Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

jfl · December 2003

have they checked the heat shields on the muffler?

Jim

snowfairy · December 2003

Thanks! I look forward to getting the problem solved. Have a great weekend!

ateixeira · December 2003

Try putting your finger on it, literally. If you can get it to stop, you found the source.

It could be something inside one of the storage cubbies. That's why I lined mine - I put a self-adhesive felt liner in all my storage bins. Now it stays quiet, even my coin holders.

-juice

dede2897234 · December 2003

I have owned a 2003 Subaru Forester XS with the factory security system for the past 14 months. This vehicle's quality is terrific! It performs beautifully in Northeast Ohio worst snow conditions! However, I do have one minor technical issue associated with this vehicle. I have noticed last winter and this winter a constant high pitched noise coming from the engine bay that happens (this noise comes and goes) about twice a month only from December through March. This noise occurs after I have been driving this vehicle for 30 plus minutes in cold weather (below 32 degrees Farenheit). The noise comes from the engine while I'm driving and after I park and shut off the engine. The noise goes away about 30 minutes after I park and shut off the engine. Has anyone else experienced this noise with his/her Subaru Forester? Could this noise be coming from a malfunctioning part associated with the Subaru factory installed security system? Thanks.

ateixeira · December 2003

Strange, is it a hum?

Phase I engines are notorious for that *if* you removed the snorkus (intake silencer). I didn't think 2003s would be affected.

But...I would check for leaks in the intake. Maybe something shrinks in extreme cold and leaves a slight leak?

-juice

dede2897234 · December 2003

The constant high pitched noise that I hear about twice a month coming from the engine only happens at night and driving at least 30 minutes on the highway or the city in cold winter weather.

vetmats · December 2003

I ended up putting some extra padding behind the right rear panel in the cargo area. That seems to have silenced the rattle.

juice,
Where did you get your self-adhesive liner? I'd like to get some.

Also, the last time I was at my dealer, he told me that a lot of people had put soft-side velcro around the ingnition switch to keep their keys from rattling against the steering column. I tried it and it did a pretty good job. I didn't really notice the key rattle until it was gone! My wife noticed it before though.

ateixeira · December 2003

A crafts store, actually. I was getting art supplies for my daughter and saw it. Guess you could use it to line any drawers you wanted, also. It was very cheap and you can remove it easily.

-juice

otis123 · December 2003

juice,

Was it the soft velcro or another product? Have you had it on through winter and summer temperature extremes - did it stay put? Always wanted to get rid of the key noise, but slowly forgot about it...

Thanks,

Ralph

ateixeira · December 2003

It was a velour coated liner, not velcro. It feels like thin fabric, but I think it's sprayed/glued on.

-juice

lovermont · December 2003

Seems I've suffered the fate of a cracked front windshield, and it's gonna need to be replaced. (03 OB Wagon, Limited, 5spd)

I wondered if the wiper-heater system is totally contained within the specific glass the car is made with?
I fear that this is the case, and believe it means that I am about to incur a hefty replacement cost.

Any tips/things to look out for when replacing my windshield?

Thanks for the input, folks. Hope everyone's loving the snow!

hondafriek · December 2003

The heater element is in the windshield glass.And most glass places know what they doing you should have no hassle.

Cheer Pat.

p0926 · December 2003

IIRC the replacement cost is close to $1k for windshields with the embedded heater element. Oh well, that's why you have insurance.

-Frank P.

ateixeira · December 2003

In MD your comprehensive insurance covers it. Check with your agent.

-juice

cllapham · December 2003

the Rep. should be calling your for information about the radio. Stay tuned (no pun intended)

Radio? What radio?

For everyone else who's commented, my car has two aftermarket items: a radio and a hitch. Both have been checked for drain. I have been assured that the overall drain on the battery is well within the standard limits.

I've got the standard Legacy L electrical items: heater, lights, wipers, clock, front and rear window heaters, cigarette lighter, convenience plug in the back, door locks, side-view mirrors, and windows. No heated seats, no security system, no automatic starter (very popular in Anchorage), etc.

This Monday, two weeks after I received a new battery, my car was dead in the garage again. I had been out of town and the car sat in the garage for 4 days. Four days on a new battery! I jump-started it and brought it in Tuesday. Today I went to pick it up and was told they had found nothing wrong with the car; they didn't even need to recharge the battery. However, I'm driving a rental now because when they went to get my car from shop, it was dead!

This is the second time that's happened at the dealership.

