Subaru "manufacturer specific" Diagnostic Scan Tools, along with the related hardware and software, provide the functionality required to troubleshoot self-diagnostic, computerized systems on 1996 model and later Subaru vehicles. These tools, which are made available to all Subaru franchised dealers, are available for purchase to all aftermarket service providers as well as equipment and tool companies for the proper service repair of Subaru vehicles through contracted 3rd party tool manufacturers, as referred to below.
Subaru is committed to make available to information providers and tool companies training information, tools, and tool information. Although different manufacturers use different mediums for distributing tool information, Subaru's current practice is to distribute our information using Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) and Blue Streak Electronics (BSE). Tool information is distributed subject to reasonable confidentiality, licensing, and/or security arrangements.
The following are some common questions that have been asked of us and our responses, so we present them here for your convenience:
NOTE: Subaru Diagnostic Scan Tools are ONLY for the North American market (US and Canada).
1) Does Subaru have a manufacturer-specific Scan Tool?
Yes.Subaru Dealerships can order a Subaru Select Monitor III (SSMIII) through the following business:
SPX Kent-Moore Corporation
28635 Mound Road
Warren, MI 48092-3499
Tel: (800)345-2233
Fax: (800)578-7375
Website: http://subaru.spx.com
Email: kent-moore@servicesolutions.spx.com (tool orders can not be placed using this e-mail address, please call)
The SSMIII Standalone (Complete) Kit can be ordered through SPX Kent-Moore by using part number J-48621. Price is $2,715, and includes a software subscription for one year from date of purchase. Note: Prices subject to change without notice.
Here is a listing of SPX Kent-Moore Item Numbers and components that you may need to perform various functions with the Subaru Select Monitor:
| Component Part | Kent-Moore Part # | Replacement Part | Cost | Warranty |
| SDI Box | 1B040XZ0 | Yes. w/o software or CF Card | $1622.00 | 3 years from date of purchase |
| CF Card | 1B080XZ0 | Yes | $90.21 | 90 days |
| USB Cable | 1B070XZ0 | Yes | $62.39 | 90 days |
| Diagnostic Cable | 1B050XZ0 | Yes | $319.82 | 90 days |
| A/C Adapter | BABD30051 | Yes | $35.28 | 90 days |
| Carrying Case | J-48621-CASE | Yes | $86.00 | 90 days |
| Software | J-48052 (which includes the initial CD& one year subscription from date of purchase) | Yes, but it will not be sold separately from the SSMIII kit. Only sold to active SOA dealers. | $575.00 | 1 year |
Applicable taxes and shipping charges are extra for all items above. A PC or Laptop is not included. Please see the PC and/or laptop minimum operating specifications, below, under question (1i). Note: Prices subject to change without notice.
1A) Who can purchase the SSMIII Standalone Kit?
Only an active Subaru Dealer or Employee of an active Subaru Dealer found on the active Dealer list supplied by Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA). Exceptions are internal use at SOA, or limited repair dealers, Hertz and Avis/Budget Car Rental Car Fleet Accounts. You must have an active dealer code.
1B) Who Makes the Warranty?
Kent-Moore SPX is the warranty agent for the SDI Box which is warranted for 3 years from date of purchase against manufacturer defects by the original manufacturer when purchased in the SSMII Standalone Kit. Damages caused by abuse or misuse are not covered by the warranty agreement. All other component parts except the SDI Box and Software Subscription are covered for 90 days against manufacturer defects by Kent-Moore SPX.
1C) What is the Warranty Repair Procedure?
If a component is suspected of having a defect, and it is within the stated warranty period, the procedure is to call Kent-Moore SPX ordering department at 1-866-213-4690, between 8:00am-6:00pm EST. The Kent-Moore SPX operator will ask for a credit card number and verify your active Subaru Dealer Code while sending a replacement component. In addition, the operator will provide all materials required to return ship the damaged component to the Kent-Moore SPX Repair Center for warranty evaluation, which includes labels, bill of lading return authorization, etc. The credit card will be used to secure the replacement component being shipped to the Dealer, while the Kent-Moore Service Center determine if the failure is covered by the warranty agreement. In the event that the Kent-Moore SPX Service Center inspection results determines that the failure is not covered by the warranty agreement, the credit card will be billed only for the replacement part cost.
1D) What is the Out of Warranty Repair Procedure?
The procedure is essentially the same as above, except that the shipping and repair costs are the responsibility of the equipment owner.
1E) How does the Software Subscription work?
The purchase price of the SSMIII Standalone Kit includes a software subscription for one year from date of purchase. The user is entitled to all updates within this period. The kit includes the initial software CD and instructions on how to load the software on a laptop or PC (not included with the kit).
Note: The initial software must be loaded through a laptop or PC for the SSMIII Standalone to operate.
1F) How do I get Technical Support?
All Technical Support, with the exception of the software loading, is handled by SOA. Please call 1-800-SOATECH M-F 8:30am to 6:00pm EST. If you are experiencing software loading problems, have not received a software CD, or have software subscription questions, please call Kent-Moore SPX at 866-213-4696 M-F 8:00am to 8:00pm EST.
