Instrument Panel Wiring Harness & Rear Wiring Harness - Connector Corrosion (07-221-23R)

Publication date: 2024-06-24
Reference number: 07-221-23R
Supersedes refnos: 07-221-23

INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING HARNESS & REAR WIRING HARNESS - CONNECTOR CORROSION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 07-221-23R, Date of Issue: June 24, 2024

SUBARU:

2017-22 IMPREZA; 2018-23 Crosstrek; 2019-23 Forester; 2022 WRX

APPLICABILITY

2017-22MY Impreza

2018-23MY Crosstrek

2019-23MY Forester

2022MY WRX

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors. The corrosion is typically found in the footwell area as a result from moisture such as rain, snow, ice, and salt water being brought in from driver and/or passenger footwear. Corrosion in this area can cause multiple electrical malfunctions such as warning indicators and/or incorrect door position detection. If corrosion is found within this area(s), replace the affected wiring harness and perform the added procedure detailed below using the new repair kit. The purpose of the repair kit is to isolate the connections from any moisture damage.

WIRING HARNESS DETAIL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT: The left front door cord harness can only be affected on Forester models with seat memory.

EXAMPLES OF CORROSION

PART INFORMATION

There have been no changes to the wiring harnesses. The new repair kit and outlined procedures MUST be applied when replacing the affected harnesses for corrosion intrusion.

REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being repaired.

Part Description	Part Number
REPAIR PARTS	81990SJ01A

SERVICE PROCEDURE/INFORMATION

Perform the following inspection procedures if moisture is suspected to be present within the connectors of the instrument panel wiring harness, rear wiring harness, and/or left front door cord (Forester with seat memory ONLY ).

STEP 1: Remove the lower inner trim panel on the side of the vehicle with suspected corrosion. Expose the connections and confirm if corrosion is detected.

NOTE: If a waterproof sheeting is installed, it must be removed for proper inspection.

If corrosion is detected, the affected harnesses MUST be replaced. If no corrosion is found continue the vehicle diagnosis using the applicable Service Manual.

STEP 2: Replace the affected wiring harness. The service procedures for instrument panel, left front door cord, and the rear harnesses remain unchanged. Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being performed. The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an effective repair the first time, every time. This includes but is not limited to important SAFETY precautions, proper inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.

IMPORTANT: When replacing the instrument panel wiring harness, rear wiring harness, or left front door cord harness, take special care when handling the ground terminal.

STEP 3: Remove the plastic connector holder. This holder will no longer be used.

STEP 4: Clean and degrease the areas indicated in the image to the right.

STEP 5: Installed the ground terminal to the vehicle body. Keep the terminal horizontal while torquing the bolt to 13Nm (9.5 ft-lbs.) then connect the lower connector.

STEP 6: Using the large size waterproof sheet, remove half of the separator sheet and place the lower connector in the center of adhesive side.

STEP 7: Completely remove the separator sheet and fold the waterproof sheet in half. Confirm the connector is fully covered and not exposed.

CAUTION: CONFIRM the adhesive surfaced a firmly attached to each other in order to prevent any water intrusion. CONFIRM the exterior tape on the wiring harness is sealed and covered by the waterproof tape.

STEP 8: Attach the connector to the body of the vehicle using the excess of the adhesive surface of the waterproof sheet.

STEP 9: Using the mid size waterproof sheet and using the same sheet application method used in Step 6, cover the center connector with the waterproof sheet and adhere it to the vehicle body.

STEP 10: Forester models with seat memory ONLY. Using the small size waterproof sheet and using the same sheet application method used in Step 6, cover the upper connector with the waterproof sheet and adhere it to the vehicle body.

IMPORTANT: The connectors MUST be positioned on an even line with each other. DO NOT overlap the connectors. Improper connector alignment may cause interference with the interior trim components.

WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru Added Security Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:

Labor Description	Labor Operation #	Repair Code	Labor Time	Model
INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING HARNESS AND REAR WIRING HARNESS R&R	A880-207	VOJ-39	6.6	Impreza 17-23
			6.6	Crosstrek 18-23
			6.6	Forester 19-23
			7.1	Forester 19-23 with power seat memory*
			6.9	WRX 2022

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.