WTD-65

ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER
q
q
q
q
IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
© 2016 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:
		
		
2016-2017MY Legacy and Outback
Inspection and Repair Procedure
for Stop Sale / Recall Campaign
WTD-65: Steering Column
NUMBER: WTD-65
DATE: 06/08/16
NHTSA ID: 16V-292
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety,
exists in certain 2016 and 2017 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles.
			
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY RISK
The steering columns in these vehicles may not have been manufactured to specification. An incorrect
tool setting during the manufacturing process may have resulted in improper machining of one of the
steering column shafts. If this condition exists, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the
direction of the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REMEDY
Subaru will inspect the lot number on the steering column to determine if it needs to be replaced. If
replacement is necessary, a new steering column will be installed in the vehicle. The inspection and
possible replacement will be performed at no cost to the customer.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Subaru notified potentially affected vehicle owners by first class mail on May 13, 2016. A copy of
the owner notification letter is included at the end of this bulletin.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Not all vehicles in the VIN ranges listed below are affected by this campaign. Coverage for all
affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on
subarunet.com.
Model Year
2016
2016
2017
2017
Models
Legacy
Outback
Legacy
Outback
Potentially Affected VIN Range (last 8 digits)
From G3045004 to G3059641
From G3307507 to G3346346
From H3002001 to H3002024
From H3200001 to H3200048
Continued...
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
ISO 14001 COMPLIANT
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 1
RETAILER AFFECTED VIN LISTS
Each Subaru retailer has received an affected VIN list from their Zone Office. Vehicles were assigned
based on the selling retailer information in Subaru’s system. Retailers should use this information to
contact owners to schedule this repair.
RETAILER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Any vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in retailer 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.
Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken
into retailer inventory, or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction
has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
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 Retailer failing to perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles
in their inventory 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 §578.6 and will also be in
breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
This Service Procedure provides an inspection method for identification of affected vehicles and if
determined necessary, additional steps for replacing the steering column assembly.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE:
•
Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry
function on subarunet.com. This data is now available.
•
Locate the lot number label at the base of the steering column located just above the toe board
grommet as shown in the photo below.
VERY IMPORTANT:
For KEY START models, the label will
have a large “02” as shown in the photo.
For PUSH START models, the label will
have a large “03”.
The steering columns are NOT interchangeable.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 2
•
•
•
Decode the lot number of the steering column using the illustration below.
Affected steering columns will have a lot number label indicating the column was produced on
or between 6228 (February 28, 2016) and 6416 (April 16, 2016), the steering column assembly
must be replaced.
If the lot number is illegible or otherwise cannot be determined, it must be noted on the repair
order and the steering column assembly must be replaced.
EXAMPLE:
Production Date
3/17/2016
•
IMPORTANT: Always record the original lot number on the Repair Order even if it is outside
the affected range. The ORIGINAL 4-digit lot number must also be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field when submitting for claim reimbursement. If illegible, enter “ILLEGIBLE”
in that field.
PARTS INFORMATION:
Description
COLUMN ASSEMBLY
BOLT (shear)*
WTD65 STEERING COLUMN
SHAFT GASKET KIT**
Part Number
34500AL02A
34500AL03A
83140GA000
Applicability
Key Start
Push-Button Start
All
Quantity
1
1
1
SOA635143
H-6 Models Only
1
* One new shear bolt is included with the replacement steering column assembly.
**The SOA635143 kit is comprised of: 2- 44011AG040 and 1- 44022AA123 exhaust gaskets.
The SOA635143 kit will be shipped in a separate package concurrent with the steering column shipment.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
After performing the Inspection procedure, if determined necessary, replace the steering column
assembly following the Service Procedure provided below.
CAUTION: Refer to the “CAUTION” Section in the General Description portion of Airbag
System AB in the Body Section of the applicable Service Manual before handling any airbag module!
•
Before proceeding with disassembly, unlock the tilt lever (1), adjust the tilt position of the
steering column to the neutral position (2), adjust the telescopic position to the longest position
(3) and place the lock lever back into the “locked” position (4).
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 3
