NHTSA ID Number: 11027982

Manufacturer Communication Number: 15-300-22R

TSB/Document Date: 2026-02-02


Summary

This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).


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TSB/Document ID: 15-300-22R

Replacement Service Bulletin Number:

MFR Communication Date: 2026-01-12

MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version:

Communication Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

NHTSA Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MFR Component System:

MFR Component Subsystem:


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ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

q

PARTS MANAGER

q

CLAIMS PERSONNEL

q

IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

q

© 2022 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

All Gen2 and Gen3 Telematics Equipped Models

NUMBER: 15-300-22R

SUBJECT: STARLINK® Telematics Remote Engine Start
Only runs 15 seconds after successful engine
start

DATE:

08/29/22

REVISED:

01/12/26

INTRODUCTION:
This Service Information Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote
Engine Start (RES). In some cases, after successfully initiating STARLINK® Telematics Remote
Engine Start, the vehicle will run for only 15 seconds and then turn off. The information contained
in this bulletin is only to be used when diagnosing this described condition. The information in this
bulletin DOES NOT apply to the Subaru Long Range Remote Start Accessory.
Applicability
Model

MY 2019

MY 2020

MY 2021

MY 2022

MY 2023

MY 2024

MY 2025

MY 2026

Ascent

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 3

Gen 3

Gen 3+

Gen 3 +

Crosstrek

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 3

Gen 3 +

Gen 3 +

Crosstrek Hybrid

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

n/a

Gen 3 +

Forester

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 3

Gen 3

Forester SHEV

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Gen 3

Gen 3

Forester Wilderness

n/a

n/a

n/a

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 2 +

Gen 3

Impreza

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 3

Gen 3+

Gen 3+

Legacy

Gen 1

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 3

Gen 3

Gen 3+

n/a

Outback

Gen 1

Gen2

Gen 2

Gen 2

Gen 3

Gen 3

Gen 3+

Gen 4

WRX

Gen 1

Gen 1

Gen 1

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 3

Gen 3+

Gen 3+

BRZ

n/a

n/a

n/a

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

Gen 2+

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 1 of 9

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The use of this document relies heavily on electrical system information, wiring schematics,
diagrams, components connector locations and testing methods that are found in the Body &
Electrical / Wiring System Sections of the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS). A
Technician should be proficient with their use of STIS and possess advanced electrical diagnosis
skills before attempting to use this document. Due to the complexity of the test procedure and the
electrical systems involved, it is essential that the Technician practices strict adherence to the process
and take particular care not to introduce a secondary fault(s) into these systems. Any improper testing
methodology could lead to unnecessary component damage/replacement or harness damage. When
engaging Techline with questions, be prepared with DVOM measurements or oscilloscope patterns
for every step of the diagnostic procedure. Failure to provide accurate measurements and review of
your testing methodology will significantly impede Techline’s ability to provide efficient support.
IMPORTANT: This procedure looks for incorrect or induced voltages to the circuit by outside
influence on the Data Control Module (DCM), Keyless Access Control Module (KACM), Engine
Control Module (ECM), and Body Integrated Unit (BIU) power supply circuits. Taking extra time
inspecting the vehicle for aftermarket accessories installed is critical, so that test results are not
skewed. Accessories such as backup cellphone batteries plugged into USB ports or battery jump
packs plugged into 12V charging ports can back feed voltage and influence vehicle operation,
including the test results.
The retailer should secure the use of the customer’s MySubaru account during the diagnosis for this
concern. There will be significant STARLINK® Remote Engine Start use during diagnosis and repair.
Relying only on the customer to perform RES is inefficient and unreliable for this testing.
CRITICAL: Use of this trouble tree assumes that the telematics system is clear of any current
DTCs and passes operational checks other than expected remote engine start operation. If there are
any current telematics DTCs or observed unexpected behavior, consult with Techline or your Field
Service Engineer prior to use of this trouble tree.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 2 of 9

1. PRELIMINARY CHECKS
1. Confirm there are no aftermarket accessories installed in the vehicle.
2. Make sure nothing is plugged into any of the USB ports.
3. Make sure a cell phone is not sitting on the charging pad if equipped.
4. Pull Fuse No. 4 in passenger side fuse box.
5. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the
passenger side fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground
and the positive lead to both sides of the fuse.
IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?

YES: Go to Step 2: ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1.

NO: 0 V found at both sides of Fuse No. 4. Go to Step 6: KACM A19

2. ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1
1. Remove accessory relay 1 from passenger side fuse panel.
2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the

passengerside fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground
and the positivelead to both sides of the fuse.
IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?

YES: Go to Step 3: ACCESSORY FUSE.

NO: Go to Step 2a: ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1 PART 2.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 3 of 9

2a. ACCESSORY RELAY NO. 1, PART 2
1. Swap accessory relay 1 with accessory relay 2.
2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the

passengerside fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground
and the positivelead to both sides of the fuse.

IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?

YES: Go to Step 4: KACM

NO: Replace accessory relay 1 that should now be installed in accessory relay 2
position. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

3. ACCESSORY FUSE
1. Remove accessory fuse feeding terminal A20 of the DCM from the driver’s side fuse
panel.

Ascent / Crosstrek / Forster / Impreza = Fuse No. 54 (ACC)
Legacy / Outback / WRX = Fuse No. 51 (ACC)

2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the

passengerside fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground
and the positivelead to both sides of the fuse.
IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?

YES: Find short to power or unexpected power supply on circuit between Fuse
No. 4 of passenger fuse panel and Accessory Fuse feeding terminal A20 of DCM
in drivers fuse panel.

NO: Reinstall Accessory Fuse. Determine components fed by Accessory Fuse in
drivers fuse box and disconnect them one at a time retesting at Fuse No. 4 after
each component is removed to determine if it is the source of the unexpected
voltage.

