Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    The steering rack might be slipping by one tooth. Didn't Ken describe something similar was happening to his Forester?

    Dunno about Ken, but I described a multiple soft continuous thump-thump-thump that I hear every time I turn my XT wheel when stopped or at low speeds (when it's quiet enough to hear it). On my one service call so far, the Subaru people said they couldn't hear it. My ears aren't all that great, yet I hear it every time.
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    The way I've got it figured, the first requirement for being a factory tech, especially one that listens for noises is that you flunk an annual hearing test at least 5 years in a row. :<)

    I've never been able to get most dealers techs to actually hear a noise unless I was in the car with them saying - "Can you hear that?" - generally as I was shouting over the noise.

    Can't honestly say the Mercury dealer was much better.

    It really seems like they just don't want to be bothered with noise issues. I suspect part of it is that they can spend a lot of time trying to find one, do a relatively simple fix, (most noises are of the hard to find - easy to fix variety, IMO) then only get a fraction of their labor cost back from Subaru since Subaru, I suspect, pays a flat rate for diagnostic time and repair.

    They seem much more willing to chase out of warranty noises around.....surprise surprise.

    Larry
  • davisrs41davisrs41 Member Posts: 13
    ballistic Nov 19, 2003 12:24pm

    Sorry, it was late and I did not make that specific enough. This was the big 1970 top of the line luxury Chrysler with the 383 engine!! The factory just plain balked at making that model in a stick shift during the '70s!

    Yes, I had a 1953 stick Chrysler. I also had a '58 Chevy, '55, '57 and '59 Ford Fairlanes and a '62 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser all in factory stick shift versions. And there are, thankfully many newer cars available in 5 speed versions. I've had two Mitsubishi Cordias and a Tredia in that config.

    But...my wife won't allow me to get any more "sticks" if she has to drive them. <G>

    Bob D.
  • davisrs41davisrs41 Member Posts: 13
    davisrs41 Nov 19, 2003 2:37am

    Dealer just called me. The problem is a burned exhaust valve on the #3 cylinder. He's going to do a complete valve job for $2900. When I balked at the price of the valves and said I could get them cheaper online, he said he'd give me 10% off the total job, which includes all new gaskets and seals throughout the engine. That's a hunk of change on a 20% pension, but it should last another 200 to 300 k miles or outlive me if I maintain it!

    Bob D.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sorry to hear that, Bob. That's a lot of cash.

    At least you'll have fresh wear-and-tear items all around.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Subaru Blanket? In Florida?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, you don't need one. Send it up to frigid MD, I'll put it to good use!

    -juice
  • jlemolejlemole Member Posts: 345
    To a Floridian, 70 degrees is chilly and 60 is downright frigid. Anything lower is a state emergency, right Serge?

    Jon
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    you got it right...the temps are supposed to plunge to 75 tomorrow...I need my fuzzy blankie!!!
  • idahodougidahodoug Member Posts: 537
    Hope that includes a new timing belt, and you might also have him install new oil seals on the oil pump and cam shafts while the timing cover is off. Might already be included, so careful of asking for them and having him add in more price even though he was already doing/pricing it. Minor procedure when the cover's already off, BTW.

    DougM
  • georgeinmdgeorgeinmd Member Posts: 27
    thanks for your advise. As I said, the dealer (and their well respected mechanic) is tearing down the transmission under warrenty as we speak, so I'm expecting a favorable outcome for this particular case. Am curious to hear if this has happened before, though. And let me add my $0.02 in thanking you for your attention to this board. -- George
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Is long gone for us in the NE. Maybe again in .....May?

    Greg
  • a1bogarda1bogard Member Posts: 13
    I have an '04 Forester XS/Prem and the dealer didn't provide me with the submaster key, valet key, key plate number, or extra keyless entry remote on purchase. Now, they are finally ordering them, but said that I will have to come in to pick them up because they will have to program the keys or they will not work (I'm talking about the actual keys, not the remote). They also said it would take an hour and a half to do.

