To: All Subaru Retailers
From: Subaru of America, Inc. – Service Department
Date: July 1, 2019
Subject: Midtronics Battery Test and Charge Equipment Software Update
Today, we are pleased to announce the release of a software update to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic Service System and the GR8-1100 Battery Diagnostic Station. The releases will update the software from revision “E” to revision “F” for the DSS-5000 and from revision “F” to revision “G” for the GR8-1100.
What’s New – GR8-1100:
- The GR8-1100 product is at the end of its useful life and has been replaced by the DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System. With this update the GR8-1100 will no longer provide test codes for warranty claims.
What’s New – DSS-5000:
- Updated make/model table. The internal database has been updated with the latest information so that once the VIN is entered the correct testing parameters are applied.
- When performing a battery test, the VIN is now captured after the test has been completed to help prevent electrical interference (due to the driver’s door being opened) from affecting the test results.
- Dual battery testing procedure has been simplified (2014-2016 Crosstrek Hybrid).
Update Notes:
- For issues related to any Midtronics device, please contact Midtronics customer support at 800-776-1995.
- For issues related to the SDS network or the Brother printer please contact Nuspire at 877-782-7404
- Please consult the DSS-5000 knowledge base for more information: https://subarudss5000.midtronics.com/knowledge-base/how-to-install-a-software-update-on-the-dss-5000/
- The warranty claims system has been updated to accommodate the DCA-8000. Please begin using the DCA 8000 for warranty claims in place of the GR8-1100. As of June 1, 2019, the test code generated by the GR8-1100 will no longer be accepted for warranty purposes. After June 1st, the GR8-1100 can still be used for Power Supply during reprogramming and for customer pay situations not involving an Enhanced Flooded Battery.
Update Instructions:
- The DSS-5000 unit connected to the Nuspire “Subtronics01” Wi-Fi network will automatically check for updates. The easiest way to ensure your DSS-5000 automatically performs any available software updates is to always dock your DSS-5000 at the end of the day in the dock. Make sure the dock is connected to power and that the Controller has Wi-Fi Internet access. The DSS-5000 will automatically wake itself up overnight to check for any available software updates and perform the installation without manual user intervention. If the update is skipped, it can be prompted at a later time manually from the Update menu inside the Utility menu.
- The GR8-1100 EST connected to the Nuspire “Subtronics01” Wi-Fi network will automatically check for updates when the tool is powered up for the first time each day. A notification is displayed on the screen when a new software update is available. Upon accepting the prompt, the update will download and install. If the update is skipped, it can be prompted at a later time manually from the Update menu inside the Utility menu.
Warning: If the update is accepted, do not power off or otherwise stop the update from completing. If the update is stopped there is a risk that the firmware can become corrupted and if so, the tool must be sent to Midtronics for servicing.
Please note: Battery testing using Midtronics Battery Test and Charge equipment is required when performing battery replacement in all Subaru warranty cases except for leaking batteries.
Additionally, all test results submitted on a warranty claim must comply with the Subaru Claims P&P manual section 8.4.12.1 regarding requirements to obtain a proper test code and the submission of those test codes to BMIS. Improper test codes or codes not transmitted to BMIS are subject to rejection or debit.
Test results from DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging system, GR8-1100 Battery Diagnostic Station and DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic Analyzer including the Battery Test Code required for claim submission (where applicable) are automatically uploaded to the BMIS website for easy retrieval. Please ensure your machines are updating test results to the BMIS server on a regular basis.
The DCA-8000, DSS-5000, GR8-1100 EST and EXP-1000S user manuals can be found on STIS.
If you have questions, please contact Subaru Service Operations at serviceoperations@subaru.com.