Subaru Legacy/Outback Wagons Maintenance & Repair

ateixeira · October 2005

Not much she can do retroactively, so just change her habits from here on out.

She should change the oil every 6 months or so regardless of her mileage. And ASAP, of course.

-juice

jeremyt1 · October 2005

I noticed a couple recent posts about this issue but none seemed to relate to my issue.

I have a flashing AT Oil Temp light on my 99 Legacy GT. I had a major voltage spike in my alternator and this is one of the after effects. I have driven it very little since I replaced the alternator (around the block) but it seems to shift fine. Tranny fluid is ok.
My question is: What is the likelyhood that it would be safe to drive my car about 13-15 miles to the shop to get this (and all my other issues due to my voltage spike) fixed? I don't want to ruin my transmission too!

sstevek · October 2005

I changed the oil for the first time in my 2002 Outback that I bought in July. I was pleased to see it's as easy as the '98 after removing the plastic cover under the engine. I did put it back, but wonder how necessary it is. It was already missing 2 of the 3 plastic screws, and I lost the sleeve that the 1 remaining screw fit into. It seems to stay ok without it after sliding it back in. I also had to replace a low beam headlight bulb this evening, also very easy with no tools required. I was surprised to see a lamp burn out on a 3 year old car, but maybe that's to be expected since it has daytime running lights. I'm very happy with this car, many improvements over the '98. According to the manual oil changes are every 7.5k miles. I usually wouldn't let it go that long, but maybe engine technology has changed enough over the years so the 3 to 5k interval is no longer necessary.

fibber2 · October 2005

Given your car's history, I am not so sure that I would drive it. It is unknown what might have been cooked by the (was it overvoltage, or wired backwards ????) alternator problem you had back during the summer. I am leaning towards flat bedding it until you know why the light is flashing. The system seems to think it is in major distress, and there is really no way of knowing if this is true.

Steve

jeremyt1 · October 2005

Thanks Steve. You're right. I should just flatbed it, but it's kind of a pain in the rear...
Still don't know what caused the original issue for sure, the alternator was a big part of it but I'm not sure if anything else was in play.
After taking it home and attempting to troubleshoot it, I've made more progress than the first shop I took it too. (they missed a short in the sub fan) There's still more than I can handle going on with this. I'm trying a reputable shop before breaking down and spending the big bucks at the dealer.

fibber2 · October 2005

Steve,

I would recommend that you keep the underbody shroud intact. You certainly get enough snow and salt up where you are in Hartford to be able to appreciate what a difference it will make in terms of cleanliness and protection. Salt kills, and any shielding that keeps it away from mechanical and electrical parts is a good thing, in my book. Replace the fasteners, or fashion something to hold it in place. I would still stick with 5k or so on the oil changes, no longer if you can help it.

Bulbs are picky things. The ones on my OBW are fine, but I have gone thru two in the past three months on my Honda. The glass is intact, and the high beam filament is fine, but in both cases the low beam filament fractured in just about the same place. Could be a manufacturing issue, or maybe some kind of coupled harmonic that the fine windings resonate to and it beats them to death? Who knows....

Steve

fibber2 · October 2005

It might be too long ago for you to get help now from SoA, but I seem to remember a recall, or service advisory about alternators running amuck on late '90's cars. Might be worth a call to 1-800-SUBARU3 and see if they offer to look into your troubles.

Steve

sailmariner · October 2005

I am afraid there may be more to this story. I am a careful person and we bought a 2005 Subaru Outback (H4) in late summer for my wife to drive. I checked the oil when we got it, and perhaps one other time in between, but because of the changing car situation, I had to wait a while to conclude that our BRAND NEW CAR was probably the one leaving drops of oil on the driveway. When I checked it at 2,700 miles, it needed 2.0 quarts!

It is total [non-permissible content removed] in today's manufacturing to say that one quart per 1,000 miles is acceptable, for CONSUMPTION of oil. If that is your standard, you should make lawn mowers, not cars. But this car is LEAKING oil.

We took it in to the dealer. They went, baddabing, baddaboom, we don't see any leak. Besides, it's normal for a little bit of high oil consumption when a car is new, bring it back in 1,000 miles, blah-blah, blah-blah.

It isn't CONSUMING. It is LEAKING.

