WQC-39: Engine Control Module Reprogramming
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,057
From: San Mateo, CA
Car Info: 2015 FXT Stage II
Anyone else get this email this morning? I thought if bought new vehicles don't need to be smogged for 6 or 7 years or so? How would this affect tuned vehicles?
Dear Subaru Owner:
>
> We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. At Subaru, we take pride in our products and are committed to your continued satisfaction.
>
> Subaru has developed a modification to the Engine Control Module software logic to improve the monitoring parameters within the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDll) system for the engine coolant thermostat. This correction ensures that should there be an abnormal condition (i.e., the engine coolant does not reach or maintain the proper operating temperature), the “check engine light” will illuminate. The proper illumination of the “check engine light” is needed to alert you that corrective action may be required.
>
> This software change has no effect on fuel economy or vehicle performance.
>
> WHAT WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO PROMPTLY
>
> We ask that you schedule an appointment with your Subaru Dealer as soon as possible to have your vehicle’s Engine Control Module software reprogrammed. This will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, it may be necessary for you to leave your car longer on the day of your appointment to allow your dealer flexibility in scheduling. Your Subaru dealer will perform this modification at no cost to you.
>
> CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS
>
> The California Air Resources Board requires that emission related campaigns be completed prior to California’s vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not be able to register your vehicle during your next annual registration. Upon completion of this campaign, your California dealer will complete and provide you a “Proof of Correction Certificate.” If required, present the certificate to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (the “DMV&rdquo
when renewing your California registration as proof of campaign completion. If the DMV does not request the certificate, we recommend that you keep it for your records.
>
> In addition, the State of California requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the service we are providing at no charge, your vehicle may not pass this test.
>
> IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE
>
> To locate the nearest Subaru Dealer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select “Find a Dealer”.
>
> For additional information and the most Frequently Asked Questions, please go to: http://www.wqc39.service-campaign.com
>
> If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
>
> Telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
> Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
> Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
> Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET
> E-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”.
> U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: CDS Department, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.
>
> Please contact us immediately if the dealer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.
>
> Your continued satisfaction with Subaru is important to us. This update is intended to ensure 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.
>
> We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. At Subaru, we take pride in our products and are committed to your continued satisfaction.
>
> Subaru has developed a modification to the Engine Control Module software logic to improve the monitoring parameters within the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDll) system for the engine coolant thermostat. This correction ensures that should there be an abnormal condition (i.e., the engine coolant does not reach or maintain the proper operating temperature), the “check engine light” will illuminate. The proper illumination of the “check engine light” is needed to alert you that corrective action may be required.
>
> This software change has no effect on fuel economy or vehicle performance.
>
> WHAT WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO PROMPTLY
>
> We ask that you schedule an appointment with your Subaru Dealer as soon as possible to have your vehicle’s Engine Control Module software reprogrammed. This will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, it may be necessary for you to leave your car longer on the day of your appointment to allow your dealer flexibility in scheduling. Your Subaru dealer will perform this modification at no cost to you.
>
> CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS
>
> The California Air Resources Board requires that emission related campaigns be completed prior to California’s vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not be able to register your vehicle during your next annual registration. Upon completion of this campaign, your California dealer will complete and provide you a “Proof of Correction Certificate.” If required, present the certificate to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (the “DMV&rdquo
when renewing your California registration as proof of campaign completion. If the DMV does not request the certificate, we recommend that you keep it for your records. >
> In addition, the State of California requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the service we are providing at no charge, your vehicle may not pass this test.
>
> IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE
>
> To locate the nearest Subaru Dealer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select “Find a Dealer”.
>
> For additional information and the most Frequently Asked Questions, please go to: http://www.wqc39.service-campaign.com
>
> If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
>
> Telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
> Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
> Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
> Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET
> E-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”.
> U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: CDS Department, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.
>
> Please contact us immediately if the dealer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.
>
> Your continued satisfaction with Subaru is important to us. This update is intended to ensure 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.
Last edited by PROcede; Dec 17, 2012 at 12:09 PM.
Nobody likes the tuna here
iTrader: (51)
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Posts: 19,779
From: Somewhere San Mateo County, Inside A 911 Ambulance
Car Info: 03 SRP WRX Street Class Prepped, 17 Chevy Duramax
It doesn't say you have to smog but more like a mandatory repair that needs to be done before the car is registered. This kinda sucks for everyone who is modded and has to get their ecu reflashed. It's like any other state that requires yearly inspections. Guess their programming was that far off......
