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Old 08-14-2008, 12:17 PM   #1
Cocoa Beach Bum
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Default 2008 STI Recalled for ECU Reflash - WVE-15

I noticed this at http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/litS...VE-15&x=37&y=6

Quote:
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogramming

Service Program Bulletin#WVE-15
Pages: 5

Bulletin Description:
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. Under certain harsh driving patterns, specifically when repeatedly or continuously operating the engine above the "red-line" (RPM above 6,700), abnormal combustion could occur resulting in serious internal engine damage in the form of broken piston ring lands. This abnormal combustion condition is the result of an "over lean" fuel mixture caused by a combination of fuel cut activation and high turbo boost. To prevent this condition from occurring, Subaru has developed a modification to the Engine Control Module software logic that will improve combustion management above "red-line" engine speed. This revised logic will not adversely affect peak vehicle performance.
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Old 08-14-2008, 12:34 PM   #2
chuckdez
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07 models have a newer ECU also, I wonder if their ring land problems are related.
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Old 08-14-2008, 12:48 PM   #3
Stames_wiltz
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^^^ all STi's share the same ringland issue. It is due to the weak cast pistons. Subaru's detonate too easy, I love my STi, but I wish the OE engine build was more like the Evo
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Old 08-14-2008, 12:53 PM   #4
Cocoa Beach Bum
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckdez View Post
07 models have a newer ECU also, I wonder if their ring land problems are related.
The 2007 STI isn't involved in this service campaign.
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Old 08-14-2008, 01:00 PM   #5
Digitalfiend
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Here is the bulletin:

