Recall - Remote Engine Starter Fob Replacement: Overview
NUMBER: WQF-42DATE: April 2013
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain Subaru vehicles equipped with optional Genuine Subaru Remote Engine Starter (RES). The Transmitter fobs may contain a defect that could adversely affect the operation of the RES resulting in a potential safety hazard.
If an RES transmitter fob is dropped, movement of the internal battery retaining clip may occur and cause damage to a component on the PC board. Under this condition, the fob may transmit an engine start (or stop) request at any time without the user pressing the button. If the vehicle is in range and receives the request, the engine may start and run for up to 15 minutes (or until a stop request is received). The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If that occurs when the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, such as a garage, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
The defect does not pose a risk while driving because the RES system is completely deactivated after the vehicle is started with the key. The keyless entry feature on a vehicle's ignition key (used to lock and unlock the doors) is not affected.
This recall will involve replacing the original RES transmitter fobs and reprogramming the new ones.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This action includes applicable models equipped with optional RES provided they fall within any of the following parameters:
^ The RES was installed by a port facility and delivered to a dealer on or before 2/22/13.
^ The RES was installed by a dealer on or before 2/22/13.
^ An RES kit, applicable to affected models, that was sold by a Subaru dealer parts department for installation by others on or before 2/22/13.
^ Replacement part RES transmitter fobs (part number H001SAJ030) for applicable models, including 2013 Legacy / Outback, sold on or before 2/22/13.
APPLICABLE MODELS
^ 2010MY through 2012MY Legacy and Outback with AT or CVT
^ 2012MY through 2013MY Impreza with CVT (except WRX/STI models)
^ 2013MY XV Crosstrek with CVT
Of the RES kits produced that could experience this condition, approximately 50% were installed by a port facility prior to delivery to dealers. The remaining 50% are kits that were either installed by dealers or sold to individuals in kit form.
^ Vehicles with Port Installed RES
Vehicles equipped with port installed RES have been identified and will appear in vehicle coverage inquiry with the campaign code WQF-42.
^ All Other Potentially Affected Vehicles
Vehicles within the affected group that do not have port installed RES will appear in vehicle coverage inquiry with the following statement in the comments field: "It has been determined this vehicle may be affected by the WQF42 Optional Genuine Subaru Remote Engine Starter recall. If this vehicle is equipped with an accessory remote engine starter, please review Recall Bulletin WQF42. If it is determined the recall applies, it must be added to the recall parameter. To add the VIN, please go to Subarunet/Service - Claim Entry/Info/Add VIN to Recall."
OWNER NOTIFICATION
There are two versions of owner notification letters.
Version 1 addresses vehicle owners who are known to have a vehicle equipped with port installed RES. The letter will inform the owner that their vehicle is affected by this recall. Vehicles in this category will appear in vehicle coverage inquiry with the campaign code WQF-42.
Version 2 addresses all other vehicle owners who have a vehicle that may have had RES installed after the vehicle was first delivered to a dealer. The letter will inform the owner that their vehicle is affected by this recall if it is equipped with RES.
A copy of both owner notification letters is included at the end of this bulletin. The letter instructs vehicle owners to bring all RES transmitter fobs with them at the time of their service appointment.
In addition to notification by mail, vehicle owners with a valid email address and MySubaru subscribers will be notified electronically on the same date letters are mailed.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to begin mailing on or around April 22, 2013.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or 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, used, demo or SSLP 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 as defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $6,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR section 578.6 and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
PARTS INFORMATION
Upon launch of this recall, dealers will automatically be sent a limited quantity of replacement RES transmitters. It is suggested that dealers verify their part inventory and order additional quantities as needed at the time a customer schedules an appointment. This will ensure the necessary parts are available on the day a customer brings their vehicle in for service.
Please note:
Replaced transmitter fobs are on automatic warranty parts return and should not be scrapped. All affected remote transmitters in the customers possession must be replaced. Any lost or supplemental remote transmitters which will effect the returned parts quantity should be noted on the repair order and acknowledged by the customer.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
The repair procedure for this safety recall will involve replacement of the Optional Genuine Subaru Remote Engine Start (RES) system's bi-directional remote transmitter assemblies. This recall procedure involves replacement of ALL the remote transmitters the customer has for the subject vehicle. For example, if the customer purchased an extra RES transmitter to keep with their "spare" key, replacement cost for that (3rd) remote transmitter would also be covered under the recall. To summarize, if the customer provides three (3) remote transmitters, they receive three (3) replacements in return under the recall. Unless the customer provides more than two remote transmitters at the time the recall is performed, requests for any additional remote transmitters beyond the two (2) provided in the SOA 390R001 kit would be at the customer's expense.
The replacement remote transmitters must be programmed to the RES control module before the system will operate. Follow the instructions below to complete the programming procedure for each replacement remote transmitter.
1. Open the driver's door (the driver's door must remain open throughout the entire process).
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" then "OFF", "ON" then "OFF", "ON" then "OFF", then back "ON" and leave "ON" throughout the programming process (the total duration from point of first ignition "ON" cycle must not exceed five (5) seconds). The system will flash the side marker lights, tail lights, front position lights and honk the horn three (3) times, indicating the system has entered the transmitter programming mode.
4.
5. Repeat step four (4) for any additional remote transmitters (the system will accept up to eight (8) transmitters). The system has "memory slots" to accept up to eight (8) remote transmitters. For example if the customer provides two (2) remote transmitters, program each of the replacements four (4) times to fill all eight (8) memory slots. When the programming procedure is complete all eight (8) slots should be filled. This will ensure a misplaced remote transmitter cannot inadvertently operate the RES system unless it is programmed to the system.
6. The system will exit the transmitter programming mode if the ignition key is turned to the "OFF" position, the door is closed, or after two (2) minutes.
RECALL 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 normal Parts ordering channels. The part number is MSA6P1302. Ordering qty 1=1 sheet of 20 labels.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this recall will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on Subarunet.com.
Disclaimer