•
•
•
•
Record the customer’s radio station presets (and Navigation Favorites where applicable).
Confirm the status of STARLINK Telematics lamp (where applicable). If the Green LED is on,
press the RED SOS button to confirm an operator answers. Inform the Operator this is only a
test.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery sensor and wait at least 60 seconds before
proceeding.
Using a plastic trim tool, remove the instrument panel end cover.
•
Remove the data link connector, release the 3 retaining clips and remove the lower the
instrument panel under cover.
•
Remove the necessary screws, release the claws and disconnect the harness connectors from
the switches before CAREFULLY removing the instrument panel lower trim cover.
NOTE: When removing the cover, pull it straight back toward you as shown in the
illustration below. Do not pull / turn it upward as doing so may damage the retaining claws.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 4
OK
NG
•
Remove the knee guard.
•
With the wheels pointed straight ahead and using a hexagon wrench (or equivalent) wrapped
with protective tape, locate and press on the snap pins to release the locks (three locations)
securing the driver’s airbag module.
•
CAREFULLY, release / remove the 2 airbag module harness connectors and set the module
aside in a safe place.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 5
•
•
•
Using a steering wheel puller to prevent deforming the steering wheel, remove the steering
wheel.
Using a plastic trim tool, CAREFULLY release the retaining claws and remove the upper and
lower steering column trim covers.
After disconnecting all the wiring harness connectors, CAREFULLY remove the roll connector,
steering angle sensor and the combination switch assemblies. IMPORTANT: Do not disturb the
postion of the roll connector while removed from the steering column. As shown in the photo,
use a piece of tape to keep it in alignment while removed.
IF the roll connector position is changed, the center position adjustment procedure provided
below must be performed during reassembly.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 6
Center Position Adjustment Procedure (Use only if roll connector position changed):
CAUTION: Do not rotate the roll connector to more than the specified number of turns.
Otherwise, the roll connector internal wire may be broken. When determining the end stop,
rotate the connector slowly without applying excessive force. Applying excessive force at the
end stop may also break the internal wire.
1) Confirm the front wheels are positioned in straight ahead direction.
2) Rotate the roll connector counter-clockwise until it stops.
3) Rotate the roll connector clockwise approximately 2.5 turns until the “Δ” marks are
aligned.
NOTE: When the roll connector comes to the center position, the orange roller (b) can be seen
from the sight glass (a) as shown below.
•
•
•
Remove the engine under cover assembly.
On H-6 models, remove the front exhaust pipe assembly following the procedure below:
On H-4 models, proceed to “All Models Continued” below.
Front Pipe Removal Procedure for H-6 Models:
CAUTION: The exhaust system may be HOT.
• Disconnect the A/F and O2 Sensor wiring harness connectors.
• Remove the center exhaust pipe retaining nuts and spring bolts and separate the front exhaust
pipe assembly from the center exhaust pipe. Retain the nuts, springs, and bolts for use at
reassembly.
H-6
Models
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 7
•
Remove the nuts holding the front exhaust pipe onto the cylinder heads. Retain these nuts for use
at reassembly.
H-6
Models
•
•
CAUTION: The front exhaust pipe assembly is heavy and the heat shield edges can be very
sharp. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and care while lifting.
Remove the front exhaust pipe from vehicle as an assembly and set aside.
All Models Continued:
•
•
•
Place an alignment mark on the lower universal joint shaft and steering rack input shaft.
Remove the 2 retaining bolts and universal joint shaft assembly.
Remove the 2 bolts securing the steering column assembly.
•
CAREFULLY remove the steering column assembly taking special care to not dislodge the toe
board grommet / bushing.
Using a drill and screw extractor, remove the shear bolt securing the ignition lock to the
steering column.
VERY IMPORTANT CAUTION:
DO NOT apply any impact to the shear
bolt when removing it (no hammers/chisels).
Doing so will likely damage the Steering Lock
Control Module (push start models).
•
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 8
•
•
•
•
•
CAREFULLY Install the new steering column taking special care to not dislodge the toe board
grommet / bushing. Tighten the 2 retaining bolts to 20 Nm (14.8 ft. lbs.).
Transfer the ignition lock to the new steering column and secure with the new shear bolt.
CAREFULLY reinstall the combination switch, roll connector, and steering angle sensor
assemblies. REMINDER: If the position of the roll connector was disturbed, the center position
adjustment procedure outlined above must be performed.
Reconnect all the wiring harness connectors. CAUTION: On key-start vehicles, failure to
reconnect the key lock solenoid connector will allow the ignition key to be removed from the
ignition switch when the transmission shifter is not in park.
Reinstall the universal joint shaft. Align the protrusion section (a) of the steering column shaft
with the cutout (a) of the serration on the universal joint shaft as shown in the illustration on the
left below. If not properly aligned, the upper bolt cannot be installed. Align the alignment mark
