Subaru "EyeSight"

[Dave M]

While at one of my Subaru accounts today the shop foreman asked me if I knew what the EyeSight was on the new Subaru's. I did not know, nor had I heard of EyeSight. So, for those that also have no idea, here's what I was told.
The dealership had received a service bulletin stating that as an OPTION, 2013 Legacy's and Outback's have a stereo camera installed on the inside of the windshield. One "eye" on either side of the rear view mirror facing forward toward the front of the vehicle. "It is important to understand NO repairs can be made to the glass if the damage is in the Prohibited areas". It goes on to state that damage and/or repairs in the prohibited area can interfere and possibly compromise proper operation of the system.
Included with the bulletin was a diagram of a windshield with the prohibited area outlined. This diagram can be made into a life size cut out to aline on the exterior windshield. The prohibited area is roughly 26" wide and 15" high centered at the top of the windshield.
Care also needs to be taken on the inside if washing the glass or during a replacement. The two lenses need to be covered.
This "EyeSight" technology is an accident prevention system using four different methods. This can be seen on YouTube.
By the way.......this system costs an extra $4000.00 and the lenses inside are $400.00. My first question would be that if repairs in the prohibited area can cause problems, what about bird droppings or pitch from a tree?

[screenman]

You have an extremely good point there, maybe Subaru have the answer and maybe not. Thanks for the information if you do not mind I will ask the question on a replacement forum.

[screenman]

On talking to Subaru UK they have told me they are not bringing that spec into the UK yet, they also suggest the measurement is in centimeters not inches. So should be about 10 x 6, can roughly be seen as the area the rain sensor is in. The reason why no repair is recommended is due to the poor quality of many repairs, this means they have to take it down to the lowest level which would of course cause distortion.

[Dave M]

Screenman,
As for the size of the prohibited area for doing a repair in the USA, according to the Subaru diagram, it is as I noted in original post.

[screenman]

I spoke personally on the phone to Subaru Technical in the UK and he said it was centimeters not inches, there must have been a mistake in translation as there could be no need for such a huge area. I cannot see any reason why the area would be as large as figures you have over there, not distributed by a replacement company by any chance.

Is there a way you could scan a copy so that I could take it back up with Subaru UK, be great if you could. I am in contact with the main importers on this matter, not just the local dealership.

Be nice to get it sorted so that both sides agree.

[Dave M]

Screenman,
Not sure I can send image (according to the forum rules) as it is from the Subaru manufacturer. There is an area within the prohibited diagram that allows repairs. It is appox. 6 x 10 inches in a triangular shape that surrounds the rear view mirror. I am surprised that you can not obtain this diagram from your contact, as I did!

[Dave M]

There is a wealth of info on the internet regarding the Subaru EyeSight. If you contact your local Subaru Dealer ask for TSR (Technical Service Bulletin) #12-137-12R and ask that the acceptable windshield repair area diagram be printed for you.

[screenman]

I will get it sorted tomorrow with luck. Mind you something seems odd as those measurements you just mentioned are the same size as I would have thought you cannot repair in.

[Dave M]

Screenman,
According to my research the 2 cameras triangulate the image. Picture this...using your description of what a bulls-eye looks like (cone) and the impact point being the camera eye. Each eye scans an image at appox. 20 degrees. This means that the area of the windshield that both eyes are looking is larger than the area directly in front of the cameras. Does this make sense to you?

[screenman]

Got it, just seen a picture, the muppet over here thought and said the camera lens was in the rain sensor area, where as they are set wider than that. Boy I cannot wait to talk to him tomorrow.

Dave M many thanks for setting this post up for us I will post how I get on later.

http://subaru.com.au/about/eyesight/eye ... -operation