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.
2005 Subaru Outback F6-3.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Campaign - TCM Reprogramming for Manual Shift Mode: Overview
NUMBER: WWV-06
DATE: 03/2005
APPLICABILITY:
2005 MY Subaru Outback H6 SEAT
SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN
SUBJECT:
Transmission Control Module Reprogramming
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles listed below require Transmission Control Module (TCM) reprogramming.
Affected vehicles are equipped with an electronically controlled automatic transmission with "Sport" and "Manual" mode features. The "Manual" mode feature allows the driver to manually select the desired transmission gear. The current software logic will not automatically shift the transmission out of the manually selected gear, regardless of engine or vehicle speed, until the driver manually selects a new gear. This may reset in the engine operating near over-revving speed which could cause the engine oil to overheat. Continued operation of the vehicle under these conditions may cause engine damage.
This service program will involve reprogramming the TCM on affected vehicles.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2005 MY Subaru Outback with H6 engine with 5EAT transmission only

Affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart. Not all vehicles within the VIN range are affected. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of affected vehicles on or around March 4, 2005.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is included.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly service all vehicles subject to this service program at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of the vehicle, or ownership.
For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure section of this bulletin.
Dealers are also 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 service program is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the service program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SPECIAL TOOLS
Dealers will be sent the necessary special select monitor reprogramming cartridge, part number S0A635076, at no charge. If additional reprogramming cartridges are needed, please contact your District Service Operations Manager for ordering instructions.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Recall Campaign identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.

Additional labels are available through the Customer Dealer Services Department (CDS).
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this Service Program will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.

TCM Reprogramming - Use the applicable claim submission information for Reprogramming the TCM and enter labor operation A186-731, for 0.4 labor hours.

Disclaimer
DATE: 03/2005
APPLICABILITY:
2005 MY Subaru Outback H6 SEAT
SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN
SUBJECT:
Transmission Control Module Reprogramming
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles listed below require Transmission Control Module (TCM) reprogramming.
Affected vehicles are equipped with an electronically controlled automatic transmission with "Sport" and "Manual" mode features. The "Manual" mode feature allows the driver to manually select the desired transmission gear. The current software logic will not automatically shift the transmission out of the manually selected gear, regardless of engine or vehicle speed, until the driver manually selects a new gear. This may reset in the engine operating near over-revving speed which could cause the engine oil to overheat. Continued operation of the vehicle under these conditions may cause engine damage.
This service program will involve reprogramming the TCM on affected vehicles.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2005 MY Subaru Outback with H6 engine with 5EAT transmission only
Affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart. Not all vehicles within the VIN range are affected. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of affected vehicles on or around March 4, 2005.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is included.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly service all vehicles subject to this service program at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of the vehicle, or ownership.
For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure section of this bulletin.
Dealers are also 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 service program is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the service program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SPECIAL TOOLS
Dealers will be sent the necessary special select monitor reprogramming cartridge, part number S0A635076, at no charge. If additional reprogramming cartridges are needed, please contact your District Service Operations Manager for ordering instructions.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Recall Campaign identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through the Customer Dealer Services Department (CDS).
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this Service Program will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.
TCM Reprogramming - Use the applicable claim submission information for Reprogramming the TCM and enter labor operation A186-731, for 0.4 labor hours.
Disclaimer
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
