07-199-21R

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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© 2021 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
		
		
2020-2021MY Outback
2019-2021MY Forester
2019-2021MY Ascent
SUBJECT:
		
Measurement of Dark Current
(Standby Current Draw)
NUMBER: 07-199-21R
DATE: 07/30/21
REVISED: 11/02/22
INTRODUCTION:
This Service Information Bulletin provides additional information for the diagnostic procedures
concerning measurement of Dark Current (a.k.a. Standby Current). Customer concerns of batteries
going dead over a period of time should be diagnosed using this procedure after any obvious
contributing factors have been eliminated. The following information is provided to help avoid
unnecessary parts replacement. The following is to be used as supplemental information and is not
intended to replace the more detailed procedures supplied in the applicable Service Manual.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
When a dead battery condition is experienced due to excessive Dark Current (Standby Current) draw
and the source is traced to the VDC and/ or Power Rear Gate Control Module, it is IMPORTANT to
follow the procedures outlined in the applicable Service Manual: Engine > STARTING/CHARGING
SYSTEM > Battery > INSPECTION, in conjunction with the additional diagnostic information
provided below.
NOTE:
•
These Flow Charts are to be used in addition to the applicable Service Manual procedures.
•
Prepare the vehicle with the hood up, door(s) open, and the rear gate open. Confirm all
associated latches are in the “latched” position. This will help reduce unwanted battery resets.
•
ALWAYS set the power supply voltage to 13.5 Volts when using Power Supply Mode.
NEVER turn the ignition switch on when charging at voltages 15 Volts or higher.
•
The Trouble trees below should only be used if excessive dark current is identified AFTER
waiting the appropriate time outlined in the Service Manual.
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: 07-199-21R; Revised: 11/02/22
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Fuse and Relay Information:
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Bulletin Number: 07-199-21R; Revised: 11/02/22
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NOTE 1) Troubleshooting Tree for Dark Current (Standby Current) draw from VDC system.
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Bulletin Number: 07-199-21R; Revised: 11/02/22
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Remove the following fuse in the Step (17) of the applicable Service Manual: Engine >
STARTING/CHARING SYSTEM > Battery > INSPECTION.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-199-21R; Revised: 11/02/22
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NOTE 2) How to check resistance between EPB switch terminals.
•
Confirm the ignition is switch OFF:
•
Disconnect the EPB switch connector, and check if Dark Current decreases. If Dark Current
decreases by disconnecting the EPB switch connector, replace EPB switch and continue
diagnosis.
•
Check resistance between terminals per the illustrations below.
Required Tool: DVOM
Switch Position
Neutral
Terminal No.
Standard
1-2
4-5
1MΩ and higher
1-5
2-4
Less than 1Ω
NOTE 3) How to check resistance between harness connector terminals for EPB Switch:
•
Check the resistance between terminals per the illustrations below.
No. 1
-
No. 2
No. 4
-
No. 5
Specification: 1MΩ or more
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-199-21R; Revised: 11/02/22
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NOTE 4) Troubleshooting Tree for excessive Dark Current draw from Power 			
Rear Gate system:
		
Remove the following fuse in the Step (17) of the applicable Service Manual: Engine >
STARTING/CHARING SYSTEM > Battery > INSPECTION.
NOTE 5) How to check resistance between terminals for Courtesy Switch.
•
Check the resistance between the terminals specified in the charts below.
Outback / Forester
Terminal No.
Inspection Conditions
Specification
7 to 8
Open
Less Than 1 Ω
7 to 8
Half
Less Than 1 Ω
7 to 8
Full
1MΩ or More
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 07-199-21R; Revised: 11/02/22
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Ascent
Terminal No.
5 to 4
Inspection Conditions
Specification
Open
Less Than 1 Ω
Half
Less Than 1 Ω
Full
60 MΩ or More
IMPORTANT NOTE: Whenever reconnecting the ground cable terminal to the battery sensor,
torque to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.-lbs. or 66inch-lbs.) while supporting the sensor with the other hand as
outlined in the applicable Service Manual under: STARTING/CHARGING SYSTSEMS > Battery
Sensor.
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: 07-199-21R; Revised: 11/02/22
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