Campaign - Liftgate Stay Inspection/Replacement: Overview
NUMBER: WWZ-10DATE: Aug. 2006
APPLICABILITY:
2006MY Subaru B9 Tribeca
SUBJECT:
Rear Gate Stays
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that certain 2006MY Subaru B9 Tribeca models require rear gate stay inspection and/or replacement.
The tailgate support stays installed on affected vehicles may not provide the total amount of support intended. Over time, the amount of support the stays provide may diminish~ resulting in more effort needed to open and close the tailgate. It is also possible that the tailgate may unexpectedly begin to move downward afier being placed in an upright position.
This service program will involve the inspection and/or replacement of both rear gate stays on affected vehicles. Please refer to the Service Procedure section of this bulletin for more details.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2006 MY Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Potentially affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart below. Not all vehicles within the VIN range are affected. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS). While performing the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry, please note the applicable repair procedure. Please see the Service Procedure section of this bulletin for more details.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Since this Service Program involves two possible repair procedures, each vehicle owner will receive one of two possible letters. (Please see the Service Procedure section of this bulletin for more details.) SOA will prepare and mail Owner Notification Letters to owners of affected vehicles on or around August 25, 2006.
A copy of both Owner Notification Letters is included at the end of this bulletin.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly service all vehicles subject to this service program at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of the vehicle, or ownership.
For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure section of this bulletin.
Dealers are also to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this service program is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the service program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
PARTS INFORMATION
SERVICE PROCEDURE
This Service Program will involve performing one (1) of two (2) possible repair procedures:
Repair Procedure 1 involves the replacement of both rear gate stays without prior inspection of the stay lot number.
Repair Procedure 2 involves inspection of the rear gate stay lot number to determine if replacement is necessary.
IDENTIFY THE REPAIR PROCEDURE APPLICABLE TO THE AFFECTED VEHICLE
SOA has predetermined the applicable repair procedure for each affected vehicle. It will be necessary to access the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System in order to determine the appropriate repair procedure for each vehicle. The description next to the campaign code will identify the appropriate procedure. Only perform the repair procedure identified in the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry.
Repair Procedure 1 - Replace Only
Replace both tailgate stays
Repair Procedure 2 - Inspect and / or Replace
Note:
This procedure is only necessary for those vehicles identified as requiring "Procedure 2" in the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry.
The inspection process will determine if replacement of the rear gate stays is necessary by establishing the date of manufacture. The manufacture date code is contained in the part "Lot Code". The lot code is stamped at the base of the stay cylinder that is attached to the hinged bracket mounted on the vehicle body near the top of the tailgate opening. In addition to the manufacture date, the lot code contains additional information. Code "FG16" indicates Right Side and code "FG17" indicates Left Side. These codes should not be confused with the date code.
^ Parts manufactured on or after May 16, 2005 do not require replacement. No further action is needed.
^ Parts manufactured before May 16, 2005 do require replacement. Replace both Rear Gate Stays. Note: Even if only one rear gate stay has a manufacture date of before May 16, 2005, replace both stays.
Use the following chart to determine the rear gate stay date of manufacture:
The part manufacture Date Code
LOT Number positions mean the following:
Position 1:
Numeric code which indicates classification of production line at vendor. The code in this position should be ignored.
Position 2:
Year. (Z: 2007, A: 2006, B: 2005, C: 2004)
Position 3:
Month. (A: January, B: February, C: March, D: April, E: May, ... K: November, L: December)
Position 4 & 5: Date. (01, 02, 03,... 30, 31)
Example Shown (call-out above): Right Side / 2006/ December/ 15
Rear Gate Stay Replacement Procedure
CAUTION:
^ Do not damage piston rods and oil seals.
^ Never disassemble cylinders: They contain gas.
1) Before removing the rear gate stay~ support the rear gate with a prop to prevent closing.
CAUTION:
If the prop comes off, operators may get injured and vehicle may get damaged. Make sure to support the rear gate with secure material to prevent injury or damage.
2) Remove the mounting bolt of the rear gate stay.
3) Remove the mounting bolts, and remove the stay.
4) Install in the reverse order of removal.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Service Program identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through the Customer Dealer Services Department.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this Service Program will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.
Inspection Only of Rear Gate Stays - Use the applicable claim submission information for inspection (Repair procedure 2) with no replacement of the Rear Gate Stays. Enter labor operation A191-504 for 0.2 labor hours.
Inspection and/or Replacement of Rear Gate Stays - Use the applicable claim submission information for replacement (Repair procedure 1) or inspection and replacement (Repair procedure 2) of the Rear Gate Stays. Enter labor operation A915-384 for 0.3 labor hours.
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