Now, it is up to me to wait for the perfect day and go out and find the leak, and then point to it. I will do that, but I think everyone should start checking their oil and looking for spots at your parking area.

fibber2 · October 2005

You know that you have a leak, and are proactively doing something about it. You've checked the oil, reported it to the dealer, etc. You are doing the right thing. The person I was responding to did not. Could they have a leak as well? Maybe.... But given the scenario I outlined, they could just as easily be oil starved via normal consumption.

Steve

ateixeira · October 2005

I removed mine, but I do wash my undercarriage with a pressure washer once in a while to compensate. The engine bay isn't too dirty, either.

-juice

fibber2 · October 2005

But remember, Juice, that you do not live in a very harsh environment. If you had to contend with what we subject our cars to each winter, you probably wouldn't remove it.

Steve

ateixeira · October 2005

They salt our roads, too, just not as often because the winters aren't as harsh.

It's nice to use the pressure washer - I never have to touch the cars. Especially when the water is cold. Brrrr.

-juice

sstevek · October 2005

Steve,

I knew there had to be an official name for that thing (underbody shroud). I was thinking about the weather just around the corner as well, the shroud certainly would offer considerable protection. I will also replace the fasteners, or was also considering some replacement hardware to hold it in place which wouldn't be too hard to do. 5k is the mileage I had in mind as well for oil changes.

My bulb looked just plain burnt out. At least it's in easy an relatively inexpensive repair when it does happen. I remember buying the entire head lamp on Hondas I've had in the past. I also remember fixing the wiring harness a few times on my wife's '86 Accord that had the concealed headlights, over time the open/close movement caused the wiring to deteriorate.

Steve

subs · October 2005

I have a '98 OB (w/99,000 miles) that needs to have the head gaskets replaced, as well as some other work (like front break pads + rotors, power steering pump, etc.) The gasket was estimated at $2400, and all the work would total to about $3600. These quotes were from the dealer, but since I just moved to a new city I don't know any shops. Do you think I can find a lower price of equal quality? In the meantime, I am deciding if I should invest the money in this car, or look to get a new one. Any suggestions?

fibber2 · October 2005

A foreign car shop in my area did my friend's '99 OBW. They stripped, cleaned and planed the warped heads, replaced gaskets, timing belt & water pump, towed him in, etc. for a little under $2k. Front brake pads & rotors should be maybe $300, although on a '98 you will probably require caliper work if they are original. PS pump retails for about $150 plus labor (?). I would think the whole affair would set you back around $2800 - $2900 or so at an independent shop ??? Just a guess on my part...

Steve

subs · October 2005

Thanks, I'll have to look into independent shops. Yet is it worth it to put $3000 into a car with almost 100,000 miles? When does it make more sense to buy a new one?

cptplt · October 2005

I have a 98 and I'm coming up to 120K and I will need at least timing belt,water pump, new cam seals for oil leaks etc and brakes etc. 3K to make the car last at least another 50K or more miles is dirt cheap compared to getting a new car. Though getting a new car with all the newer safety features is something else to consider. I will put money into mine as I have a kid coming up to driving age in the next year and this will be a good car to learn to drive in and get some initial experience. Plus if it gets beat up, I won't go crazy like I would with a newer one!!

lastar · October 2005

I have a 2003 OB 2.5i Wagon Limited and am considering towing my Pop Up Camper with it and want to hear from owners on their experience.I know the specs say it can tow up to around 2400 LB, but wanted to know if they have any engine or tranny problems over time.
Thanks

ateixeira · October 2005

I've towed a bit with my Forester. Not very long distances, maybe 30 miles or so a time, about 6 or 8 trips total. Basically I borrow a trailer from a buddy (RSHolland on Edmunds.com) and fill it with 3 yards of wood chips for my kid's play area. One or two loads per year.

We estimate the load at about 1500 lbs. No problems here.

Your Outback is heavier and has a longer weelbase and bigger brakes, so it should do as well or better. But you're also carrying more weight.

Leave plenty of room for braking, that's the one thing I noticed - longer stopping distances. Acceleration was OK, just not quick like it usually is.

-juice

tkanic · October 2005

I am having an issue w/ my 2005 Outback and hoping someone out there can shed some light on what it could be. It seems hard to describe. It normally happens when I am at highway speeds and on a left turn. When the car's right tires hit a bump, sometimes, it seems like the right rear 'dips' much more then it should. On rare occasion when I am going straight or turning right it will happen also - and always the right side that 'dips'. This is very annoying but I can't find a section of road near the dealer which will cause it.

ob98co · October 2005

I have a 98 Outback with a broken antenna and I need to replace it. The antenna is by the left back window.