    The dealer is 90 miles away, so before I agree, I'd like to know if anyone here knows whether it's true that the keys have to be programmed to work. I don't see how it could be true since the key I have looks just like an ordinary metal key, no plastic coating on the "handle" where a microchip could be placed. Unless they have to program something with the car itself??? If it makes any difference, I do have the factory security system.

    The dealer is now only selling Mazdas, and their knowledge of Subarus when they did sell them was alarmingly low, so I don't trust them when they tell me such things without being able to explain them to my satisfaction.
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    That must be the extra "smart metal" key......

    Actually, he's got to have his wires crossed I could understand if it used VATS or PASS or one of the others - those do need their "keys" programmed since there's a transducer in the plastic part of the key.

    I haven't heard of Subaru doing that and I've got an 03 OBW and 04 XT.

    Ask him if he's confused.

    Also, there may be enough information in the owner's manual for you to program the remote yourself. I'd suggest he send you the whole package and at least let you take a shot at it (if you're comfortable with that) before making a 180 mile round trip.

    HTH

    Larry
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    with the Mazda's as they do have coded keys as part of the theft deterrant system - those do need to be programmed. But, again, this is something you can do on your own.

    Might be worth asking some of the folks with a '04 Forester if they have these type of keys now. I wasn't aware of any changes....

    -Brian
  • a1bogarda1bogard Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for the input, guys. I actually requested that they mail the package to me because I know there are instructions for programming the remote in the owner's manual. His response was that he wasn't talking about the remote, but the keys themselves. If I had been smart, I would have pulled out the key I have to show him why that statement confused me. Instead, I probed for a deeper explanation about the programming and he couldn't tell me much of anything -he just was very insistent about the need to program them.

    I'll talk to the dealer again once they get the keys.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    my guess, they lost the keys and they want to sneak new cylinders in ;)

    -Dave
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    There has been pro. and con discussions in these threads for a long time,clear 3M protector versus plastic bug guard.

    I have to confess to lately thinking about the 3M as it is more esthetically pleasing than the bug guard, well after an incident today I am firmly in favour of the bug guard, when following behind a truck a rock about as big as a tennis ball came at me from out his rear wheel.

    It hit the bug guard and broke it, the only damage is a paint chip in the bumper where the rock fell against it. I have no doubt in my mind that had I had the 3M clear I would be looking for a new hood now with all the associated headaches.

    So whilst this is not an every day occurance it is something to consider when thinking about 3M.

      3M will probably be okay against stone chips but in a case like mine kiss your hood goodbye.

      Cheers Pat.
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    they want to charge SOA time for reprogramming. Just call 800-SUBARU3 and explain. They will set it straight.

    Greg
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Good lesson there. I have several chips in my bug guard (the Subaru smoked-plastic one) and I am certain they would have left big dents if they hit the hood (with or without 3M). I guess your bug guard just got sacrificed for the sake of metal and paint! Not bad insurance since the guards are usually $50-60 (US).

    Craig
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Yep I will happily pay the cost of a new bug guard over a new hood anyday, I will also relegate the 3M thoughts to the dustbin of my memory.

      Cheers Pat.
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I kinda like the bug guard look on my OB. Goes with the image.

    Greg
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    The driver's seat in my '04 OBS has the pump-type lever to adjust the height of the seat. I've had the car for about six weeks and up until this week I couldn't figure out why I seemed to be in a cycle of putting the seat height where I like it, then a few days later feeling like I was too low again.

    I chalked it up to getting used to a new car, but I finally clued in that what's happening is that the seat won't maintain my height setting. Probably every time I drive it gets a little lower until eventually I notice it and pump it up higher again.

