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.
Basic Diagnostic Procedure: Procedure
- PERFORM CUSTOMER INTERVIEW
.
Ask the customer when and how the trouble occurred using the interview check list. Ref. to Power Rear Gate (Diagnostics)>Check List For Interview .
Did you interview the customer?
Yes: Go to 2 .
No: Perform the interview, and Go to 2 .
- INITIALIZATION OF POWER REAR GATE SYSTEM
.
- Open the power rear gate manually.
- Manually close the power rear gate to the partially latched position, and operate the auto closer to fully close the power rear gate.
- Use any power rear gate operation switch to activate the power rear gate auto operation.
Is the initialization operation possible?
Yes: Go to 4 .
No: Go to 3 .
- PERFORM BASIC INSPECTION
.
Perform basic inspection. Ref. to POWER REAR GATE (DIAGNOSTICS)>General Description>INSPECTION .
Is the check result OK?
Yes: Go to 4 .
No: Repair the faulty part found in basic inspection, and Go to 4 .
- CHECK SUBARU SELECT MONITOR COMMUNICATION
.
- Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
- Connect the Subaru Select Monitor to data link connector. Ref. to COMMON (DIAG)>DATA LINK CONNECTOR .
- Turn the ignition switch to ON and run the Subaru Select Monitor.
- Select [Power Rear Gate].NOTE: For detailed operation procedures, refer to "Help" of application.
Is communication possible?
Yes: Go to 5 .
No: Check the communication circuit. Ref. to Power Rear Gate (Diagnostics)>Diagnostic Procedure For Subaru Select Monitor Communication .
- CHECK DTC
.
Read the DTC of [Power Rear Gate] using the Subaru Select Monitor. Ref. to Power Rear Gate (Diagnostics)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) .
Are any DTCs displayed? (Current malfunction)
Yes: Record the DTC, time stamp and freeze frame data, and Go to 6 .
No: Go to 7 .
- PERFORM DIAGNOSIS
.
- Perform the diagnosis according to the DTC. Ref. to POWER REAR GATE (DIAGNOSTICS)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)>LIST .
- Repair or replace the cause of trouble.
- Using the Subaru Select Monitor, perform the clear memory of [Power Rear Gate]. Ref. to COMMON (DIAG)>CLEAR MEMORY .
- Read the DTC of [Power Rear Gate] using the Subaru Select Monitor. Ref. to Power Rear Gate (Diagnostics)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) .
Are any DTCs displayed? (Current malfunction)
Yes: Repeat Go to 6 . until DTC is not shown.
No: Finish the diagnosis.
- CHECK DIAGNOSTICS WITH PHENOMENON
.
Check "Diagnostics with Phenomenon". Ref. to Power Rear Gate (Diagnostics)>Diagnostics With Phenomenon .
Is there a corresponding symptom in the Diagnostics with Phenomenon?
Yes: Perform diagnosis according to the procedures in the diagnostics with phenomenon. Ref. to Power Rear Gate (Diagnostics)>Diagnostics With Phenomenon .
No: Power rear gate system is normal.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
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.