I look forward to more information. If it's the radio, it was something I asked about the very first time I brought it in to the dealer, about a year and a half ago.
Cheryl

hypov · December 2003

Car doesn't start with new battery, and it's still charged.
Hmmmm, you don't have a security system, hmmmm...
I can't remember the details accurately, but I remember being told that there's a harness bypass for the starter/ignition-kill which is used to close certain circuits in the event there's no OEM security system unit installed or if removed and replaced with an aftermarket. Maybe there's a fault there.

Also, don't know if it will apply to your Forester, I had encountered a problem with starting my late '98 OB that was traced to the "Fusible Link" which had a hairline fracture in it.

-Dave

ateixeira · December 2003

Maybe the dealer can remove the stereo and install a basic Subaru one (they probably have one laying around, so many people upgrade). Then they could see if the battery drains with that one.

It would be worth trying, I think.

Mention what Dave experienced, so they can check that too.

-juice

originalbitman · December 2003

Cheryl - Who installed the aftermarket radio and hitch? I wonder if they used a harness for the radio or perhaps they did a cut and solder. My hunch is that there is a "hot" wire grounding out somewhere. And it could be intermittent. I will bet it is the aftermarket install and not the Subaru itself that is at fault.

bit

ateixeira · December 2003

Same with the aftermarket hitch. The OE hitch gives you a matching harness, all you do is plug it in. And aftermarket one might have required splicing wires.

I had a Datsun 210 that had a short in the brake pedal, the brake light would go on and drain the battery. But that too was intermittent. Turns out the spring in the pedal was worn, when replaced it fixed my problem.

The battery was fine after that.

Electrical problems can be very hard to trouble shoot if they are intermittent. I spotted my brake lights on one night when it was pitch dark.

-juice

ballistic · December 2003

I think the wrong tree is being barked up.

1. Cheryl was unable to start the engine two weeks after installing a new battery, and after 4 days of inactivity.

2. She jumpstarted it, drove to her dealer, and left the car Tuesday.

3. Wednesday, she was told that everything was fine and the battery didn't even need recharging.

I'm no longer convinced that there is a short or abnormal current drain that is discharging the battery when not in use.

I am increasingly suspecting one of two problems. Either her starter (or starter solenoid) is marginal, or the cable between the battery (or alternator) and the starter does not have tight, clean connections at both ends. Either of these could cause intermittent, unpredictable failures to start even when the battery itself has sufficient charge and everything else checks out.

The first (inexpensive) thing I'd do would be to remove the battery-to-starter (or alternator-to-starter) cable, clean both ends, and bolt it tightly back on. If that doesn't solve the problem, I'd give some thought to replacing the starter.

cllapham · December 2003

Hey, everyone, thanks so much for all of your comments. I've got a meeting with the service manager tomorrow and I've printed out all of the posts here from the past year and a half. In other words, I'm taking you all with me!

Thanks for all your input. I'm not very hopeful, but maybe something will be resolved tomorrow.
Cheryl

p0926 · December 2003

nygreg · December 2003

It appears though, that after the car doesn't start, a jump seems to work implying a dead battery. I have a hard time with the fact that this dealer can't find the problem after all this time. Hang in there Cheryl.

Greg

ateixeira · December 2003

We're coming in, and bringing all our friends with us.

)

-juice

hypov · December 2003

Is there a possibility that the battery used to jump might have closed an open circuit?

-Dave [nuts and bolts aren't torqued right when it comes to electrical].

cllapham · December 2003

The drain on my charging system appears to be related to my aftermarket radio. Without the radio the drain is 6 milliamps. With the door open, it's 15 milliamps. With a Subaru CD/radio, it's 14 milliamps. With my Blaupunkt the drain is 200-250 milliamps. So I'll be driving without a radio for a while to make sure this is the resolution.

It took a long time, but I think I can thank Patti for the ultimate resolution. I brought her post here to the attention of the service manager in our meeting today. For the first time the dealer checked out all the wiring on my hitch and radio instead of just saying that the draw was acceptable and that the problem was my fault.

So thank you, Patti, and to all the people at SOA who escalated this. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this resolves my problem.

Cheryl

hypov · December 2003

Cheryl-
Hope today is the beginning of a [delayed] wonder Forester ownership for you

-Dave [fingers crossed]

lmp180psu · December 2003

Hi everyone, I helped my mom buy a 2004 Impreza Outback Sport in September ( the Woodland Green is such as sharp color

and it has been very useful (we have 2 dogs) and comfortable so far.

My mom wants to have a remote starter installed and I was wondering if Subaru has any warnings against it. Would installing one risk voiding the warranty? I made an appointment for Tuesday to have it installed, and if there is any problems/warnings I might have to talk her out of it.

