Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • woodwanusawoodwanusa Member Posts: 5
    Cananyone tell me how to turn off the daytime running lights on my 2003 outback wagon?
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Hows about instead we wait until an STi RA driveline or even just a USDM WRX engine comes along and you come over here and help with the install? Oh, bring a wiring diagram....
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Brett and all,

    I don't have to recall. Scoobymods or someplace like that may have it documented, but if not I've got images of the 2000 factory service manual, which would be accurate torque specs for any 99-up SOHC 2.5L.

    It's a complicated procedure.

    -Colin
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Loosh, I seriously suspect that if large numbers of vehicles are sold with the XT's powerplant (Bajas for sure, but say also legacy and outback trims) then THAT engine will quickly become an enthusiast favorite for swaps.

    -Colin
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    I installed one about 8,000 miles ago. It's well made. (It's a "ball valve" design - commonly used in industrial applications.) The lever appears secure (lift before you can turn) and I did not purchase the optional security ring.

    Changing oil is a breeze but it does drain more slowly because it's a smaller bore.

    I didn't install one earlier because I had free dealer oil changes thru 45,000 miles. I'm glad I got it.

    Check out lubespecialist.com as well as fumotovalve.com.

    Jim
  • amsbearamsbear Member Posts: 147
    Jon,

    I've had mine on for over 15,000 miles and there are no leaks nor any other complaints from my experience with this.

    The valve and the filter location/orientation makes this the easiest and cleanest car to do oil changes on.

    It's certainly inexpensive enough and you won't need to pick up crush washers for the drain plug any more.

    Alan
    98 OBW Ltd (just passed 70,000 miles)
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Hi

    I have a 2000 OB WGN and was recently trying to change the fuel filter. I downloaded the service manual from the subaru website about this. It says to disconnect the fuel relay--I did that. Then it says to run the engine until it stalls. I tried to do that, but it ran for 20min at 1-3000rpm and still didn't stall. What am I doing wrong? How can I release the pressure in the fuel line?
    Eric
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    oh true true, but I think it might be a little while before they are a)cheap enough and b) common as a swap for someone ELSE to have made all the wiring mistakes. BTW, seems to me wiring issues coud be avoided by bringing over the whole ECU and just plugging that into the old ECU's power lead, but obviously there is more to it than that.
  • snead_csnead_c Member Posts: 64
    I've had one for over a year...4 oil changes and I love it. No problems and I'd recommend it for all who change their own oil.
  • jlemolejlemole Member Posts: 345
    Jim, Alan, Snead: Thanks for the info. Certainly seems worth the $20 or so bucks. Now if they could just make a self-draining oil filter...

    Jon
  • axp696axp696 Member Posts: 90
    There's no need to run the engine, just change it in the morning after the car has sat overnight. There won't be substantial pressure in the fuel line. I think this is the most comprehensive guide I've seen:

    http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=623- 9
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    just bought 2. Discount code SVC4 will get you 15% off your order until the end of the month.

    Colin- moving this swap discussion to mods...
  • junkherjunkher Member Posts: 27
    What you MAY be feeling is the Torque converter clutch. These clutches have been used on torque converters on most vehicles for some time now to increase fuel economy. They act as a one to one coupler between the engine and tranny. They in essence react and FEEL like another gear when they engage. When you are pulling with a motor that is ( lets just say - "not a powerhouse")it is very noticable when the torque clutch assm. engages. On a flat surface it is less noticable, on an incline, these cars will surge considerably. It may engage and disengage a few times giving you the feeling of which I think you are describing.
    If the car is not running correctly, it may drive you nuts dumping in and out of gear. A car with a computer aided transmission has a lot to think about when deciding what gear to be in (let alone when to engage the torque clutch assm.)
    Remember the computer "HAL" on the space ship on 2001 space odessey? (It was confused because of being given two directives) Ok, maybe you don't - trust me on this one .
    Your auto tranny will do the same thing to some degree. If the motor is not working perfectly or a sensor is misreading, you will have a confused transmission. They try to decide between "fuel economy"(a primary objective) over perhaps "power" by switching to a lower gear or disengaged torque clutch.
    The end result anyway is confusion in the tranny with unecessary shifting.
    My advise- To take or ignore
    If it appears to be incorrect to you, take it in and have them look at it to be sure.
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Juice said: "Oh yeah. It takes about twice as long to do any given job, but it's worth it. My daughter will definitely be a handy person when she grows up."

