Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 07/25/18 Page 4 of 17
• Operation of the head unit after switching the ignition off and back on has been revised:
PREVIOUS Version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF / black while the audio begins playing automatically. This was the prior characteristic operation.
NEW Version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF / black and the audio will also be OFF until the Power/Volume knob is pressed to turn the head unit back ON.
NOTE:
• The Mute function of the Power / Volume knob (a brief press and release of the Power / Volume knob to mute audio output) is unchanged.
• A “system reboot” function is initiated by pressing and holding the Power / Volume button for 10 seconds. This feature was included as part of the previous (11/2017) software update.
• An enhancement of Voice Recognition feature has been made for improved HVAC system interface and recognition of temperatures requested in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. EXAMPLE: “Set temperature to 75.” With the previous version, the system interpreted “75” as degrees Celsius which would have been 167 degrees Fahrenheit and outside system parameters. As a result, there was no response from the HVAC system.
Additional Symptoms and Enhancements addressed by previous updates and also included in this latest (July 2018) update:
1- No streaming audio. When using the Pandora® app, there is no audio output.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 07/25/18 Page 5 of 17

2- “Media is loading” is displayed on the screen but, the media never completes loading.
3- The screen freezes when the STARLINK screen is displayed.
NOTE: The following conditions were addressed in the previous software version update (and WTN-74R) but, this one update incorporates all prior updates.
1- Radio station presets disappear (touch screen buttons return to “Initializing”).
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 07/25/18
Page 6 of 17

2- STARLINK “Telematics Service in Progress” screen freezes.
3- Apple Car Play / Android Auto function does not operate (“No Device Connected”).
4- The complete guidance route can be displayed.
5- A Longitude and Latitude search feature has been added.
6- A “Beep” notification feature has been added for driving time and rest periods.
For reference, the previously released WTN-74R symptoms are also provided below. The main purpose of WTN-74R was to address display screen freeze-up during Back-Up Camera display (when the shifter is in “R”). In addition, the screen may also freeze when either the Subaru STARLINK or Disclaimer Caution / I Agree screen is displayed.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 07/25/18 Page 7 of 17

The previously released WTN-74R updates also addressed these additional operational conditions:
1) After switching the vehicle (ACC or IGN) on, the display screen goes black with no audio output and the hard key buttons are illuminated (on solid, or flashing / blinking).
2) Time of day displayed in the MFD (Multi-Function Display) is incorrect and the arrival time displayed in Navigation units is also incorrect.
3) The time in the MFD automatically reverts to a “default” setting, even after setting the time using “Manual” mode.
4) Audio volume goes to maximum automatically after one click of the volume up button on the steering wheel. In some cases, this condition may also occur without input from the operator. Maximum volume is also displayed on the screen.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-211-17R; Revised 07/25/18 Page 8 of 17

 

Nice to know ...

This would have been nice to know (eg, to reset with Android Auto) after last November's update, instead of turning the engine off & waiting three minutes:

...
• A “system reboot” function is initiated by pressing and holding the Power / Volume button for 10 seconds. This feature was included as part of the previous (11/2017) software update.

This is also nice, but a better solution would be to simply power up with the audio muted, if it was muted when powered down (like, you know, radios have worked for the last century):

• Operation of the head unit after switching the ignition off and back on has been revised:
PREVIOUS Version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF / black while the audio begins playing automatically. This was the prior characteristic operation.
NEW Version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF / black and the audio will also be OFF until the Power/Volume knob is pressed to turn the head unit back ON.

A real problem prior to last November's update; since then, just selecting another input & then reselecting the desired media, works. Hopefully, this fixes that:

...
2- “Media is loading” is displayed on the screen but, the media never completes loading.

 

Sorry guys. Didn’t realize I had to be so specific with how to use the Internet.

Spaces don’t work in URIs. Copy and past the string and delete the space before hitting go, enter or what-have-you.

 

This may help some folks with Android 9.

I had the head unit update done today, and my Pixel 3 would not trigger Android Auto on the car. It remained paired, and the Pixel started Android Auto on the phone, but not on the head unit. The Android Auto on the Apps page remained greyed out.

The fix was to flip a setting on the phone: Apps & Notifications|Android Auto|Advanced|Allow display over other Apps-->switch to "Off".

It immediately connected.

 

Has anyone else gotten the update yet? I just got my car updated yesterday, and wow is there a huge difference in responsiveness now, I didn't have any weird issues before the update, but it's like a whole new radio after this latest update. They really outdid themselves in my eyes so far.

 

Notice

NOTE TO EVERYONE: The firmware update files have not been publicly available since the July 2017 update.

 

Just a cousin popping in from the XV forum, as I frequently do because all things Impreza are all things XV; I figured I’d finally make an account here.

