Recall - CVT Cooler Line Replacement: Overview
NUMBER: WVQ-27DATE: June 2010
APPLICABILITY: 2010 Legacy/Outback
SUBJECT: CVT Transmission Fluid Cooler Inlet Hose
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that certain 2010 Legacy and Outback models may have been produced with a transmission fluid cooler inlet hose (located near the lower portion of the radiator) that was improperly formed during the manufacturing process. As a result, a section of the hose could unexpectedly split allowing transmission fluid to leak.
There is a potential safety risk associated with this condition. If an improperly formed hose were to split and leak transmission fluid, transfer of engine power to the wheels will begin to diminish, leading to vehicle power loss. This could happen without prior warning.
This recall will involve checking the "lot number" found on the transmission fluid cooler inlet hose. If the "lot number" is one of a specific group, the hose must be replaced with a new one. If the "lot number" is not within the group, the hose was manufactured to specifications and replacement is not necessary.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2010MY Subaru Legacy & Outback
Potentially affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart below.
Note:
Not all vehicles in the VIN range are affected. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function at Subarunet.com.
Production date: July 31, 2009 through December 1, 2009
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail Owner Notification Letters to owners of affected vehicles on or around June 4, 2010.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is shown in this bulletin.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are 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 recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
New or used vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in dealer 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.
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 Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures as defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) 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.
REPAIR PARTS
Repair parts will be available on or about June 1, 2010. When available, each dealer will automatically be sent replacement hoses equivalent to 20% of their dealer affected VIN list. Dealers will need to order any additional supply through normal parts ordering procedures.
Note:
The following additional parts may be needed. Please refer to repair section of this bulletin for additional information.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
This recall will involve checking the "lot number" found on the transmission fluid cooler inlet hose. If the "lot number" is one of a specific group, the hose must be replaced with a new one. If the "lot number" is not within the group, the hose was manufactured to specifications and replacement is not necessary.
Please proceed as follows:
Check Affected Hose Lot Numbers
Check the lot numbers on the inlet cooler hose (the longer of the two hoses) to determine if the hose needs to be replaced. If the "lot number" is found to be any of those listed below, the hose must be replaced with a new one. If the "lot number" is not listed, the hose was manufactured to specifications and replacement is not necessary.
Affected Lot Numbers
Lot Number Inspection
The lot number is stamped on the hose with white paint.
The following images are for illustration purposes only. The lot number depicted is not actually affected.
The lot number can be viewed with the hood opened, or with the vehicle on a lift.
Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose
Note:
The hose should only be replaced if it is found to have an applicable lot number.
CAUTION:
Immediately after the vehicle has been running or after idling for a long time, the fluid will be hot. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Replacement Part - 45520AJ021 (Hose, CVTF)
Cooler Hose Replacement Procedure
1) Place vehicle on lift.
2) Remove the engine under cover.
3) Squeeze the hose clamps and reposition to remove the hose. Confirm the direction and angle of the original hose clamps before removal. It is important to reinstall clamps in their original position.
4) Place a drain pan under the hose to collect any CVTF which may leak out.
Caution:
If the CVTF has spilled onto the exhaust pipe or body frame, wipe it off with a rag to avoid dripping fluid.
5) Remove the inlet cooler hose.
Note:
Be extremely careful not to damage the pipe.
6) Make sure the cooler hose pipe ends are clean prior to installing a new hose.
7) Install a new hose reusing the original hose clamps.
Note:
Do not permit the end of the hose to extend past the raised lip section of the pipe. Be sure to place the hose clamps in their original position. If the original hose clamps are damaged or deformed, replace as necessary.
Note:
Neither replenishment of transmission fluid nor inspection of fluid level will be necessary during replacement of the hose unless the original hose was found to be leaking fluid. Approx. 50cc through 70cc of fluid may be lost during hose replacement. The amount of fluid remaining will still keep the necessary level with sufficient reserve margin.
Note:
The following procedure is only necessary if the original hose was found to be leaking fluid.
Check and add CVTF
CAUTION:
^ CVTF level changes along with CVTF temperature. When inspecting CVTF level, observe the specified CVTF temperature.
^ Always use specified CVTF or equivalent. Using other fluid except for specified or equivalent will cause malfunction.
1) Idle the engine to raise CVTF temperature to 35 - 45°C (95 - 113°F) on Subaru Select Monitor.
2) Set the vehicle on a lift.
3) Operate the select lever in P _ R _ N _ D and D _ N _ R _ P to circulate CVTF with the engine idling.
4) With the engine running, lift up the vehicle and remove the filler plug.
5) Check fluid level.
NOTE:
CVTF is at the specified level when it is up to the filler plug hole lower section.
6) Install the filler plug.
NOTE:
Use a new gasket.
Tightening torque: 50 Nm (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a recall identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through the Subaru Claims Helpline.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this recall will be based on the submission of properly Completed repair order information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on Subarunet.com.
Note:
The following labor operation should only be added when the original hose was found to be leaking and the fluid level checked and adjusted as indicated in the repair instructions.
