Outback F4-2.5L SOHC (2005)
Technical Service Bulletin # WVH-18
Date: 090612
Recall - ECM Update For Catalyst Efficiency (Non-Ca.)
NUMBER: WVH-18
DATE: June 2009
APPLICABILITY:
2005MY PZEV Spec. Subaru Legacy and Outback
SUBJECT:
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogramming
This Campaign only applies to vehicles with motor vehicle registration in the States of California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Vermont. For
affected vehicles registered in any other state, see Service Program WVI-19.
Introduction
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming along with catalytic
converter efficiency testing and possible replacement.
Under certain unique driving patterns, such as repeated acceleration and deceleration and/or continuous uphill driving at higher speeds (about 75 mph),
the catalytic converters of affected vehicles may develop high internal temperatures that exceed design parameters. If left uncorrected,
this condition may eventually degrade the efficiency of the catalytic converters. (The "CHECK ENGINE" light will illuminate to alert the driver if
catalytic converter efficiency has degraded beyond an acceptable level and the vehicle may be releasing air pollutants which may exceed California
standards.) To prevent this condition, a modification to the
Engine Control Module software logic has been developed that will improve management of temperatures within the catalytic converters.
This condition is a software issue and has no impact on vehicle drivability.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2005 MY Subaru Legacy and Outback with CAL PZEV Spec Emission System and motor vehicle registration in the States of California, Massachusetts,
Maine, New York or Vermont only.
Affected vehicles are identified in the following VIN range chart. NOTE: 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 an Owner Notification Letter to owners of affected vehicles on or around June 15, 2009.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter 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.
REPAIR PARTS