Also last night she said that the fuel door got stuck and would not open using the release. There was a small amount of snow and rain in the area last night so I said the spring/release might have had some ice in it. She used a key to pry it open. Has anyone else had this problem, or is it a widespread problem ( any TSB's etc.)? Otherwise for the first 4000 miles, this car has been great.

Also, Cheryl- good luck, and hopefully your mystery will finally be solved!

originalbitman · December 2003

I'll be interested in knowing if it was a bad install or defective unit. When I installed my Blaupunkt Nevada in my Legacy I remember there being two identical connectors either coming off the wiring harness or on the back of the radio (sorry - don't remember which). Connected to one my radio didn't turn off with the iginition. With the other (correct) connector it did. I could still use the radio without the key in the ignition but it did not have the auto-off with the key.

bit

subaru_team · December 2003

thing was handled. I'm glad it looks like it is resolved. Your case is still open and you'll be hearing from our Rep. tomorrow. I appreciate your patience with this. I really feel bad that you went through all of this for something that should have been easily resolved.

We'll be in touch.

Patti

subaru_team · December 2003

Hi. I'm glad you were such a good help to your Mom! I don't have much experience with remote starters. We (SOA) cannot recommend them. I've read some negative things about them from other manuf. so I'd suggest she really think about it before getting one installed.

Patti

samiam_68 · December 2003

I SOOOOOOOO KNEW it was the radio!....lol

p0926 · December 2003

Louis- I've heard of one other instance where the fuel door froze and wouldn't open without prying. The design could probably be improved but I seriously doubt that Subaru will issue a TSB for it.

I don't know much about remote starters other than that they're popular in places like Wyoming and Montana. I doubt one would void the warranty but I too have heard a story or two about cars starting all by themselves in the middle of the night. I guess you need to do some more research/talk to people who've had them installed. (FYI: a quick search of Edmunds revealed 9 topics on the subject).

-Frank P.

759397 · December 2003

I had the same problem last week on my 2000 OB. Went to the gas station and the door wouldn't open. Since it was snowing the past week here in MA at the time I figured it was iced up.....banged on it with a gloved hand and eventually got it to pop. It happened again a couple days later.

That is the only "issue" I have had with mine in the 6mos I have owned the car.

Hey it could be worse, my 1997 Jetta's doors used to freeze closed. I remember one time I had to enter the car through the trunk in Boston......try explaining that to the cops. "Really officer I have the key and it is my car....if I get in I will show you".

If it wasn't the whole door it was the locks in the VW.....loved that car but love the OB more now...what a snow hog.

bluesubie · December 2003

I wish NJ had the zero deductible for windshields. NJ insurance is a whole 'nother topic. My wife paid $700 on the OB LTD.

-Dennis

subkid · December 2003

Louis-
fuel door would freeze if there was some melting/wet snow before and water got into the gas cap area. The "hole" has a flat bottom, so that water wouldn't leak out. Bad design? I think because a Subie is supposed to be a winter friendly car. It's difficult to just pry it out, because somebody or something has to hold a handle pulling the pin.

Remote starters - if that's an auto, it's piece of cake (at least in Canada - most of people have it). Manual requires more work and changing of driving habits - I don't think it's worth it. Cars starting in the middle of the night - mostly urban legends

), unless special type of starter is put in - there are starters reacting to a temperature of the engine, so it would start itself when temperature reaches about -15 and keep running until the engine warms up a little - enough to keep oil floating. Used in cold climate where electrical plugs aren't readily available.

K

ateixeira · December 2003

Cool Cheryl, please keep us updated, but this is very encouraging. Maybe Santa helped out too?

)

Remote starters would have to splice into the electronics, and look at what happened to Cheryl. I would stay at a minimum stick to a very reputable installer and ask for several references, for customers that have had it for more than a year at least.

Even then you run a certain risk.

Be a gentleman and run out and start it for her!

)

Keep the vehicle clean and waxed, twice a year for the wax. Slippery, clean surfaces make it harder for ice to stick to.

Same with your wheels, was them too, to keep ice and slush from sticking and throwing your wheels off balance. This is for every car, BTW.

-juice

dcdouglas · December 2003

Juice (or any of the other Crew members),
Is anyone headed to the DC Auto Expo next week?
--dcdouglas

rsholland · December 2003

Probably the 26th. Anybody want to hook up?

FWIW, the DC show is usually not that great. It's really the last of last year's shows, rather than being the first of the new year's shows. Still I go every year.

