealers are asked to contact owners who had their filters changed or who purchased a filter retail or wholesale "over-the-counter" between January 21, 1998 and April 7, 1998, for inspection of the filter "lot number" and, if necessary, filter replacement. (100) copies of the "Service Customer Notification Letter" and envelopes for mailing them are included in this mailing. Dealers will receive compensation for this procedure as outlined in the "Customer Notification Reimbursement" section of this bulletin.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are requested to promptly inspect and, if necessary, replace all potentially affected oil filters on affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) in accordance with the instructions in the Service Procedure Section of this bulletin.
Dealers should use the "Service Customer Notification Letter" to notify owners of vehicles on which a potentially affected oil filter could have been installed by the dealer's service shop between the dates of January 21, 1998 and April 7, 1998 and arrange to inspect the oil filter on the customer vehicle. If an oil filter is within the "lot numbers," the dealer should change the oil & filter. Also, the dealer is to notify retail and wholesale customers who purchased oil filters "over-the-counter" at the dealership during the period January 21, 1998 through April 7, 1998, and arrange to exchange the affected oil filters on an "MSA 422A Form" or, if the filter has been installed on a Subaru vehicle, arrange to inspect the "lot number" on the oil filter.
SOA also requests dealers to exhibit the enclosed "Parts Tent Card" at the dealer parts counter for service customer notification.
PARTS INFORMATION
Replacement Subaru oil filters are already in inventory at dealerships. Oil filters produced before or after the "lot numbers" listed in this bulletin can be used as replacement parts for this campaign. For quicker service, it is recommended that dealers order oil filters in carton pack quantities of 12 and the drain plug gaskets in pack quantities of 5.
PARTS PRICING
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Inspect the engine oil filter "lot number" as follows:
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
2. Inspect the oil filter "lot number" on the side of the oil filter (see figure 1). The use of an inspection mirror may be necessary to see the "lot number" on some models or with some accessory equipment installed.
3. If the "lot number" on the oil filter is one of the following or it cannot be determined (worn off), replace the oil filter and change the customer's oil.
F01 J21D2
F01 J30D2
F02 J09D1
F02 J09D2
F02 J20D1
If the "lot number" is not listed above, no further action is required.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
A recall/campaign control number is required for submission of any recall/campaign claim.
Control numbers for recalled vehicles identified in the affected VIN range (Chart 1) may be obtained by performing a vehicle coverage inquiry through the dealer DCS system.
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SOA can not identify vehicles, other than those identified in chart 1, that had an affected engine oil filter installed between January 21, 1998 and April 7, 1998. Therefore, dealers are requested to research their service files for any Legacy, Impreza or Forester customers that had an oil filter replaced with part number 15208AA060 during this time period. Dealers are then requested to provide SOA with a list of vehicles by submitting the attached "Service Customer Notification Form" The completed form should be sent to:
Subaru of America, Inc.
Government Affairs Department
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Upon receipt of the completed "Service Customer Notification Form," SOA will assign a specific control number to each submitted VIN. The control number information will then be available by performing a vehicle coverage inquiry through the dealer DCS system.
Customer Notification Reimbursement
SOA will compensate the dealer for the postage required to conduct this mailing at a rate of $0.32 per letter sent. Compensation for the postage will be issued separately on the dealer's part statement.
In addition, SOA will apply a $1 customer notification reimbursement credit to claims submitted for vehicles that had an affected engine oil filter installed between January 21, 1998 and April 7, 1998 that are NOT identified in the affected VIN range (Chart 1). This credit only applies if the vehicle was returned to the dealer for inspection. The $1 will be automatically credited upon claim submission and will appear in the total parts amount.
Listed below is claim entry information:
Inspection Only - Use this claim submission information for verification of the oil filter lot number only. If the engine oil filter is not within the affected lot numbers, no further action is required. A total of 0.2 labor hours will be credited upon claim submission.
Inspection and Replacement of the Engine Oil & Filter - Use this claim submission information if the engine oil filter is found to be within the affected lot numbers and requires replacement. Enter labor operation 124-421 for 0.1 labor hours and the applicable part numbers.
Note:
A total of 0.3 labor hours will be credited (this includes 0.2 hours automatically added to the claim for initial inspection)
SOA will also compensate dealers for the postage required to conduct this mailing at a rate of $0.32/ letter. Please refer to the claims reimbursement section of the Recall Campaign Bulletin.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Each vehicle inspected and, if necessary, corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this bulletin will require a "Recall Campaign" completion label. Each label provides a space to include the dealer code of the dealer performing the recall campaign. The information may be inserted on the completion label with a typewriter or permanent ink pen. After completing the information on the label, attach the label on the upper radiator cowl.
A quantity of 100 labels are being provided to each dealer with this bulletin. Additional quantities of labels are available through your area/distributor service office.