    Hehe... GMTA, Juice... when any of my crew offers to help, I just plan on it taking twice as long. Daniel is old enough & big enough that he is a genuine help, but still requires looking over his shoulder sometimes. Patrick is just full of questions & questions that breed more questions. Gayle's off somewhere with her Barbie collection, but her contribution to the cause was going along shopping for the parts!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Thanks for the helpful link! I'll try it!
    Eric
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    She enjoys 'outside baths'.

    Question on the Fumoto valve. I remember a thread (i-club??) about cutting a slot partially down the threaded body to increase the drainage. Otherwise the high thread shoulder traps the bottom third-to-half inch of oil in the pan. Anybody doing this???

    Got the OBW back on Friday with the HG changed, but I have some major issues to discuss with the Service Mgr. I will share what is appropriate once that meeting takes place.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Q about the tranny issue - have you tried more gradual throttle application? I'm curious because when I floored the XT I test drove, same thing, it hesitated. Easing into the throttle produced better results, but flooring it suddenly seemed to confuse it for a second.

    Wow Eric! 20 minutes? LOL

    Just open the filler cap to release pressure. If you are careful, for instance have the hoses facing up when you disconnect them, there is very little spillage. Reconnect one at a time.

    I even pinched the lines (carefully so they don't cut) to minimize the mess.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That was my concern as well. The threaded part was too long and actually stuck into the oil pan, so when you drained the oil not all would come out.

    Anyone try that drilling?

    -juice
  • amsbearamsbear Member Posts: 147
    juice & Crew,

    Take a look at this. Very good site in general although the mods mostly cover the Impreza / WRX line. Excellant photo work too!

    http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?s=fcdf2d8a5ca73b9- - c09f52b1b0508bd6f&threadid=169&highlight=fumoto+valve

    Alan
    98 OBW Ltd
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I don't like how that had to be filed. Left over metal shavings could get in the oil pan if you don't sand it properly.

    Though I have felt hot oil on my hands, and that sure would save time and prevent a mess.

    -juice
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    on my '03 Forester XS must have taken a bath at a recent car wash. It has been reading 20 degrees low for the last two days. Does anyone know where the sensor is located, and if it will dry out on its own?

    John
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Background: When they called me on Thursday, the service writer told me that considering the situation (young w/ low miles) they would do the Head Gasket on both sides as a precaution. On Friday, while standing together under the car in the bay, the technician told me he had indeed changed both sides. "Its the right thing to do", he said. I picked up the car after hours on Friday. The paperwork had all parts (gaskets/seals) x2 and called out leaking heads (plural). Within 2 minutes it was clear to me that only the drivers side was done.....

    At first the GM questioned why I would want both sides done if only one was obviously leaking. Generally SoA only authorizes the offending side be changed - and 99% of the time it is Cyl #4. And I agree, this is open to debate. Sometimes you need not fix what isn't broken. But I assured him that my main gripe was
    1) what I was told did not appear to be true (they lied to me), and
    2) what was being falsely charged to SoA (they lied to Subaru).
    But after he pulled and reviewed the master copy & report, he got more serious and asked to look at the car. He then called the Sr Tech and asked for his opinion. To confirm they put it on the lift and removed the splash guard so that he could check all stains, bolts & gaskets. Indeed, only the drives side was done.

    Consultations ensued between the GM and service writers / technicians. A initial rather lame sounding excuse about multiple cars being serviced by that tech and confused reports. I didn't buy it, considering the discussion we had standing under the car... Talk about further investigation and possible disciplinary action. An assurance that the GM would personally handle my car should I have faith enough to come back again. They would gladly do the other HG if I want it (I will probably pass...). An adjustment to the report and charges to SoA. (Patti - are you listening to all this????) Talk about honesty & integrity, yet some of these fraudulent charges & hours padding happen at every dealership.... Finally I was asked what it would take to make me trust and forgive, for which I really had no answer. What price redemption???

    Feeling violated in NY,

    Steve
  • rob999rob999 Member Posts: 233
    When Ford first introduced the Windstar minivan a few years back, they encountered a very high rate of head gasket failure. Either the threat, or the result, of a class action lawsuit forced them to increase the powertrain warranty first to 60K, and then to 100K to cover head gasket failure. Our van blew the HG at 58K (before the first time the warranty was extended). We had an extended warranty at the time, and Ford ended up issuing a check to cover our deductable and related out-of-pocket.

    I'd be interested in the failure rate of the Sube headgaskets. It will be interesting to see how SOA handles this situation as time goes on.
  • jlemolejlemole Member Posts: 345
    It's sad, really, because I bet alot of less-informed car owners would not have recognized the incomplete work, and the dealer would have gotten away with the double dip. Good thing you have the experience to know the difference.

    On the Fumoto valve, I notice the scoobymods thread was back in Jan. 2002. I wonder of Fumoto has made any changes since then.