Quote:
Originally Posted by WVE-15
ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER ***10063;
PARTS MANAGER ***10063;
CLAIMS PERSONNEL ***10063;
SERVICE MANAGER ***10063;
IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
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. PROUD PARTNER
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WVE-15; Date: Aug. 2008 Page
For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact
those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also
arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure
section of this bulletin.
Dealers are also to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin
to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo). Additionally, whenever a
vehicle subject to this service program is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the
dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the service program correction
has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SPECIAL TOO LS
Vehicle ECM reprogramming will require the following:
Subaru Diagnostic System (SDS)
***8226; CF-18 Tough book and A/C Power Supply
***8226; Subaru Select Monitor III (SSMIII Application Software)
***8226; Subaru Diagnostic Interface Box (SDI)
***8226; USB Data Link Cable and Reprogramming Cable.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Use the Special Tools listed above to reprogram the ECM.
Follow all standard ECM reprogramming precautions before attempting reprogramming.
Note: If you require assistance with using the Subaru Diagnostic System (SDS), use the
"Help" function icon, which will allow you access the tutorial information.
ECM Reprogramming Instructions
Confirm that your SSMIII contains the latest software update released by SOA on August 12,
2008. Upgrade Version Numbers:
***8226; Software: 1.15.33.3
***8226; Interface Box: 1.6.0
***8226; Interface Box CF Card: 1.2.35
Use the following Pack file to reprogram the ECM:
Vehicle Transmission New ECM / Pack File
Part Number
2008 Impreza WRX STI MT 22611AN351.pak
STATE EMISSION TESTING ADVISORY
After ECM reprogramming, the OBD system's readiness code monitors will set to "incomplete".
Normally, the vehicle needs to be driven under a variety of conditions before the
readiness code monitors will indicate "complete". (See State I/M Program Advisory Bulletin
number 11-72-04, dated 8/4/04 for details.)
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WVE-15; Date: Aug. 2008 Page
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Service Program identification label. The completed
label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available through the Customer Dealer Services Department (CDS) at
1-866- 728-2782.
WVE-15
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this Service Program will be based on the submission of properly completed
repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their
Dealer Communications System.
ECM Reprogramming - Use the applicable claim submission information for Reprogramming
the ECM.
For ECM Reprogramming enter labor operation 145-580 for 0.6 labor hours.
Claim Type Campaign Code Labor Labor
Description
Part Number
RC WVE15 145-580 - 0.6 Reprogram ECM None
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WVE-15; Date: Aug. 2008 Page
Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru Plaza
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
www.subaru.com
Service Program WVE-15
Engine Control Module Reprogramming August 2008
Dear Subaru Owner:
We would like to thank you for selecting a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. At Subaru, we take
pride in our products and are committed to your continued satisfaction. During a quality review,
we discovered that under certain harsh driving patterns, specifically when repeatedly or continuously
operating the engine above the "red-line" (RPM above 6,700), abnormal combustion could
occur resulting in serious internal engine damage in the form of broken piston ring lands. This
abnormal combustion condition is the result of an "over lean" fuel mixture caused by a combination
of fuel cut activation and high turbo boost. To prevent this condition from occurring, Subaru
has developed a modification to the Engine Control Module software logic that will improve
combustion management above "red-line" engine speed. This revised logic will not adversely affect
the peak performance of your vehicle.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO PROMPTLY
We suggest that you schedule an appointment with your Subaru Dealer as soon as possible to
have the Engine Control Module software reprogrammed to help maintain your vehicle's optimum
performance and prevent possibly serious engine damage. Your Subaru dealer will perform
this repair at no cost to you. In the meantime, please maintain your vehicle's engine speed below
6,700 RPM until this repair has been performed.
Please present this letter to your Subaru Dealer on the day of your service appointment.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The approximate time to perform this repair is 40 minutes. However, it may be necessary for
you to leave your car for a longer period on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your
dealer flexibility in scheduling other appointments.
MODIFIED VEHICLES
Aftermarket Engine Control Module (ECM) software changes may adversely affect the proper
operation of your vehicle and prevent your Subaru dealer from performing the ECM software
logic update described in this letter. If your Subaru dealer is unable to perform this update as a
result of non-authorized modifications made to your vehicle's ECM, Subaru will not be able to
assist you until your vehicle is returned to its original condition. If this software update is not
performed or if other aftermarket modifications cause similar engine damage, Subaru will not be
able to assist with any resulting repair costs.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WVE-15; Date: Aug. 2008 Page
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have changed your address, or if you have sold your Subaru, please complete the enclosed
prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
IF YOU NEED FURT HER ASSISTANCE
To locate your nearest Subaru Dealer, you can access our web site at www.Subaru.com and go
to the dealer locator function. Or, you may call us at 1-800SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) during
normal business hours. Please call or write (using the address at the top of this letter) us immediately
if the dealer fails or is unable to complete this procedure free of charge.
Your continued satisfaction with Subaru is important to us. This update is intended to assure your
vehicle's optimal performance. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and regret any
inconvenience this may cause you.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
Notice to Lessors
The lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter is requested to provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt.
The lessor should also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number
(VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date of this notification
has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle's title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another
person for a term of at least four months.)
A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
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Old 08-14-2008, 01:06 PM   #6
chuckdez
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cocoa Beach Bum View Post
The 2007 STI isn't involved in this service campaign.
I was mostly referring to fuel cut above 6,700 RPM. I'm curious if the 07 and 08 share the same logic creating the lean condition.
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Old 08-14-2008, 01:14 PM   #7
Stames_wiltz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckdez View Post
I'm curious if the 07 and 08 share the same logic creating the lean condition.
to a degree, sure. Subaru is trying to meet Level 2 emissions standards. But because of the different modes, ie. sport, sharp... they have different fueling and boost targets specific for each map those modes have. in short, it isn't as aggressive as the 07 logic because of the different ECM map modes you can choose from, but yes they are still running too lean.
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Old 08-14-2008, 02:00 PM   #8
tux121
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Stage 2

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I wonder, flash 2 different maps into the I mode and S mode, like pump gas map & race gas map.
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Old 08-14-2008, 02:01 PM   #9
xreign
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckdez View Post
07 models have a newer ECU also, I wonder if their ring land problems are related.
Nope ringlands on the sti's has to do with the mold used to make the rings.
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Old 08-14-2008, 05:45 PM   #10
raska
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2008 STi

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So is this all 2008 STI's, or am I reading over any date or VIN cutoff there? My VIN does not show up on a STIS search yet...
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Old 08-14-2008, 06:48 PM   #11
P&L Motorsports Inc.
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Vehicle:
07 8.8@171mph STI
97 RS 8.3@165mph

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Quote:
Originally Posted by tux121 View Post
I wonder, flash 2 different maps into the I mode and S mode, like pump gas map & race gas map.
It doesn't quite work that way. You can't change all the parameters in the map that you would want to when switching from pump to race gas by only using the i/s/s# knob.

