Q: How do I obtain a DENSO DST-i diagnostics box that will work with the Subaru SSM4 software?
DENSO Corporation has recently and unexpectedly ceased production of the DENSO DST-i unit. As a result, Nuspire’s inventory has been depleted and we are unable to order any more units directly from DENSO. There are several resources available on the web who are redistributors of the remaining DENSO DST-i inventory who should be able to assist you. Subaru is working with DENSO to make a replacement for the DST-i available as soon as possible. Regardless, SSM4 and the DENSO DST-i (or its replacement) will continue to be utilized by Subaru for the foreseeable future.
Q: How do I download the SSM4 software?
Within one hour of your successful 12-month subscription purchase, you will receive an email that will contain a hyperlink, User ID and Password.
Please make sure you are using the laptop that will be associated and used exclusively for Subaru.
Click on the link in the email and you will be directed to the SSM4 download center where you will enter your credentials that were provided to you in the email.
Within the 12-month subscription period, every time Subaru has a new release, you will receive another email with a new hyperlink, User ID and Password to download the new software. Once entered, the download begins.
Again, make sure you are downloading the SSM4 software files to the laptop to be used with the DENSO.
Once the file download is complete, the software will present you with three install options.
Install all three options and then exit the install dialogue screen once this has been completed.
Q: How do I obtain the Product Password?
After the SSM4 software installation is complete, connect the DENSO DST-i box (that you obtained elsewhere) to the laptop using the USB cable provided with the DENSO DST-i.
At this point a unique Product ID number will appear in a dialogue window. Please record the Product ID number somewhere safe.
You will then be prompted to enter a “Product Password”. Prior to receipt of the Product Password, you will be able to continue use of the SSM4 software by clicking the “SKIP” button. The “SKIP” button will remain functional for 21 days following the first use of the SSM4 software allowing for full functionality of the device and software prior to receipt of the Product Password.
Email the unique Product ID and Software Version Number that you recorded to: requests@subarutech.net for processing. After we receive your email, the Product Password will subsequently be provided back to you via email within 3 business days.
After receipt of the Product Password (copy/paste this from the email you will receive), enter it upon next use of the SSM4 software. This step will complete registration of the DENSO DST-i device, SSM4 software and laptop.
Q: What are the minimum laptop specifications required to run the Subaru SSM software?
Any new or refurbished laptop running Windows 10 with an i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 256 GB mechanical or SSD hard drive. The normal Intel graphics that is built-in to the laptop is perfectly acceptable, no need for a discrete graphics chip.
Q: Can I run the Subaru SSM4 software on a Windows 7 laptop?
No, you must use Windows 10. Subaru made use of Windows 10 features when programming their SSM4 software. While it may seem to work and actually install on Windows 7, the use of various application features will throw errors when using certain functions. Windows 7 laptops are not supported.
Q: Can I use a generic interface/scan tool (not the DENSO DST-i) with the Subaru SSM4 software?
Yes, the SSM4 software is designed to work with a generic J-2534 device. However, the SSMIII software does not. Only the Subaru SDI (discontinued) and DST-i are compatible with SSMIII. Additionally, while generic scan tools may be recognized and are compatible, use of these will not be supported by SOA or Nuspire and you will have to research and resolve any errors internally.
Q: Can I skip a Subaru SSM quarterly release and instead apply a more recent version?
No, this is not recommended. Recently, Subaru introduced a more secure version of SSM4 during their normal quarterly release. The Product Password security was improved and at the same time a number of advanced security checks were implemented. Please ensure that you update all laptops with a valid SSM4 subscription every time there is a Subaru SSM4 Quarterly release. You will be notified via email when a new release is made available.
Q: Can I get a copy of the Subaru SSMIII diagnostics software?
The Subaru SSMIII software is included in the Subaru SSM4 Quarterly release. The SSM4 software will recognize the VIN and if appropriate automatically switch to the SSMIII interface.
Q: Are there any User Guides describing how to perform functions and run tests using the DENSO DST-i and SSM4 software?
Yes, Subaru has created a 400+ page end-user guide. Subscribers can download it from the application’s Help menu. Non-subscribers who desire to receive one through email can email the request for the guide to: requests@subarutech.net and we will respond and email you the guide within 2 business days. Please be sure to include your name, Business name and email address in the request.
Q: Can I have other manufacturers vehicle diagnostics applications loaded onto the same laptop that I have installed the Subaru SSM software on?
No, there are conflicts between the Subaru SSM4 software and other manufacturers diagnostics software. Every time you perform an update to the Subaru SSM software, it may overwrite the other manufacturers .DLL (driver) files, causing the other manufacturers software to not communicate with those other vehicles. Conversely, the other manufacturers software may overwrite the Subaru drivers if an update is performed for that software. As a result, the laptop being used for Subaru must only have Subaru SSM software on it.
Q: Does a laptop come with the SSM4 purchase?
No, you must procure a laptop running Windows 10 to use exclusively with Subaru. A refurbished laptop from Dell or HP with Windows 10 meeting minimum specifications is sufficient. These can generally be found on-line for about $200.