1G) Special Designed Carrying Case J-48621-CASE features.
Heavy duty vinyl reinforced sides, with high density foam inside to absorb all shipment shocks. The foam is cut in a pattern that allows for unit storage, and the ability to attach all of the necessary cables and work the Subaru Select Monitor from within the case. There is no need to remove the SSMIII to attach the cables, or to attach the Diagnostic Connector to the vehicle.
1H) Shipping lead time in out-of-stock situations.
There may be instances where the SSMIII Standalone Kits are not in immediate stock, depending on inventory levels. In this case it may take up 16 weeks lead time to process and complete the SSMIII Standalone Kit order.
1I) What are the Minimum Computer Operating Requirements?
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 2000/XP (Windows Vista should NOT be used) |
| CPU | Intel Pentium M processor; 900 MHz equivalent or higher recommended |
| RAM | 256 MB recommended |
| Available Hard Drive Capacity | 20 GB recommended |
| Drive | CD-ROM drive |
| Communications Port | USB port (USB 1.1 or higher) |
(End-User Note: This type of electronic device requires the advanced automotive knowledge that only a trained technician possesses. Subaru does not offer technical support for diagnostic tools that are not sold by Subaru and will not answer specific questions based on the operation or performance of these devices. All questions pertaining to this device should be directed to SPX Kent-Moore at the above contact information.)
2) Where can I purchase cartridges for Subaru's New Select Monitor (predecessor to SSMIII)?
"Enhanced Tool & Hardware" including 2005 and 2006 model cartridges for Subaru's New Select Monitor (as well as older 1996-2004 model cartridges, and related software) can be obtained by contacting Kent-Moore (contact information listed above and below on this page).
3) What electronic diagnostic scan tools (akin to the SSMIII) are available to aftermarket service providers and where can I purchase these tools?
The aftermarket version of the SSMIII, referred to as the Hitachi Diagnostic System (HDS), is available through Blue Streak Electronics (BSE). The HDS tool provides the aftermarket with exact same functionality as the Subaru Dealer diagnostic tool Subaru Select Monitor III (SSMIII). To order the HDS kit, contact BSE at the website link or telephone number below.
Blue Streak Electronics
45 Basaltic Rd
Concord ON L4K 1G5
Tel: (905)669-4812
Fax: (905)669-5179
Email: info@bsecorp.com
Website: http://www.bsecorp.com/hds.php
(User Note: This type of electronic device requires the advanced automotive knowledge that only a trained technician possesses. Subaru does not offer technical support for diagnostic tools that are not sold by Subaru and will not answer specific questions based on the operation or performance of these devices. All questions pertaining to this device should be directed to Blue Streak Electronics at the above contact information.)
NOTE: Subaru Diagnostic Scan Tools are ONLY for the North American market (US and Canada).
4)What OEM equipment is available to reprogram Subaru vehicles? How do I obtain the tools?
Subaru of America, Inc., does not offer a dealer diagnostic tool rental program or any lease arrangements.
For aftermarket service providers, reprogramming can be performed using the Hitachi Diagnostic System (HDS). The HDS is available through Blue Streak Electronics (BSE). The HDS tool provides the aftermarket with exact same functionality as the Subaru Dealer diagnostic tool Subaru Select Monitor III (SSMIII). To order the HDS kit, contact BSE at the website link or telephone number below.
Blue Streak Electronics
45 Basaltic Rd
Concord ON L4K 1G5
Tel: (905)669-4812
Fax: (905)669-5179
Email: info@bsecorp.com
Website: http://www.bsecorp.com/hds.php
5) What J2534 reprogramming capabilities are available?
(A) J2534 Reprogramming
Subaru reprogramming files using generic (non-OEM) SAE J2534 a pass-thru vehicle programming device are available by contacting Service Technical Information Company toll free at 1-866-428-2278. The cost for the CD-ROM with all reprogramming files is $75.00 plus S/H and applicable state tax. Files will be updated four (4) times per year, in CD-Rom format, with all available reprogramming service information at the same above offered cost. Authorized Subaru Dealers are provided the same reprogramming information during quarterly updates.
Before purchasing, the reprogramming details can be found in the following Reprogramming J-2534 Files chart. Click the link to view the PDF chart.
Subaru J2534 Reprogramming software meets the latest available J2534-1 specification. Our Reprogramming J2534 Files chart does not specify the Calibration Identification Number (CID); however, this information is included in our offered CD-Rom.
Note: The ECM or TCM being reprogrammed may already contain some or all of the reprogramming files listed in the Reprogramming J2534 Files chart shown by release date. It is possible to damage the vehicles ECM/TCM during the reprogramming event. Once the reprogramming process has started, it is recommended not to interrupt the process until the event is completed. If you experience any problems, please contact your scan tool maker for further instructions.
(B) Are all pre-2004MY Subaru vehicles compatible with J2534?
No. Subaru has no reprogramming capability for model years 1996-1998. Starting with our 1999 model year, please see our Reprogramming Pre-J2534 Files chart for affected model reprogramming information.
Both pre-J2534 reprogramming and J2534 pass thru reprogramming files are included in the offered HDS kit software for aftermarket service provider application.