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.
Check Connection Between Smartphone And Unit
Probable cause:
Smartphone malfunction, unit body malfunction
- CHECK COMPATIBILITY OF SMARTPHONE
.
Check that the customer's smartphone is compatible with the system.
- iPhone: iOS 10.2 or later
- Android: Android 7.1 or later
Is it compatible?
Yes: Go to 2 .
No: The smartphone is not compatible; therefore, it does not work with the system.
- ACTIVATION OF APP
.
Check the SUBARU STARLINK app of the smartphone.
Is it installed?
Yes: Go to 4 .
No: Go to 3 .
- INSTALLATION OF APP
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Install SUBARU STARLINK app to smartphone.
Is installation successful?
Yes: Go to 4 .
No: Reboot the smartphone, and install the SUBARU STARLINK.
- ACTIVATION OF APP
.
Activate SUBARU STARLINK app.
Is SUBARU STARLINK app activated?
Yes: Go to 5 .
No: Reinstall the app and activate it. If you still fail to activate it, the smartphone may be defective.
- CHECK Bluetooth CONNECTION
.
Confirm the Bluetooth connection with the unit.
Is Bluetooth connection established?
Yes: Go to 6 .
No: Check that the cockpit control module can connect with other smartphones. If successful, the smartphone may be defective. If connection with other smartphones is not possible, replace the cockpit control module. Ref. to ENTERTAINMENT & MONITORING>COCKPIT DISPLAY .
- REBOOT THE SMARTPHONE
.
- Reboot the smartphone.
- Reinstall the SUBARU STARLINK app.
Is it operating normally?
Yes: The system has returned to a normal condition at this time. Reproduce the failure, and then perform the diagnosis again.
No: Go to 7 .
- CHECK POWER SUPPLY
.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF → ACC ON.
Is it operating normally?
Yes: The system has returned to a normal condition at this time. Reproduce the failure, and then perform the diagnosis again.
No: Go to 8 .
- DELETE CACHE INFORMATION OF THE UNIT
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Delete cache information of the unit.
NOTE:- Select SUBARU STARLINK from the APPS screen.
- On the SUBARU STARLINK display (including an error message screen), press and hold the right bottom corner of the screen for 30 seconds or more.
- Lift your finger off the screen. If the message [Select Audio Source] appears when you lift your finger off the screen, the cache information is successfully deleted.
Is it operating normally?
Yes: Cache information temporary stored in the unit was corrupted. Currently, it is normal.
No: Perform "Check SUBARU STARLINK service" in Diagnostics with Phenomenon. Ref. to COCKPIT CONTROL (DIAGNOSTICS)>DIAGNOSTICS WITH PHENOMENON>INSPECTION>CHECK SUBARU STARLINK SERVICE .
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:
- • 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.