02-190-22

ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
q
PARTS MANAGER
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CLAIMS PERSONNEL
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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
SERVICE MANAGER
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© 2022 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
		
SUBJECT:
2019-22MY Ascent 						
NUMBER: 02-190-22
2020-22MY Legacy & Outback 2.4L
DATE: 03/29/22
Proper Diagnosis of Oil Level Switch Leaks
INTRODUCTION:
This Service Information Bulletin announces the proper diagnostic procedures regarding oil leakage
from the oil level switch area. There is a slight clearance between the center epoxy portion of the
oil level switch and its exterior. Engine oil flows through the switch and can cause the clearance to
become saturated in oil. During engine operation, the switch temperature increases and the clearance
between the epoxy and the exterior shrinks due to thermal expansion. As this clearance shrinks, the
previously saturated oil is forced out and gives the appearance of a leaking oil level switch.
PART INFORMATION:
Pictured above is an example of an oil level switch NOT leaking oil but can be perceived to have a
leak.
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.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-190-22; Date: 03/29/22
Page 1 of 3
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
Please follow the procedure below if you find any engine oil on the level switch when an oil leak is
being detected. First clean the area and apply a leak seeking powder for easier observation.
1. Observe contact surfaces of the following:
2. Oil Level Switch, Lower Oil Pan, Upper Oil Pan, Engine Block, Cylinder Heads, and
Transmission.
3. Confirm if engine oil is leaking from anywhere other than the oil level switch.
4. If any leaks are found, drain the engine oil, and replace and/or reseal the leaking part(s) as
necessary.
5. When replacing the leaking component, take special care not to damage the oil level switch by
contacting it with other parts while removing and installing, as the float may become damaged. As
for the oil level switch, if there’s no cracks or damage found during visual inspection, clean and
reinstall the switch.
6. Correct the engine oil level. Perform a road test. Re-inspect for any leaks.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-190-22; Date: 03/29/22
Page 2 of 3
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
There have been no changes to the labor time for the procedures listed above. Always refer to the
applicable Labor Time Guide for claim information.
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: 02-190-22; Date: 03/29/22
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