    Jon
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I hate to see that, Steve. I'd have made them to the other side if only to teach that lazy tech a lesson - they should not cut corners.

    That's still what I would do, in fact.

    Also, find out if they techs work in "teams", if so ask for another team to be designated to work on your vehicle in the future.

    I think the manager is being honest, and that lazy tech got busted (and was hopefully reprimanded).

    -juice
  • jlemolejlemole Member Posts: 345
    Juice: The tranny issue is not so much a hesitation issue as it is confusion as to gear selection. For some reason, at around 30-40 mph, the tranny seems to have a slight hesitation in choosing a gear, and will jump back and forth between gears. This can happen even while coasting. It's not really an annoyance, but you do notice the gear change.

    I'm going in soon for the undercoating recall. I'll ask if the tranny behavior is normal then.

    Jon
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My wife got that recall, too. So did my dad.

    They're both getting free loaners, so it's cool.

    -juice
  • jlemolejlemole Member Posts: 345
    ...Soon to be followed by an appointment to have tires re-balanced after they slather the new undercoating all over (including, I'm sure, the insides of the wheels and tires...)

    Jon
  • snowbeltersnowbelter Member Posts: 288
    Hope they at least returned the tip you reportedly gave the tech earlier. Sorry to hear about both the HG problem and the dealer's handling of the situation. My dealer is in a simular doghouse (with me) for telling me they replaced my radio when they didn't. I checked with SOA and at least they didn't double-dip.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    One of my co-workers (Jay) has his WRX in the same shop for a 1st gear synchro problem and called me a fool on Friday for tipping. It is too bad, as I have always tried to do it as a gesture of good will, and to promote attention to detail.

    Silly me!

    Steve
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    I had it on the service order as well (before I knew that they were going to do the HG). Believe it or not, they charged me $29.95 for it! When I asked on Friday before this all turned into a circus "don't you change the oil & bill SoA after contaminating it with coolant?" The answer was that I still got the 25 point check & a filter, so pay up!!!

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    but the filter is also contaminated...

    Ugh. You might want to call 800-SUBARU3 and open up a case. Their mistakes should at least be documented.

    Patti is back BTW. If the 800 folks don't help, we'll get her involved.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I had a totally opposite experience at Colonial in Danbury. Right up front, they told me that Subaru would only pay for the one side and said an oil change and coolant change come with the HG replacement. Since I had 33K miles on the car I asked about plugs. They said I just had to pay for the plugs since the head was off anyway. I added diffy and tranny fluid change (with cost of plugs) for ~$140. They also fixed my brakes then. Very pleased. Sorry to hear about DCH. What about the recall??

    Greg
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I was going to order new tires and have the dealer install them with the recall (got my notice too!). I will request they install the tires after the frame work. Thanks!

    Greg
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    what ramps were we using that day? I went to the autoparts store and bought what they had, some metal things, but the car is to low. So I went back andplunked down $20 for the extensions. Still too low. Yours were fine although the car was facing uphill, which might have done it. My work area is flat.

    There's plastic ones in the Griot's catalog that look like yours, and they have others that say they will work with lowered cars. I'm investing in the tools (and the fumoto valves) to do my own changes on both cars, but I don't want to jack up the GT every time on that center crossmember.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rhino Ramps. They are sacred. Miatas won't climb anything else, even stock. Lowered caras are hopeless without them.

    Wal Mart has them, or K-Mart. So does Pep Boys. They should be $30-35.

    I have used mine probably fifty times. One of the most useful items in my tool shed.

    -juice
  • ppekppek Member Posts: 58
    John,

    I believe the location is in the front bumper opening for the radiator (in direct air flow). I have a WRX and installed an auto-dimming temp/compass mirror and there was a little bracket that is apparently used in the Impreza outback to hook up the tempi sensor. This was a vertical bracket in the lower bumper opening, a little to the drivers side.

    Mine just clipped on, but I ended up using a tie to hold it better. Maybe yours came unclipped?

    Take care,

    Paul
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    Paul,

    Thanks for the info. I will look for it. It took two days for the connection to dry out enough for the sensor to start working correctly, but it is back on track. I would think that a more waterproof connection should be in order, this location gets wet all the time.

    John
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Greg: They claim to have done both the tranny parking pawl and the rear subframe rustproofing recalls, but who really knows? I asked about access to the pawl, and they said it was thru the valve body. And indeed there is RTV sealer where the pan gasket used to be visible, so something happened there. I didn't check the rear frame, thought. I miss Colonial. If it wasn't so darn far away from me, I would have bought another car from them.