After repair of above findings (either short to power at harness or component
supplying unexpected voltage) go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 4 of 9

4. KACM
1. Disconnect KACM.
2. With Push Button off and Engine Off check both sides of Fuse No. 4 in the passenger

side fuse panel for voltage by applying the negative test lead to ground and the positive
lead to both sides of the fuse.

IS VOLTAGE AT FUSE NO. 4 GREATER THAN 1 VOLT?

YES: Go to Step 5: KACM ISOLATION

NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

5. KACM ISOLATION
1. Remove Accessory relay 1 and accessory relay 2 from the passenger fuse panel.
2. Using DVOM with red lead connected to terminal A16 of KACM connector and black
lead connected to the under-hood battery negative terminal measure resistance.

IS RESISTANCE AT TERMINAL A16 LESS THAN 1 MEGA OHM?

YES: Short to ground indicated on circuit. Replace harness.

NO: DVOM indicates OL. Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

NOTE: The prerequisite for moving to Step 6: KACM A19 is with Pushbutton off, Engine Off there
is no voltage at Fuse No. 4 of the passenger side fuse panel. If voltage is still present at Fuse No.
4 start testing over at Step 1: PRELIMINARY CHECKS or contact Techline for assistance before
proceeding.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 5 of 9

6. KACM A19
1. Measure the voltage change at the A19 terminal (back probing) of the KACM when the remote engine starting operation is performed.

NOTE: While back probing the terminal A19, the ignition must be off, car in park,
doors and hood closed and the key fob away from the vehicle. On some models the
windows must also be up. Then perform the remote start request from the Customer
Web Portal or the MySubaru App. Deviating away from expected RES car side status
will produce the incorrect test results.
WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF THE KACM?
Voltage at A19 is always 0 V: Go To Step 6a: KACM A19 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS
Voltage at A19 is always 12 V: Go To Step 6b: KACM A19 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS
Voltage at A19 varies 12V – 0V – 12V: Go To Step 6c: KACM A19 VARYING VOLTAGE.

6a. KACM A19 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS
1. Performing step 6.1 the DVOM always read 0 volts at the A19 terminal (back probing) of
the KACM when the remote engine starting operation is performed.

IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF KACM ALWAYS 0 VOLTS?
Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as open circuit or excessive
resistance. Was harness abnormality found?
YES: Replace Harness
NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

6b. KACM A19 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS
1. . Performing step 6.1 the DVOM always read 12 volts at the A19 terminal (back probing) of
the KACM when the remote engine starting operation is performed.

IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF KACM ALWAYS 12 VOLTS?
Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as short to power. Was harness abnormality found?
YES: Replace Harness
NO: Replace ECM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 6 of 9

6c. KACM A19 VARYING VOLTAGE.
1. Performing step 6.1 the DVOM measurement varied 12V – 0V – 12 V at the A19 terminal (back probing) of the KACM when the remote engine starting operation is performed.
IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A19 OF KACM VARYING 12V TO 0v TO 12V DURING RES OPERATION?
YES: Go to Step 7: KACM A16
NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

7. KACM A16
1. Measure voltage at terminal A16 of KACM during remote engine start operation with an
oscilloscope.

NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)
(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.
WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF THE KACM?
Voltage at A16 is always 0 V: Go To Step 7a: KACM A19 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS.
Voltage at A16 is always 12 V: Go To Step 7b: KACM A19 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS.
Voltage at A16 varies 12V – 0V – 12V: Go To Step 7c: KACM A19 VARYING
VOLTAGE.

7a. KACM A16 ALWAYS 0 VOLTS.
1. Performing step 7.1 the oscilloscope always read 0 volts at terminal A16 of KACM during remote engine start operation.

NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)
(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.
IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF KACM ALWAYS 0 VOLTS?
Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as open circuit or
excessive resistance. Was harness abnormality found?
YES: Replace Harness
NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 7 of 9

7b. KACM A16 ALWAYS 12 VOLTS.
1. . Performing step 7.1 the oscilloscope always read 12 volts at terminal A16 of KACM
during remote engine start operation.

NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)
(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.
IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF KACM ALWAYS 12 VOLTS?
Perform inspection of harness for abnormalities such as short to power. Was
harness abnormality found?
YES: Replace Harness
NO: Replace KACM. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

7c. KACM A16 VARYING VOLTAGE.
1. Performing step 7.1 the oscilloscope read 12V – 0V – 12V at terminal A16 of KACM
during remote engine start operation with an oscilloscope.

NOTE: Refer to STIS document MSA5T2101T Subaru Diagnostic Systems (SDS)
(June 2021) pages 4-1 through 4-28 for oscilloscope operation.

IS THE VOLTAGE AT TERMINAL A16 OF KACM VARYING 12V TO 0v TO 12V DURING RES OPERATION?
Perform inspection of terminal A16 of KACM for abnormalities such as intermittent open, excessive resistance or short to ground. Was harness abnormality
found?
YES: Replace Harness
NO: Replace BIU. Go to Step 8: REINSTALL AND RETEST.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 8 of 9

8. REINSTALL and RETEST.
1. Reinstall all components removed for testing.
2. Retest operation of Remote Engine Start for expected behavior.

DOES RES EXHIBIT BEHAVIOR OF RUNNING 15 SECONDS THEN SHUTTING OFF?

YES: Go to Step 1: PRELIMINARY CHECKS.

NO: If RES starts as expected and runs for the selected period vehicle is repaired
and no further action is necessary.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
There have been no changes made to the Warranty Labor Time Guide regarding these procedures.

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.

Bulletin Number: 15-300-22R; Revised: 01/12/25

Page 9 of 9

1


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