Just wanted to say thanks for the update info. I’ve been tracking it for a month since it hit the European Outback forum. The buggy and weird firmware has been a thorn in all our sides.

 

Try this linky

 

Dealer called today and said software update for 2019 Sport audio system is available. I scheduled an appointment for Friday. I will let you all know how it goes.

 

That seems odd that the dealer wouldn’t update the headunit. I’ve had dealers update the ECU well past the warranty even when I bought the car in for other service and didn’t even know there was an update. This was non-recall stuff, just TSB, so they really didn’t have to do it. Subaru needs to start having over the air updates since the headunit appears to support it.

 

That happens a lot when its emissions related as that warranty is longer than your bumper to bumper in most cases.

Harmon Kardon is more at fault as they have to pay for these updates to the dealers(my understanding) If they didnt make a shitty radio it would be less an issue but....

That said when I got my oil changed Saturday I was told the newest update for the radio was also a recall. It might not address what my issue was but some screen issues where they are going black and not able to get back the functionality. I think I was told it was temperature related. They cant get enough radios now to replace the ones that failed.

Bob

 

Updated my 2018 Impreza Premium on 1/19/19 to Rel_UO.18.43.20

 

Looks like I'm heading to my Subaru dealership this week... get er done!

 

Its simple to do yourself if so inclined.

 

Sure, but last I knew Subaru was being a lot more stingy with the files so I haven't seen a source for the recent versions.

 

Update done!

 

Getting mine done Wednesday morning. They assured me they will have the file downloaded and on flash ready to rock and roll.

 

Got mine updated yesterday. I noticed the the volume indicator is bigger now when you change the volume and it almost seems like the bass has more boom to it also. I have the HK premium audio

 

I thought something looked different when I adjusted the volume today. Just had my car at the dealer for a few issues and they completed the update.

 

Just fyi, I'm still running Rel2.17.43.20 and I haven't experienced any problems since this update.

Before this update, it was just endless headaches like blank or black screens, no playback from USB, radio stations deleting on their own, back-up camera malfunctioning, etc.

 

NoData...

I made a thread a while back that I still had issues after a previous update that were addressed by the update. I ended up doing the factory reset on the head unit and all the issues disappeared. Take pics of your settings before resetting so you can set everything back up again quickly. For whatever reason, some need to do it for the fixes to take effect and others don't it seems.

 

I'd like to confirm: after the most recent update when you turn your radio off, then turn the ignition off, exit the car, re-enter the car and start the ignition, your radio does not automatically turn on? Mine does.

 

It been great following the Imprezas as they get the update (us XVers have been much slower) and I hate to jump in about this but it's has been driving me crazy as I follow the thread.

The head unit is NOT Harmon Kardon. It and the software for it are by HK's parent company, Harmon International (owned by Samsung).
HK makes an audio upgrade package, a DSP/amp and speakers.

 

DEEP BREATH @Docaxv...may want to pop a Valium my friend:wink2:

 

I just got my system updated today to Rel_U0.18.22.20. Navi database is 966_5933_7334.

I'm able to turn the radio fully off before getting out of car but all my presets were erased in the update so I'll need to reset those. Not a big deal. I'll need to see how it functions when I start it up to leave work today. I did notice the difference in the Volume display. The numbers seem bigger and the screen is way more blacked out than before.

Hopefully there are no bugs as my radio rarely gave me an issues previously.

Oh, just to note, I have a Limited Hatch with the 8" screen and HK system.

 

Updated last weekend and I want to go back.
The voice controls for USB playback are broken. Give the a command for example "Play Artist XYZ" The responce is "Playing XYZ." series of deeps "Cancel"
Does not matter if it is a song artist or album. Did a reset just to make sure it wasn't some intialization thing.
It does seem to be able to understand me better.

Anybody eles have this issue?

 

Voice recognition

Updated last weekend and I want to go back.
The voice controls for USB playback are broken. Give the a command for example "Play Artist XYZ" The response is "Playing XYZ." series of beeps "Cancel"
Does not matter if it is a song artist or album. Did a reset just to make sure it wasn't some initialization thing.
It does seem to be able to understand me better.

Anybody eles have this issue?

I'm still on 2.17.43.20, but one problem I have w/ the voice recognition is, I had two playlists with the following names:

• Beethoven Symphony # 6
• Beethoven Symphony # 9

If I said, "Play playlist Beethoven Symphony # 6", it would find it & play it. Not so for symphony # 9. Of course, manually selecting either playlist worked fine. I changed the playlist names to:

• Beethoven Pastoral Symphony # 6
• Beethoven Choral Symphony # 9

& now voice recognition can find either one by their names. I'm curious if this has been fixed in the new software. This is easily tested by just temporarily renaming two other playlists to the above set of two names.