    Juice: Other than making it a penalty exercise, I am not sure that I want them messing with the other side. Maybe it will never fail.... I have studied the procedure, and make no mistake about it, it is major surgery. I have done head gaskets on lesser engines (American pushrod V8's & inline arrangements). I could probably do a Subi, but I hope to never have to try.
      
    I am thinking of asking for a free 30k service as a compensation for this whole affair. Again, I could do this stuff myself, but always seem to be short on time to get it done. It is a ways out in the future for my needs, but it was one suggestion from a few friends. Still, the question is whether I trust them enough to ever go back. What do you guys think?

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I know what you mean, I like doing it myself too. Time is also my limitation, though as long as I can keep the 4 year old busy, I'm fine.

    -juice
  • stevekstevek Member Posts: 362
    It must of been the dealer on RT9 in wappingers?
    For me they did a wheel alignemnt and tire rotation on a wrecked car BEFORE sending it to the body shop. Now I have a recall on my SUbie and I will drive to Kingston to have it done, the Wappingers people will not see a penny from me
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Sad, but true...

    Steve
  • ohmy2ohmy2 Member Posts: 16
    Steve - you followed the right path towards getting this resolved, but another step is needed. I can't find a contact from you in our database. I could be searching incorrectly. Could you call us or e-mail us (the phones are bit nuts with questions on the current recall)? Please provide the VIN and dealer information. Please let the Rep. know that I would like to see your case. Eventually, we'll need RO's, but for now, let's get started on a resolution.

    For everyone else - please do what Steve did. Review the concern with the Service Manager and the dealership General Manager. If you are still unhappy, contact us via the Subaru website or call 1-800-SUBARU3. I know that we can help with these situations. While I cannot get directly involved with most problems, our Reps. are trained to assist. If it isn't handled to your satisfaction, I'll work with the Rep. to make sure everything is thoroughly reviewed.

    I know I've heard a lot about head gaskets, so, knowing Subaru, they'll address the issue when they have enough information. It's tough that people have to experience problems occasionally. Oh, but for the perfect car!!! But, we'll do our best.

    I'm really sorry.

    Patti
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    I will call it in.

    Confronting the GM, then walking thru the shop after creating a firestorm was one of the most uncomfortable experiences I have had. To be fair, he handled it pretty well, but no customer should have to go thru this.

    The sad part is that it only came to this because I 'speak the language'. If I was like 99% of their customers, I would have sailed on thinking I had received the best treatment ever.

    Steve
  • ohmy2ohmy2 Member Posts: 16
    but - with forums like this, the other customer's can learn how to approach issues and get better treatment!

    Patti
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Thanks Patti, it's very reassuring to have you around.

    BTW, Fitzgerald gave us a service loaner, and not an econobox, either. They called this morning to let me know they were going to take another day, which is fine.

    This is how customers want to be treated. They were honest, polite, and accomodating to me.

    -juice
  • ohmy2ohmy2 Member Posts: 16
    were very focused on a resolution for you!

    Patti
  • ohmy2ohmy2 Member Posts: 16
    Please call 1-800-SUBARU3. Please have the VIN and the name of the dealer that your working with handy. If the phones are backed up, you can always e-mail us via our website via the "contact us" section.

    The Rep. can contact the dealer to make sure they are using all of the available resources to try and resolve this for you. Some "cold start" engine noise is normal. Long explanation, but the Rep. can provide it. But, since you are saying it is getting longer, we should probably check it out for you.

    Thanks - and sorry about the problem.

    Patti
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    Sorry about your experience Steve. I've been a fly on the wall here going through all the posts.

    Couldn't help but think about the rest of us who fall into the cracks as consumers. You spoke their lingo and still went through the ringer.

    But also good to hear the power of this forum. One more tool to stick in my tool box. I'm new to the Subie community but I don't think your experience is car specific or dealer specific.

    And yes it's all about trust, matter of principle and business etiquette. Just think how far reaching your posts are.

    Pretty sad when we have to be real "cautious" when seeking "professional" help. One of my experiences that stand out has been loose lugs on all four after getting new tires. This was way back when I was younger, almost had me a Goodyear franchise.

    Good luck and I hope your issue gets resolved to your satisfaction --- and for the rest of us.
  • ohmy2ohmy2 Member Posts: 16
    For what it is worth - we (SOA) do take issues like this seriously. Our process includes reporting the issues throughout our organization and working with the dealers to improve their operation. It makes complaints a good thing for us. We can't try to fix what we don't know is broken.

    I can say that the information exchanged here at Edmunds is good for the consumers (to see how things can get resolved) but it is also good for us so we can get to the root of issues.

    Patti
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