Subaru of America's latest position statement recommends that pre-repair scanning be performed on all Subaru vehicles from model year 2004 and forward involved in a collision. Accoring to Subaru's statement, "Pre-scanning will reveal DTCs for items that are not functioning properly in the vehicle, and allow a shop to identify any issues early in the estimate process, allowing a more complete estimate and encompassing repair process." Read the full statement below.
Position Statement from Subaru of AmericaSubject: Pre- and Post- Scanning of Collision Vehicles Subaru of America, Inc., July 2017 - With each new model, Subaru makes advancements in technology that assist in the operation and safety of our vehicles. These advancements incorporate different sensor, cameras, control units, as well as other components, to assist with the functionality of the vehicle. They are a critical part of vehicle operation and the safety features in each Subaru vehicle. In the event of a collision, these components could incur damage, which may trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), but may not be evident via a warning light on the instrument cluster. It is imperative that these components be evaluated after a collision to ensure the vehicle is completely repaired. If these components are not evaluated, it could have a direct effect on vehicle operation and safety. For Subaru vehicles from model year 2004 and forward involved in a collision, Subaru collision repair procedure recommends that pre-repair scanning be performed. Pre-scanning will reveal DTCs for items that are not functioning properly in the vehicle. It allows a shop to identify any issues early in the estimate process, allowing a more complete estimate and encompassing repair process. Additionally, Subaru collision repair procedure also recommends that post-repair scanning be performed on these vehicles. Post scanning is critical in ensuring the malfunctioning items have been repaired and there are no remaining DTCs. It may also assist in assuring the appropriate calibrations and reinitializations have been performed.
To accurately determine whether DTCs are present in a vehicle, Subaru recommends the use of the Subaru SSM4 diagnostic tool. Information regarding the purchase of the Subaru SSM4 diagnostic software application and Denso DST-i interface device can be found in the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) at https://techinfo.subaru.com > Information > Special Tool Information. If a Subaru SSM4 diagnostic tool is not available, Subaru recommends the use of an asTech™ device. The asTech™ device performs a diagnostic scan remotely using a genuine Subaru scan tool. Information regarding the purchase of the asTech™ tool can be found at https://astech.com. A generic scan tool may be used but Subaru cannot guarantee the content or accuracy of other scan tools. Always refer to the applicable Subaru Service Manual or Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the most up to date repair procedures.
Any time a collision repair is performed, always refer to the appropriate Body Repair Manual for the most up to date repair procedures.
All Subaru technical information including Body Repair Manuals, Service Manuals, TSBs and more are available for purchase in STIS at https://techinfo.subaru.com > Login/My Account > Purchase a Subscription. Subscription options are listed on the site.
If a collision repair is necessary, Subaru of America, Inc. strongly recommends using Genuine Subaru replacement body parts, mechanical components, and electrical parts including all safety devices such as airbags and seatbelts. The use of Genuine Subaru original parts will help ensure the vehicle is restored back to its original pre-collision condition and the structural integrity of the vehicle will perform as it was designed and tested in the event of another collision. The safety of our customers is our number one priority.
The use of any aftermarket or substitute structural, body, mechanical or electrical repair parts are not covered under the Subaru of America, Inc. limited warranty, replacement parts limited warranty or Subaru Added Security (SAS) agreements or contracts. Subaru of America, Inc. is not responsible for any resultant damage caused by the use and/or installation of any aftermarket substitute part(s).Download the Full Statement
