2021 Subaru Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Basic Diagnostic Procedure: Procedure

  1. PERFORM CUSTOMER INTERVIEW  .

    Ask the customer when and how the trouble occurred using the interview check list. Ref. to Cockpit Control (Diagnostics)>Check List For Interview .

    Did you interview the customer?

    Yes:  Go to  2 .

    No:  Perform the interview, and Go to  2 .

  2. PERFORM BASIC INSPECTION  .

    Perform basic inspection.

    Is the check result OK?

    Yes:  Go to  3 .

    No:  Repair the faulty part found in basic inspection, and Go to  3 .

  3. CHECK SUBARU SELECT MONITOR COMMUNICATION  .
    1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
    2. Connect the Subaru Select Monitor to data link connector. Ref. to COMMON (DIAG)>DATA LINK CONNECTOR .
    3. Turn the ignition switch to ON and run the Subaru Select Monitor.
    4. Select [Cockpit Control].
      NOTE: For detailed operation procedures, refer to "Help" of application.

    Is communication possible?

    Yes:  Go to  4 .

    No:  Check the communication circuit. Ref. to Cockpit Control (Diagnostics)>Diagnostic Procedure for Subaru Select Monitor Communication .

  4. CHECK DTC  .

    Read the DTC of [Cockpit Control] using the Subaru Select Monitor. Ref. to Cockpit Control (Diagnostics)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) .

    Are any DTCs displayed? (Current malfunction)

    Yes:  Record the DTC, time stamp and freeze frame data, and Go to  5 .

    No:  Perform diagnosis according to the procedures in the diagnostics with phenomenon. Ref. to Cockpit Control (Diagnostics)>Diagnostics with Phenomenon .

  5. PERFORM DIAGNOSIS  .
    1. Perform the diagnosis for the displayed DTCs.
    2. Repair or replace the cause of trouble.
    3. Using the Subaru Select Monitor, perform the clear memory of [Cockpit Control]. Ref. to COMMON (DIAG)>CLEAR MEMORY .
    4. Execute the inspection mode. Ref. to Cockpit Control (Diagnostics)>Inspection Mode .
    5. Read the DTC of [Cockpit Control] using the Subaru Select Monitor. Ref. to Cockpit Control (Diagnostics)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) .

    Are any DTCs displayed? (Current malfunction)

    Yes:  Repeat step  5 until DTC is not shown. Go to  5 .

    No:  Finish the diagnosis.

Chapter Navigation
Return to Chapter: Basic Diagnostic Procedure
Factory Service Tools

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.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsCompare Repair QuoteQuote Shield Pro

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.