 

Updated, to bragging rights only

I went in for the 02-175-18 (PVC valve) TSB, but they said it didn't apply to my (manual transmission) car. However, they DID do the U0.18.22.20 firmware update. I had to get back home quickly, so I didn't have much time to check things out, but here's what I noted:

1. I lost my radio presets, but user Profiles were preserved. In my profile, I had created home screen shortcuts for my favorite radio stations (I have them on page 2 of the 3-page home screens). Those were preserved.
2. No, "mute" (1-sec press) is not preserved across an engine stop/start. Turning off the head unit (4-sec press) probably works to kill the audio on startup, but I want the head unit to work when I start the car, but no sound. Fortunately, I use my old "AUX" plug work-around.
3. I note that the on-screen volume change indicator, now shows what volume control you are adjusting (eg, music icon or voice prompt icon). I don't remember those icons before.
4. I don't care for the large decrease in the background illumination when I adjust the volume, but not a big deal.
5. I don't see any change in recognizing voice commands (eg, media).

I checked the hidden maintenance menu items. It's been a while since I did that, but I didn't notice anything that had changed or been added.

 

1. No, "mute" (1-sec press) is not preserved across an engine stop/start. Turning off the head unit (4-sec press) probably works to kill the audio on startup, but I want the head unit to work when I start the car, but no sound. Fortunately, I use my old "AUX" plug work-around.

I actually tested this out randomly the other day and also noticed that Mute is not preserved on startup. I guess the only solution is to turn the volume all the way down like the old days...


I do wish the Off feature didn't take so long to turn off. Sometimes it feels like you're holding it forever before it goes off.


Always something to complain about I suppose...

 

Update on my issue with the USB voice commands.
Looks like it was a bad indexing of the drive. I re synced my drive, added a few songs. After the head unit indexed the drive everything worked.

 

I received this prompt email from Subaru about the situation after I explained what was going on with the dealership....I haven't called the dealer back as of yet....I could go to another location, thinking about it.


On Mon, Oct 1, 2018, 10:13 AM custdlrservices <custdlrservices@subaru.com> wrote:

Hello xxxxxxx:

Thank you for your message.

There is an update for the audio system in your 2018 Impreza for it automatically playing whenever you start your Impreza. It is covered in TSB 15-211-17R.

Here are the details of the change:
With current version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF/black while the audio begins playing automatically.

With new version: The head unit power is turned OFF by pressing the Power/Volume knob for 4 or more seconds. On the next ignition ON, the display remains OFF/black and the audio will also be OFF until the Power/Volume knob is pressed to turn the head unit back ON.

I sent a message to Walter, the Service Manager at xxxxxxx Subaru to make sure that all representatives are aware of this latest audio update.

Please give them a call to set an appointment. When set, please let me know when it is. I can then follow-up again with Walter to make sure all is good for your appointment.

Sincerely,

John J. Mergen
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Retailer Services Department

 

My friends, I hate to disappoint you, but I have 2018 Impreza Premium Hatchback with the software version Rel2.17.43
.20 currently, and everytime i start up the car, regadless of whether I turned off the radio or not before, radio starts playing automatically.

 

Hi Everyone, Docaxv mentioned this thread to me. We have a Crosstrek Limited with the same HU as your '17s and '18s, and I've been trying to make some sense of all the various firmware updates. Figured I might learn something here.

These are the updates I'm aware of that have happened since we got the car a year ago:

Ours came with: REL 2.17.22.20 and NA_CAN_MEX 966_5933_7334 maps (May 2017)
Then we got the update to: REL 2.17.43.20 (Dec 2017)
Reported on a ‘19: REL 4.18.11.50 (February 2018)
Reported on a ‘19: REL_U0.18.22.20 (May 2018)
Map update: U0.18.30.20 with 991_6759_9121 maps (July 2018)
Reported update on non-nav ‘19: Rel_U1.18.38.50 (September 2018)
Latest for ’18, nav or no nav: Rel_U0.18.43.20 (end of October 2018)

It seems the U0 and U1 prefix corresponds to the 3.0 and 3.1 hardware versions of the HK HU, in the '17/18 and '19 respectively, although one '19 Crosstrek owner reported having U0.18.22.20, so I wonder if some of the first '19s shipped with the 3.0 HU? Anyone know?

In the TSB that Doca posted, it makes it very clear that the most recent firmware (dated at the end of October and released in December) should not be installed on a '19.

The ones above with map versions are bundled with a map update that you can download if you have nav and a map subscription, and save a trip to the dealer to get your HU firmware updated.

 

Update:

I just checked the maps site with our VIN and the latest firmware is showing up with the current maps:

Rel_U0.18.43.20 NA_CAN_MEX 991_6759_9121

FYI, the .43. refers to the week number of the firmware release (i.e. end of October) but this is the release included in the 12/5/18 TSB...