1) How do I reach the broken antenna to remove it?
2) There are many websites selling different types of antenna. Any suggestions??
3) The current broken antenna is motorized. Can I replace it with something simpler and economical?

ateixeira · October 2005

I replaced the motorized one on my Miata with a rubber "whip" antennae, they're pretty generic I believe.

The hard part was taking the old one out. Luckily for me the trunk isn't lined so it was exposed. But it still wasn't easy.

Installing the new one is a piece of cake. I found mine at WalMart, of all places. Cheap too, something like $10.

So focus on the removal. The rest is easy to find and install.

-juice

garandman · October 2005

I have a '98 OB (w/99,000 miles) that needs to have the head gaskets replaced, as well as some other work (like front break pads + rotors, power steering pump, etc.) The gasket was estimated at $2400, and all the work would total to about $3600. These quotes were from the dealer, but since I just moved to a new city I don't know any shops. Do you think I can find a lower price of equal quality? In the meantime, I am deciding if I should invest the money in this car, or look to get a new one. Any suggestions?

Where do you live? In MA, NH, VT, ME CO, WA OR etc Subarus and repair shops are common.

I had head gaskets changed at 140K miles - it was about $1,200 at a garage. Most garages that work on Subarus have plenty of experience doing this as many, many 95-99 OB's blow their head gaskets. SOA is stonewalling, so don't expect to hear from them: but some parts departments indicate they are now on their seventh part number for head gaskets. The whole deal should be around $2,000 or so, I'd guesstimate.

I found the best place to find mechanics (unless you get a lucky driveby here) is the "MechanX files" the guys from Car Talk run. Just look for a foreign repair garage: many of them work on Subarus but don't say so specifically. But the flat 4 is dofferent from most so you don't want to be their first.

Cars like yours sell for about $2,000 at most. Repaired, it's worth more like $5,000 so although frustrating the repair is probably worthwhile unless you burnt up the engine, and might be worthwhile even then. My sister in law had to replace at 142K and now has 243K on another '97.

lylitalo · October 2005

You just need to remove the interior trim in the area of the antennea - a bunch of plastic fasteners and a couple of screws. You just have to be gentle or you'll snap something!

ob98co · October 2005

Thanks, juice. So will this effeciently replace a motorized antenna? The motorized one would require some power. Do I just insulate the end of the power wire and leave it hanging out there?

Also, can you tell me what make/model the rubber whip antenna is?

ob98co · October 2005

thank you, lylitalo

ateixeira · October 2005

Lemme see if I took any pics...nope, sorry.

My only concern would be to make sure the surface is flush enough. My whip antennae adjust by spinning and then the mounting angle so you could pretty much get it to point upward from any angle.

-juice

joeb24 · October 2005

I have a 2006 Outback LL bean H6 and had my first experience with the low-tire-pressure warning light. The light came on, and staid on. I checked the tire pressure, and all 4 tires were low in pressure by about 3 pounds per tire. I recently had an oil change, and, for some reason, the technician must have lowered the pressure from the prescribed 32 front and 30 back to 29 front and 27 back. I filled the tires to the proper pressure and drove over 20 mph for a few minutes. The warning light went out as the manual said it would. So, the light worked as it was supposed to!

leo2633 · October 2005

I've had mechanics adjust my tire pressure as well, inevitably lowering the pressure which they found to be above spec. They don't take into account the fact that the tires are warmed up when they check them, and are now above the proper setting they were adjusted to when cold. I guess it is commendable that there are mechanics who would even bother to check the tires, but I always make sure to advise any mechanic that works on my car NOT to change my tire pressures.

Len

fibber2 · October 2005

Len,

Yep, happens every single time I get the oil changed on both cars. Go home & refill them!

