Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Tech Tips December 2013 (SUSTIPS 1213)
Reference number: SUSTIPS 1213
TECH TIPS DECEMBER 2013
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| SUBARU: | All Models |
02 ENGINE OIL EXPANSION: FACT OR FICTION/
Is it necessary to allow for or compensate for temperature changes when determining the proper level on the engine oil dipstick? We asked the technical staff at Idemitsu Lubricants for information about this and received an interesting response. Using a 5 quart engine oil capacity as a baseline, the oil's volume increase (expansion) from room temperature to a normal operating temperature of 210 degrees F would equate to roughly just 3ml (milliliters) which is slightly more than 1/2 of a teaspoon. If you were to add 3ml of oil to the engine, that small of an amount would not be enough to register a visible level change on the dipstick. Although the level on the dipstick is probably easier to read when the engine oil is cold (thicker viscosity), allowing at least 5 minutes after engine shut-down for the oil to drain back into the sump is the main key to an accurate oil level inspection.
07 ODS CODE 29 OR 37, ELECTRICAL DEVICES AND AIR BAGS REVISED
Should you encounter any model Subaru with a code 29 (ODS Failure), 37 (Buckle switch RH failure) or a combination of the two codes, check to see if the customer is using a low quality aftermarket phone charger or power splitting device in either of the center power plugs. Several cases of these codes have been traced back to a low quality accessories being plugged into the power outlets causing some electrical or radio frequency interference with the ODS module.
In addition to causing false Air Bag codes, this electrical interference can cause Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) codes that will not clear on any model equipped with a TPMS System. Removal of the accessories usually eliminates the condition allowing the DTCs to be cleared. If the condition persists after the removal of any devices, proceed with normal diagnostics using the appropriate service manual.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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