on the steering rack end of the universal joint shaft with the mark on the steering rack input shaft
and install the bolt but DO NOT TIGHTEN IT. The plastic alignment collar on the input shaft
will slide into the split of the universal joint. Install the bolt and tighten to 24 Nm (17.7 ft. lbs.).
Tighten the other bolt (on the column end) to 24 Nm (17.7 ft. lbs.).
IMPORTANT: Always tighten the steering rack end retaining bolt first.
Steering
Column End
Steering
Rack End
Plastic Alignment
Collar
H-6 Models:
•
•
•
•
Reinstall the front exhaust pipe assembly, always using new gaskets.
Temporarily tighten the nuts holding the assembly to cylinder heads.
Re-connect the center exhaust pipe, always using a new “donut” gasket. Torque the 2 spring
bolt nuts to 18 Nm (13.3 ft. lbs.).
Torque the nuts at the cylinder heads to 30 Nm (22.1 ft. lbs.) following the sequence shown
in the illustrations below.
Torque the 2 bolts holding the front pipe to the hanger bracket to 30 Nm (22.1 ft. lbs.).
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 9
•
Reconnect the A/F and O2 Sensor wiring harness connectors.
All Models:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reinstall the engine under cover.
Reinstall the knee guard and tighten the 2 bolts to 7 Nm (5.2 ft. lbs.).
Reconnect the harness connectors to the switches and reinstall the instrument panel lower trim
cover.
NOTE: Always make sure the harness connectors are plugged back into their proper positions
and not into “dead” (unused) positions.
Reinstall the lower instrument panel under cover.
Reinstall the steering column trim covers.
Reinstall the steering wheel and torque the retaining nut to 39 Nm (28.8 ft. lbs.).
Reconnect the harness connectors and reinstall the driver’s airbag module.
Reconnect the battery cable to the battery sensor. Torque the 12mm nut to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft. lbs.).
VERY IMPORTANT: ALWAYS confirm the steering column lock mechanism operates
properly.
○ If the steering column lock does not operate at all or
○ If there is excess steering wheel freeplay (more than 1/4” up to approximately 2 ½”) when
the steering column is locked, verify the proper column has been installed: an “02” on the
label for key start models or an “03” on the label for push start models.
Perform “VDC Sensor Midpoint Setting Mode” for the VDC system following the
procedure below:
NOTE: The vehicle must be on a level surface with the wheels and steering wheel in the
neutral (straight ahead) position.
(1) Connect the Subaru Select Monitor 4/DSTi to the data link connector. NOTE: For detailed
operation procedures, refer to “Application Help”.
(2) Turn the ignition switch ON.
(3) On «Start» display, select «Diagnosis».
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 10
(4) On «Vehicle Specifications» display, input the target vehicle information (if not populated
automatically) and select «Ok».
(5) On «Main Menu» display, select «Each System».
(6) On «Select List» display, select «Brake Control System» and select «Next».
(7) On «Select Function» display, select «Data Monitor».
(8) On «Data Monitor» display, select «Steering Angle Sensor», «Longitudinal G Sensor»
and «Lateral G Sensor Output».
Confirm the steering angle sensor output value is within the range of
following values:
•
•
Model without EyeSight: –10 — 10 deg.
Model with EyeSight: –2 — 2 deg.
(9) After confirming values are within range, select «Stop»
(10) Confirm the output values for the Longitudinal G Sensor and Lateral G Sensor are -2 to
2 m/s.
(11) From «Work Support», select «VSC (VDC) Centering Mode», and perform the setting
procedure according to the procedure displayed on the Subaru Select Monitor screen.
NOTE: The applied model information found on the FMVSS label located at the base of the
passenger side “B” pillar may be required.
• Reset the Auto-Up / Down feature of the power window system. Starting with the driver’s
window fully open (down):
1) Pull the switch up to close the window fully in steps (it will only close about 2” each 		
time the switch is operated).
2) Once the window is fully closed, pull up and hold the switch again for 1 second to 		
complete the procedure.
3) Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the passenger’s front window using the passenger window 		
switch.
• Where applicable, confirm STARLINK returns automatically to the pre-repair status and an
operator is contacted when pressing the RED SOS button. Inform the Operator this is only a test.
• Reset the customer’s radio station presets (and Navigation Favorites where applicable).
• Turn the ignition key ON, depress the brake pedal and place the transmission selector in D
range. Confirm the ignition key cannot be removed. If the key can be removed, the key lock
solenoid harness connector is most likely not properly connected.
• Drive the vehicle for 10 minutes and confirm there is no system malfunction, no warning light
illumination and no DTCs set.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES:
Credit to perform this service campaign will be based on the submission of properly
completed repair order information. Retailers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on
subarunet.com.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 11
NOTES:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Non-SSLP Rentals will now be reimbursed at the retailer’s actual cost up to $50 per day exclusively for this WTD-65 campaign. Please enter the full cost of the non-SSLP rentals in the Sublet
amount field on the RECALL claim.
SSLP rentals are now reimbursed at $40 per day. Continue to use the Rental field for reimbursement on the RECALL claim.
As examples:
		
