2021 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Check Ambient Temperature Meter System Communication Circuit

  1. CHECK AMBIENT SENSOR POWER SUPPLY  .
    1. Disconnect the ambient sensor connector.
    2. Turn the ignition switch to ON.
    3. Measure the voltage between the ambient sensor connector and chassis ground.

    Connector and terminal 

    (B480) No. 2 (+) - Chassis ground (-):

    Is the voltage 4 V or more?

    Yes 

    Go to  2 .

    No 

    Check the harness for open or short between the fuse and ambient sensor.

  2. CHECK HARNESS BETWEEN AMBIENT SENSOR AND COMBINATION METER ASSEMBLY  .
    1. Disconnect the connector of combination meter assembly.
    2. Check harness between ambient sensor and combination meter assembly.

    Connector and terminal 

    (B480) No. 1 - (i10) No. 24:

    (B480) No. 2 - (i10) No. 23:

    Is harness normal?

    Yes 

    Go to  3 .

    No 

    Repair or replace the harness.

  3. CHECK AMBIENT SENSOR  .

    Check the ambient sensor.

    Is the ambient sensor operating properly? Ref. to AIR CONDITIONER>AMBIENT SENSOR>INSPECTION .

    Yes 

    Go to  4 .

    No 

    Replace the ambient sensor.

  4. CHECK AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DISPLAY  .
    1. Connect the combination meter assembly connector.
    2. Install the 3 kΩ resistance between connector terminals of the ambient sensor.

      Connector and terminal 

      (B480) No. 1 - No. 2:

    3. Turn the ignition switch to ON.

    Does the ambient temperature display 25°C (77°F)?

    Yes 

    Repair the poor contact between the ambient sensor and harness connector.

    No 

    Go to  5 .

  5. CHECK CURRENT DATA  .

    Display the [Ambient Air Temperature] data using Subaru Select Monitor. Ref. to AIR CONDITIONER (DIAGNOSTICS)>DATA MONITOR .

    Is the ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F) output?

    Yes 

    Go to  6 .

    No 

    Replace the combination meter assembly. Ref. to INSTRUMENTATION/DRIVER INFO>COMBINATION METER .

  6. CHECK MFD  .
    1. Remove the MFD.
    2. Attach the ambient temperature display to another vehicle on which the ambient temperature display operates normally to check its operation.

    Does the ambient temperature display 25°C (77°F)?

    Yes 

    Replace MFD.

    No 

    Replace the combination meter assembly. Ref. to INSTRUMENTATION/DRIVER INFO>COMBINATION METER .

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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.