Recall - TCS VDC G Sensor Inspection: Overview
NUMBER: WVG-17DATE: Dec. 2008
APPLICABILITY:
2008-09 Tribeca
SUBJECT:
VDC G Sensor
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that certain 2008 & 2009 Tribeca models may have been produced with an improperly installed Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) G sensor. This sensor is designed to be mounted in a forward facing direction but may have been installed backwards during production.
There is a potential safety risk associated with this condition. The VDC G sensor is a component of the vehicles electronic stability / traction control system and is located in the passenger compartment beneath the center console. If the sensor was improperly installed, vehicle handling characteristics during hard braking, sudden turns or other quick maneuvers could cause the vehicle to react in an unexpected manner or result in unstable handling. Under extreme conditions, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and a crash could occur. The driver would have no prior warning that this condition exists.
The Owner Notification letter, shown in this bulletin, recommends the vehicle driver "turn off" the Traction Control System until the inspection and, if necessary, repair is performed. Disabling the system will eliminate the possibility of a malfunction associated with an incorrectly installed VDC G sensor. Please refer to the letter for additional information. This recall will involve inspecting the position of the VDC G sensor. If the sensor is found to be installed correctly, no further action is needed. If the sensor is found to be installed incorrectly (backwards), the sensor must be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. The VDC system will also require reprogramming to ensure proper operation. Please refer to the Service Procedure section of this bulletin for more details.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2008-2009MY Subaru Tribeca.
Potentially affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart above. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail Owner Notification Letters to owners of affected vehicles on or around December 19, 2008. A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is shown in this bulletin.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
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 recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
New or used vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in dealer stock must be:
^ Immediately identified.
^ Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.
^ Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin.
Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore, any Authorized Subaru Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 USC �30165(a) of the Safety Act, and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
This recall will involve inspecting the position of the VDC G sensor. If the sensor is found to be installed correctly, no further action is needed. If the sensor is found to be installed incorrectly (backwards), the sensor must be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. The VDC system will also require reprogramming to ensure proper operation.
VDC G SENSOR POSITION INSPECTION
The VDC G sensor is located in the center of the console just below the transmission shifter. Note: the center console was removed for illustration purposes.
Move the driver's seat to the most reward position. Position yourself as illustrated.
Push in, slightly pull down, and move the carpet slightly forward to gain a view of the G sensor. Use a flashlight to verify the direction of the arrow on the G sensor.
If the arrow is pointing towards the front of the vehicle, no further action is required.
Note:
Make sure the carpet is in the original position before returning vehicle to customer.
If the G sensor arrow is pointing towards the rear of the vehicle, continue with the following procedure.
G SENSOR REPOSITIONING PROCEDURE
Note:
Be extremely careful not to scratch or damage trim pieces when performing the following procedure.
Remove the indicator ring by gently prying up on each corner using a plastic trim tool.
Remove the front console panel by gently pushing in on each tab (4) using a plastic trim tool.
Remove the 2 screws that secure the front of the console.
Remove the 4 bolts that secure the upper console pocket.
Gently pull the center console assembly rearward to disengage from the lower instrument panel. Carefully position center console assembly upward to gain access to G sensor.
Remove 2 nuts which secure the G sensor to the bracket.
Reposition the G sensor with the arrow pointing towards the front of the vehicle, install nuts and torque to 7.5 N-m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.53 ft-lb).
Reinstall console and trim pieces in reverse order of removal.
Use the SDS SMIII to set the following two positions.
Note:
Both procedures are performed at the same time.
STEERING ANGLE SENSOR AND G SENSOR ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE
Note:
Prior to performing the following procedure, make sure that the front wheels are straight, and the steering wheel is centered.
1) Select Each System Check
2) Select Brake Control System
3) Press OK
4) Select Function Check Sequence
5) Select Steering Neutral G sensor 0 Set
6) Wait and read the screens shown.
7) At this point in the procedure the steering angle sensor data to the VDC/ABS Control Unit is evaluated. There are 3 possible results from this evaluation:
A) The steering wheel is perfectly straight.
B) The steering wheel is off center a small degree.
C) The steering wheel is off center a large degree.
This is the display when the steering wheel is off center a large degree.
This is the display when the steering wheel is off center a small degree.
In either case, the display will go back to the function check sequence after a few seconds.
Center the steering wheel and repeat the procedure.
NOTE:
Centering is best performed by moving the steering wheel to the left and right of the center point and then back to center.
8) When the steering wheel is centered the following screen will be displayed indicating the alignment procedure is beginning.
9) This screen will be displayed when the alignment procedure is complete.
This will conclude the entire repair procedure.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a recall 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 (CDS).
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this procedure will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.