You can however raise and lower boost to suit your particular weather conditions, gas consumption needs, etc. with the i/s/s# knob and some clever tuning.

-Ty
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Old 08-14-2008, 09:21 PM   #12
Tea cups
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Subaru effectively disabled the 'rev limit fuel resume' logic with the 08 STi. Prior years (and all other models with the 32-bit ECU), will not resume fueling after a rev limit fuel cut until engine speed drops below the low threshold AND boost drops below about 9.7 psig at sea level. With the 08 STi, fueling will resume regardless of boost (only the engine speed threshold comes into play). This seems to be precisely what they are talking about. So, likely the fix is to lower the boost threshold (currently an unobtainable 24 psig at sea level).
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Old 08-15-2008, 02:58 PM   #13
chuckdez
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tea cups View Post
Subaru effectively disabled the 'rev limit fuel resume' logic with the 08 STi. Prior years (and all other models with the 32-bit ECU), will not resume fueling after a rev limit fuel cut until engine speed drops below the low threshold AND boost drops below about 9.7 psig at sea level. With the 08 STi, fueling will resume regardless of boost (only the engine speed threshold comes into play). This seems to be precisely what they are talking about. So, likely the fix is to lower the boost threshold (currently an unobtainable 24 psig at sea level).
First of all thanks for answering my question. That is a major problem shooting for 24 psig. Almost appears as if someone made a typo and it was missed or were they disabling the logic?
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Old 08-15-2008, 03:20 PM   #14
Tea cups
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckdez View Post
First of all thanks for answering my question. That is a major problem shooting for 24 psig. Almost appears as if someone made a typo and it was missed or were they disabling the logic?
It is a common practice by the engineers. And it makes sense as rewriting a routine to eliminate the threshold could introduce bugs (as well as take additional time) - you already have a routine that has been proven and tested so why mess with it. So, they simply raise the threshold to an artificially high value that will never be achieved. Since the target boost at redline is about half of that threshold (~ 13 psig at sea level), it will never come into play and therefore there's never a delay in resuming fueling based on boost.

Last edited by Tea cups; 08-15-2008 at 03:28 PM.
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Old 08-15-2008, 03:59 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tea cups View Post
Subaru effectively disabled the 'rev limit fuel resume' logic with the 08 STi. Prior years (and all other models with the 32-bit ECU), will not resume fueling after a rev limit fuel cut until engine speed drops below the low threshold AND boost drops below about 9.7 psig at sea level. With the 08 STi, fueling will resume regardless of boost (only the engine speed threshold comes into play). This seems to be precisely what they are talking about. So, likely the fix is to lower the boost threshold (currently an unobtainable 24 psig at sea level).
Wow, I actually started mimicking the 02 WRX style fuel cut (with added retarded timing, 8 degrees at rev limit with the base timing tables) and a soft throttle cut on the 32 bit ECUs that I have tuned.
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Old 08-31-2008, 01:32 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tea cups View Post
It is a common practice by the engineers. And it makes sense as rewriting a routine to eliminate the threshold could introduce bugs (as well as take additional time) - you already have a routine that has been proven and tested so why mess with it. So, they simply raise the threshold to an artificially high value that will never be achieved. Since the target boost at redline is about half of that threshold (~ 13 psig at sea level), it will never come into play and therefore there's never a delay in resuming fueling based on boost.

So that really doesn't answer the question of why the threshold was set beyond an achievable trigger level. Mistake?



Black Ice
[ ]
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Old 08-31-2008, 10:35 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Black_Ice View Post
So that really doesn't answer the question of why the threshold was set beyond an achievable trigger level. Mistake?
There's no such thing as "typos" when it comes to this sort of thing, if that is what you are saying. So, they intended to eliminate that the threshold from coming into play as that is precisely how they always do it. Hard to say why they changed it. Perhaps during track testing and bouncing off the rev limiter they felt the "delay" in resuming fuel was hurting track times (that might be reflected in a future magazine review) and thought that the removal of this "safety" feature would not cause any ill effects. That was their mistake, I guess, if that is really the cause of the engine failures.
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Old 08-31-2008, 02:12 PM   #18
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...thinking that's a big IF....
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Old 08-31-2008, 03:29 PM   #19
b0nd18t
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Sooo is this Subaru finally admitting problems with their stock tune (just 08 however in this case not 07)?

Bout ****ing time.
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