168512

ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER
q
q
q
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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:	2010-2012MY Legacy and Outback Models
with CVT
SUBJECT:
NUMBER: 16-85-12
DATE: 11/26/12
CVT Secondary Pressure Sensor Diagnostics
INTRODUCTION
This Bulletin provides an inspection and diagnosis method for the CVT’s secondary pressure sensor
which if failed, could create a customer concern of a squealing-type sound during light throttle
application. The Service Manual will be revised in the future with this information.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
•
Road test the vehicle to confirm the condition and bring the transmission up to normal operating
temperature.
•
Turn off the ignition and allow the vehicle to sit at least 10 minutes while preparing the
SSMIII and gaining access to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) main wiring harness
connector.  This will allow the secondary pressure sensor sufficient time to fully drain off any
residual fluid pressure.
•
After connecting the SSMIII, confirm the CVT’s fluid temperature is between 10° and 80°C
(50°- 176°F).   NOTE: DO NOT start the engine at any time while performing the following
voltage checks.
•
Perform the following voltage checks on the TCM connector, B54:
1. With the ignition switch on and engine off, check the voltage between pin #2 (power supply)
and #15 (ground).  Specified value is 4.8v to 5.2v.  If the voltages are outside of the specified
range, the TCM is damaged along with the pulley surfaces of the CVT due to chain slippage.
Replace both the TCM and the CVT assembly.
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.
Bulletin Number: 16-85-12; Date: 11/26/12
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
“ISO 14001 COMPLIANT”
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.
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2. With the ignition switch on and engine off, check the voltage between pin #17 (pressure sensor
output voltage) and #15 (ground).  Specified value is 0.45v to 0.55v.  If the voltages are outside
of the specified range, the secondary pressure sensor is damaged along with the pulley surfaces
of the CVT due to chain slippage. Replace the CVT assembly.
3. IMPORTANT: Before ordering a new TCM and / or CVT, perform these same voltage
checks at the secondary pressure sensor connector (AT6) and (if necessary), the main
transmission harness connectors (T4 and B11). Ruling out wiring issues will prevent repeat or
unnecessary component replacements.
AT6
AT6
AT6
B54 / TCM
ATF Temp between
10° and 80°C (50°- 176°F)
Step 1: Power Supply Key On •
4.97V
Step 2: Signal Key On • 0.67V
REMINDER: Whenever replacing the CVT assembly, TCM, control valve body or servicing the
CVT fluid, the Learning Control procedure must be completed.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be claimed using the
following information:
LABOR DESCRIPTION
LABOR OPERATION #
Remanufactured Transaxle R&R, CVT
B139-301
TCM R&R
C303-100
Bulletin Number: 16-85-12; Date: 11/26/12
FAIL CODE
TMA-25
LABOR TIME
4.9
0.2
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