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,057
From: San Mateo, CA
Car Info: 2015 FXT Stage II
Originally Posted by Heedz
It doesn't say you have to smog but more like a mandatory repair that needs to be done before the car is registered. This kinda sucks for everyone who is modded and has to get their ecu reflashed. It's like any other state that requires yearly inspections. Guess their programming was that far off......
Nobody likes the tuna here
iTrader: (51)
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 19,779
From: Somewhere San Mateo County, Inside A 911 Ambulance
Car Info: 03 SRP WRX Street Class Prepped, 17 Chevy Duramax
I mean the car can run on 91 with all the parts on it. Just don't hit boost. I say.... Go to dealer early, unmarry accessport, reflash stock ecu, then before you leave, remarry the accessport. Lets see if Ed, Mike or Paul chime in for this.
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 404
From: SF Bay
Car Info: 08 WRB/Gold STI. EQ Tuned, E85, 340whp 390wtq
Last time mine was dealer reflashed i was only Stg1 , very simple to revert to stock, reflash, then return to Stg1.
Now the only way that could work is if my car would not be driven, or even started during the "revert to stock map - reflash - back to protune" process.
What a PITA, hoping 08's dont get that recall...
modded people, i emailed cobb about it awhile back
('09-'13) Subaru Service Program WQC-39: ECM Reprogramming - Subaru Forester Owners Forum
email i got back from cobb
Hello,
Thanks for the heads up regarding this. We will try to get a hold of the newer roms and see what all they've updated. Depending on how big/invasive the update is we can look at integrating it into our roms, but without looking at it first I can't really say if its possible or not. If you get a car that is updated and can pull the rom, please forward it our way.
Thanks,
Lincoln Coleman
Software Engineer
ph: 866.922.3059 Ext 1005
fax: 512.997.6400
linc@cobbtuning.com
('09-'13) Subaru Service Program WQC-39: ECM Reprogramming - Subaru Forester Owners Forum
email i got back from cobb
Hello,
Thanks for the heads up regarding this. We will try to get a hold of the newer roms and see what all they've updated. Depending on how big/invasive the update is we can look at integrating it into our roms, but without looking at it first I can't really say if its possible or not. If you get a car that is updated and can pull the rom, please forward it our way.
Thanks,
Lincoln Coleman
Software Engineer
ph: 866.922.3059 Ext 1005
fax: 512.997.6400
linc@cobbtuning.com
Registered User
iTrader: (21)
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,016
From: Oakland
Car Info: 07 STI Built/Widebody/E85/Rotated GTX3576 13 Fozz
It won't change the fact that you need the DMV slip from the dealership saying this work was completed.
We just did the reflash on my wifes 2012 Impreza wagon and they had to give me an official Cal DMV slip with all the info filled out from the dealership. I have to provide it with the registration/smog if the DMV ever asks for it.
We just did the reflash on my wifes 2012 Impreza wagon and they had to give me an official Cal DMV slip with all the info filled out from the dealership. I have to provide it with the registration/smog if the DMV ever asks for it.
Registered User
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 481
From: San Francisco
Car Info: 2005 Subaru Impreza STI
For those wondering about the WQC-39 and any other reflashes, you do need to have this reflash done in order to pass smog for you car. As apetron states, the dealer does hand out a slip to prove you completed the reflash. If your car is modified, DO NOT get the reflash, ABSOLUTELY DO NOT. I did a reflash once and the car ended up not being able to idle properly and stalled constantly. I popped open the hood to find an aftermarket cold air intake and with the MAF sensor installed upside down (MAf sensor at bottom of pipe instead of top, I assume it's the wrong intake for his car). The car came in running perfectly fine, but after the reflash it just crapped out, so I know it's because of the intake. Subaru programmed this reflash assuming your vehicle is stock, so if you're modified, consider yourself out of luck for the dealer reflashing your car. Maybe you can get your car tuned after the reflash?
As apetron states, the dealer does hand out a slip to prove you completed the reflash. If your car is modified, DO NOT get the reflash, ABSOLUTELY DO NOT. I did a reflash once and the car ended up not being able to idle properly and stalled constantly. I popped open the hood to find an aftermarket cold air intake and with the MAF sensor installed upside down (MAf sensor at bottom of pipe instead of top, I assume it's the wrong intake for his car). The car came in running perfectly fine, but after the reflash it just crapped out, so I know it's because of the intake. Subaru programmed this reflash assuming your vehicle is stock, so if you're modified, consider yourself out of luck for the dealer reflashing your car. Maybe you can get your car tuned after the reflash?