o A 4-day Non-SSLP rental for $50 per day would be entered on the claim in the
		
Sublet field for $200 and NO amount in the Rental field.
		
o A 4-day SSLP rental for $40 per day would continue to use the Rental field with
		
an entry of $160 and do not enter any rental amount in the Sublet field.
Sublet entries for Non-SSLP rental and off-site inspection must have comments detailing the
amounts for each.
For customers committing to purchase an affected unit, but needing immediate transportation
while the unit is waiting for replacement parts, a rental car can be provided to the customer under
the same terms listed above. Enter the rental amount on the RECALL claim.
All documentation must be retained in accordance with current policies and procedures.
In the event a customer obtained a rental vehicle on their own, rental reimbursement of up to $50
will also be allowed through the Customer Retailer Services Dept. (CRS).
The ORIGINAL 4-digit lot number must also be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field when
submitting for claim reimbursement. If illegible, enter “ILLEGIBLE” in that field.
PARTS RETENTION:
For this recall only, once a claim has been submitted and APPROVED, the parts replaced to complete
the repair may be scrapped.
NOTE: These parts will still show up on the monthly scrap report following the normal 30 days past
credit cycle.
Labor Description
Labor
Operation #
Labor Time
STEERING COLUMN- LOT#
INSPECTION ONLY
NO PART REPLACEMENT
REQUIRED
A165-801
0.2
A165-802
1.6 for H4
Models
A165-803
1.8 for H6
Models
STEERING COLUMN- LOT#
INSPECTION & COLUMN
ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
(INCLUDES CENTERING
THE STEERING WHEEL/
TOE ADJUSTMENT WHERE
REQUIRED)
Campaign
Code
Claim
Type
WTD-65
RC
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 12
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•
•
•
SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously
released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 13
OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to the VIN identified
in the address section printed below.
Subaru Recall Campaign WTD-65
NHTSA Recall No. 16V-292
May 2016
Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2016 and
2017 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY RISK
The steering column in your vehicle may not have been manufactured to specification. An incorrect tool setting during the
manufacturing process may have resulted in improper machining of one of the steering column shafts. If this condition exists,
turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
Your vehicle is not safe to drive if this potential defect is present.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your retailer (dealer) as soon as possible to make arrangements to have
your vehicle towed to their facility, at no cost to you, and inspected. If the inspection determines that the defect is not present, the vehicle will be safe to drive. If the defect is found,
the steering column will be replaced.
Please do not drive your car until it has been inspected and, if necessary,
the recall repair has been performed.
If you prefer to make alternative arrangements for having your vehicle towed to your
retailer, you may contact the Subaru Roadside Assistance Program at 1-800-261-2155.
For your convenience, your retailer will provide you a loaner or rental vehicle at no cost until
your car has been repaired.
REPAIR
Subaru will inspect the lot number on the steering column in your vehicle to determine if it needs to be replaced. If
replacement is necessary, a new steering column will be installed in your vehicle. The inspection and possible replacement
will be performed at no cost to you.
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 14
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time to inspect the lot number to determine if your steering column needs to be replaced is approximately 10 minutes. If
the steering column needs to be replaced, the repair will take approximately one hour. However, it may be necessary to leave
your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your Subaru retailer flexibility in
scheduling.
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us. Or if you prefer to
update this information online, please go to www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer Support,’ then select ‘Address Update’ or
‘Ownership Update’ from the drop down menu.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru retailer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select ‘Find a Retailer.’
For additional information, please go to: http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com.
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•
By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”
•
By telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET
•
By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: Customer-Retailer Services Department,
P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West
Building, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go
to http://www.safercar.gov if you believe the Subaru retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge
within a reasonable amount of time.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in the
interest of your safety and your vehicle’s proper operation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may
cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have this repair performed.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
Notice to Lessors: Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s)
within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the
applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve
months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A
leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)
A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Bulletin Number: WTD-65; Date: 06/08/16		
Page 15