Steve

wagoneer · October 2005

Our 2005 Legacy Outback wagon had the same problem from the first day that we had the car. The surging downhill never improved. Subaru mechanics did not seem to think that this was abnormal when they test drove the car, although it made me car sick. Within the first 5000 miles of purchase of the new care, the cruise control began to malfunction while traveling on the highway, usually after driving for more then one hour. It would "turn off" with no known reason. Consequently Subaru mechanics were never able to experience the problem when they test drove the car.
The car was brought in multiple times for this problem. Subaru then decided to repair the "computer chip" that is involved in cruise control. The repair fixed the cruise "kicking out" problem but has not improved the surging problem.

occking · October 2005

I have had 2.5 I ltd for 9 months now, almost 25k miles. Have had the "surging" problem since new, but have gotten used to it & no longer very noticeable to me. Have any of out Outback owners had experience with headlamp going? I though I read on previous message boards they were a common problem. Mine just went but had replaced under warranty. I believe the bulb would have cost around $40. Also, the cable that pushes open lid over gas cap broke, or became disconnected & could not keep the lid shut tight. That was also replaced under the warranty, but it took the service guy about one hour. I hope that does not become a common occurence. Otherwise, very please with the 4 cylinder. My gas mileage (mostly highway) has varied from between 21 and 29 but on long trips more like 26 to 28. The mileage indicated on trip computer is usually 1 to 2 mpg higher than actual.

sstevek · October 2005

I just replaced the drivers side headlamp, it's just the bulb itself so it was only about $7.00. Mine's an '02 with 55k.

sstevek · October 2005

I have an '02 Outback with about 55k miles. Lately I've noticed a definite anti-freeze odor after driving the car. I'm concerned because this could be a sign of a head gasket failure, I know this has happened prematurely on some 99-02 2.5L engines. The coolant recovery tank was almost empty, so per the manual I added some there & directly into the radiator. It really didn't take much to fill the radiator, maybe 20 - 30 ounces or so, but I know this could be a sign of serious trouble. I really don't have any other obvious symptoms. Power seems fine, the temperature guage so far stays right in the middle. I do notice a very slight pinging after shifting (automatic) into overdrive. That does occur early in my car, around 37mph. The dealer says some cars may qualify for an extended warranty & some kind of additive to prevent gasket failure.

thallberg · October 2005

I have an 03 VDC that has the same odor sporadically. Never overheats or loses coolent. It seems to come from the coolent overflow tank. I sealed the area around where the overflow tube enters the top of the tank and since then haven't noticed it. You can make a seal by cutting a small section of tubing slightly wider than the overflow tube to fit into the hole in the tank and then pass the overflow tube through that.

tkanic · October 2005

I have also noticed the CC issue, and have sort of gotten used to it, but still have to watch it as the hills around here can and do cause the speed to jump up 5 to 10!!! MPH given the right combo (surge just as I crest the hill). On a couple of occations it seems like the speed it was set on increased by itself about 5 mph.

Miliage is about 25-28, again mainly highway, I have managed 31 mpg driving very carefully, which means amoung other things, always keeping some pressure on the gas unless braking (meaning if you need to slow down, don't take you foot totally off, just enough so you start to slow). The MPG indicator ranges from 1 to 3 mpg high. This is for that zero evaporative emmisions engine for CA, NY, and other states.

No problem w/ the headlight, or the gas cable.

fibber2 · October 2005

Steve,

My '02 OBW (2.5L) did pretty much the same thing to me at the tender age of under 2 years / 15k miles. Check the backside of the engine head on the drivers side (#4 cyl) - near the master brake cylinder. It takes a stretch, but with a flashlight and mirror, examine the back of the head, block, and down onto the grey painted frame crossmember. Mine was well coated with green slime.

While the '96-'99 DOHC leaked internally causing overheating, fortunately, most of the '00 - '02 SOHC leak externally. It doesn't become a tragedy without giving plenty of notice first. You are still under the powertrain warranty. If it is wet back there, ideally they will replaced the head gasket, but they may insist on the leakstop stuff first. Push back if it is loosing coolant rapidly, as the surfaces may be too damaged to patch chemically.

The availability of the extended warranty is spotty for '02's. I think all '00-'01 were covered, but my request was denied on my '02 even though I had already suffered a failure!! I even called SoA, but they told me that someone had hand picked the 'probable' VIN numbers, and mine wasn't included. Go figure....

Steve

xwesx · October 2005

Just admit it, Steve.... It failed because you are abusive to your car! :P

fibber2 · October 2005

Wes,

You are mean! I love my car!!! The cold nights must be having a negative effect on your judgment.

Funny, but as I walked away from my Subi in the office lot this morning, I look back and around. I kept thinking that considering I have had it for over 4 years now, it looked pretty damn fine! Not the most expensive, but well cared for non the less.

All the more reason that I am concerned about the continuing HG saga. I don't want to sound pessimistic, but I really fully expect it to let me down again.