Bob

otis123 · December 2003

I put a remote starter in my 92 Camry in 1995 - never a problem - sold the car in 2001 (w/ 161K miles) for an LLBean with a remote starter (installed by my Subaru dealer at delivery) - no problems [knock on plastic wood].

Also, have had one in my 96 Accord (112K miles) since late 1995 (at delivery) - no problems. I live in northern NYC suburbs. Would never buy a car without it. 1. The car's engine is brought up to operating temperature (better for engine) 2. The cabin is brought up/down to room temperature - cool in summer and warm in winter (better for driver).

I use it every morning - 2 to 5 minutes before heading out. Can't beat it in the summer!

2 recommendations....
1. Have the dealer do it.
2. Make sure it has the advanced range . I have to be close to the Honda - 200 feet, but the LLBean reaches up to 2000 feet. I walk out of a megamall, push the button, and the car is warmed up by the time I find it - also, helps find it in the night - it turns the lights on for safety.

None have ever started by themselves - wasn't there an old TV show with a talking car? - although, as mentioned, the Camry remote starter was supposed to start at -15F - but never experienced that temperature in the garage.

A no-brainer in my opinion...

Ralph

ateixeira · December 2003

Wife actually invited me to go, which is shocking. She wants to take the kids, though. That'll be an experience! I may talk her into leaving the younger one at home, and taking just the 4 year old.

I'll suggest the 26th and see what she says.

One nice thing - you can usually get inside the cars that were roped off at the NY show in April.

-juice

rthompson10 · December 2003

I've self diagnosed my 03 outback with 11k miles with piston slap(based on some reading of this site)-When cold sounds like a lawn-mower until it gets warmed up- What is the official Subaru repair work on this

lmp180psu · December 2003

I would do that except I live 120 miles away from her

Thanks for all the advice/opinions on remote starters. My mom had one installed in her last car ( 97 escort), and she loved it. A couple times the car would turn over and not start but otherwise it was fine. I told her about SOA not recommending them but she expects to get a warranty with the remote starter just in case something happens. If there are problems, she will have it taken out. The only problem is she is getting it installed near where I live, and she lives 120 miles away. We'll see how everything turns out. It will be installed on Tuesday. Thanks again Patti and others for the advice.

c_hunter · December 2003

If it's true piston slap, then it's normal and no repair is required.

Some questions: does it only happen in cold weather? What's your ambient temp? What oil are you using?

Another common source of slapping on cold engines is the timing belt hitting the cover. I've had this happen on non-Subaru vehicles and other people have experienced it on Subarus. It can be fixed just by tightening up the timing belt on cars without a tensioner, or replacing the tensioner if it's faulty. It also may be a normal characteristic in cold weather, depending on the tensioner design.

Craig

rthompson10 · December 2003

Craig, thanks,

I've an appointment with the dealer on Mon just to make sure.

I've only noticed it in cold weather-outside temp per the car therm here in NJ is high 20's/ low 30's. Got in in Oct so this is my first winter with it.

I'm not sure what oil was put in by the dealer at my last oil change

Robert

c_hunter · December 2003

Have you checked the oil level? Make sure it's OK.

Craig

kens · December 2003

Piston slap has a metallic quality to it -- a very sharp and hard knocking sound. I'm guessing it would be slightly different from a loose t-belt.

Ken

lucien2 · December 2003

No heat coming home from Mom's house just now. Then the temp guage went through the roof. I pulled over. Coolant is cool but the overflow reservoir is empty. And making gurgle sounds. And there is coolant splatter all around it. And the thermostat is only 6 months old.

76,0000 miles on a Phase I EJ25(cue JAWS theme). I'm going to go add some filtered water to it and see what happens....

um, dumb question: How do I know when to stop adding liquid? It took quite a bit into the radiator but it will take more if I go back out there. I wonder if it didn't somehow ralf its coolant.

lark6 · December 2003

Add liquid until radiator is full. Run car briefly. Check again. Check for leaks under car and around head gaskets. Make service appointment pronto.

Good luck,
Ed

lucien2 · December 2003

And this from the Mid-A boards overe "there:"

"headgaskets... how do I know? been there...

it's not a stuck thermostat, I was told that, as were many others. I went into denial when people told me it was the headgaskets. Just suck it up and accept it... sorry man. What happens is air travels from inside the cylinder thru the leak on the headgasket, out into the coolant passage. this pressurizes the coolant, forcing it out of the block. it sends it into the over flow tank, and then sprays it out of the overflow tank all over the engine bay. this happened to me about once every two months at first, then happened about once a month, then once a week, then everytime I drove the car."

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