Steve

sstevek · October 2005

Steve,

I'll check the area you mentioned & keep an eye on the coolant level. I was also wondering how would one VIN qualify, but not another for the same year. The dealer said he could enter my VIN to see if my car would "qualify". Did you end up getting the gasket replaced? I see that there's a few web sites about this particular issue. I'll check them out. I've heard of early head gasket failures on Dodge Neons or the old K cars, but really never thought I'd have to worry about a Subaru that's only a few years old. Thanks for the info.

Steve

Steve

easles · October 2005

Hello - A little off topic, but here goes...

Wondering what the little plastic "wind deflector" flaps were for under my 2003 Legacy SE wagon. One was ripped away by a close encounter with a curb, so I removed the other. Do they deflect or direct air from the brakes? These are not to be confused with the behind-the-wheels "mudflaps" on the outside of the car.

Thanks

xwesx · October 2005

ROFLMAO!!!

Ah, the comedic timing.

There's definitely something to be said for a aesthetically maintained car so I congratulate you on your ability to consistently do it! Mine, on the other hand, is not *quite* so prestine in that regard, but it is mechanically sound and that is what primarily matters to me. We keep it generally "clean," but I do not bother with cosmetic blemishes like small dents, scrapes, perhaps a minorly shattered bumper or a mangled front license plate.....

thepdmm · October 2005

not really a problem but I know there are a lot of regulars and/or knowledge filled people on this sight so here goes my questions

1) I do not feel like I can get the first to second gear transition right under "spirited" driving I feel like when I let up on the clutch (not dropped but quickly disengaged) it seems like the car hesitates and then goes.. does this have anything to do with powertrain protection or the turbo or am I just an idiot.. I have always had manuals and I have had a couple now, and I do find my self relatively decent at driving manuals.. anybody have any advice? or is it a more modern car protecting itself? or do I just need to practice (I will probably do this on occasion anyway)

2) I have a manual and when the windows are down, and I run through first and second gears (wind noise takes over after that) I can hear a distinct whine that increases with the engine speed (doesn't seem like a delayed whistle of the turbo) is this the fly wheel I have heard that Subaru doesn't (on purpose) do much to cover this up fly wheel whine as it in their opinion sounds good.. anybody knows what this is for sure? or any ideas?

thanks

ateixeira · October 2005

Not etcetera, electronic throttle control.

They tune it now to maximize fuel efficiency, so when you let off the throttle they cut off fuel completely, and this can at time feel abrupt.

I think that's what you're feeling.

-juice

fibber2 · October 2005

Steve,

SoA claims that the problem was fixed by '02, and that my car is clean. Yet it was one of the earliest HG failures my dealer had ever seen. That is why I am concerned. Yes, they did take care of it, and I bought an extended warranty that will cover everything thru 80k miles, but the specific HG warranty others are getting would cover thru 100k miles.

Steve

fibber2 · October 2005

Wes,

Glad to hear I gave you a laugh! My biggest headache is the kids. The few scratches I have down the sides are from bicycles.

Steve

ateixeira · October 2005

True, but what are the odds of having a failure later than 80k miles but earlier than 100k miles specifically?

And then, if you call 800-SUBARU3, don't you think they'll have a more sympathetic ear to a Subaru Gold customer?

I don't perceive much difference in risk. Your Gold warranty covers everything else, and the odds of "anything else" happening between now and 80k miles is a whole lot higher.

Long story short: don't worry, be happy.

Oooh, oh, oh oh-oh oh oh oh oh-oh oh oooooh
Don't worry
Oh oh oh oh-oh oh oooooh
Be Happy
Oh oh oh oh ooooooh
Don't worry be happy now

-juice

sstevek · October 2005

I wonder if it could be just that. As another Steve mentioned I need to get a mirror to check for a possible leak around the back of the engine. There's really no other symptoms although since I've recently added coolant I need to observe the level.

kens · October 2005

The little flaps do exactly that -- deflect wind. Many vehicles have underbody wind deflectors to help create a less turblent airflow under the vehicle and decrease drag.

I wasn't aware that the <2005 Legacy had them. My 2005 has them too.

Ken

v12xjs · October 2005

Hi Luke -

Don't know if you're still a member here, but I have the same problem. Did you ever get the info on making the change? If so, I'd be most grateful for a copy as well...

Many thanks,

Randy

Subaru Legacy/Outback Wagons Maintenance & Repair

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