    Does anyone have any knowledge of how the seat height mechanism works? Is this something they're going to have to order a whole new seat for or is it a relatively minor adjustment?
  • a1bogarda1bogard Member Posts: 13
    Wouldn't surprise me with this dealer. I was planning on calling Subaru anyway just because these guys have been really problematic and don't seem to get anything done unless I visit or call the GM. No one other than the GM seems interested in returning my calls at all.

    I will be happy when I can wash my hands of them once and for all. At least the car is great!
  • jlemolejlemole Member Posts: 345
    Is definitely worth the money for the added protection. Plus, of all the ones I've seen on cars, the Subie deflector actually looks good in my opinion too.

    Jon
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I've broken several on my Isuzus due to stones from trucks. Saved my hoods a lot of times!

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A new Forester hood wholesales for $150, and that's unpainted. Paint it and pay to have it mounted, and you're talking several hundred bucks.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd let the dealer look at that seat, should be a quick fix. Let them know what the problem is to they make sure they have parts in stock. Could be worn teeth (how I dunno) on the mechanism.

    -juice
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    You no longer have origional paint, and in many cases mismatched to boot.

      Cheers Pat.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I love them for their function. Unfortunately, you can't use 'em with the turbo models.

    -Dennis
  • bsvollerbsvoller Member Posts: 528
    Unfortunately, I lost mine twice driving in high winds. The first time it just sheered off and flew off to the side. The second time it came loose first, and the vibrations damaged the paint across the hood and onto both fenders (my wife was driving at night, and didn't know how to remove it).

    The dealer repainted my hood and fenders, but my windshield cracked in the baking booth. So they had to replace that as well.

    All in all, quite a nightmare. I had the bug guard removed - good riddance.

    I've posted before on this topic. I mention it only as a caution to those contemplating this option. Subaru needs to either change to a more durable plastic - polycarbonate would work - or improve the mounting design.

    I won't put another bug guard on until they do. We get gusts in the 50-90 mph range in the mountains sometimes. It's a severe condition that the bug guard simply isn't up to handling. YMMV.

    -brianV
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    I had a hood guard on my 1994 Legacy Turbo for years with no problems. I assume you're talking about obstructing the airflow. I have mixed emotions about their effectiveness in the long run. Sure it may have saved my in a situation like Pat's, but over the years it caused enough junk to sit there (just like a car bra) long enough to cause corrosion. I had to have it repainted. And my hood was pitted too. I don't think anything will protect you completely.

    Jim
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    The thing about the bug deflector is that you should remove it at least once a year and wash/wax the area underneath. At least that's what I think (and do)!

    Craig
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    I take mine off on a regular basis wash and wax underneath, Btw I have had them on a lot of cars and always was pleased, but never more pleased than when the rock hit it the other day.

    I know the one on the GT could not cause the problem that Jimmys did, as mine sits far enough off the hood that I can almost shove my hand between the bug guard and the hood.

      Cheers Pat.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    on either vehicle (MPV and Outback). I regularly remove it and clean both it and the surface below, even during the winter when I run 'em through the car wash.

    I surely will miss it when I get that GT or XT next year. 8-) But, I most certainly will get that 3M stuff applied, as it's better than nothing.

    -Brian
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    It seems that I have a "secret" friend out in the field that wants to help me. He's an SOA field manager. So, a public thanks to my private secret friend for filling me in on this! We (the Edmunds family) welcome and appreciate your help. Your identity will remain our little secret!

    Anyway Chris, it appears that your dealer is making your keys the old fashioned/low tech. way. They are probably getting blanks and are going to cut the new keys from your key. If you call us at the 800 number we can document your comments on the dealership and see if there is something we can do to ease the agg. of having to travel such a distance for this. I'm not sure of the alternative, but we should be able to do something for you. Please tell the Rep. that Patti wants to see the case. I mean, you should have a full set of keys for your new Subaru!

    Sorry about the problem.

    Patti
  • cyberdynecyberdyne Member Posts: 36
    I test drove a 2004 Impreza WRX about a week ago. The sales man actually let me take it for a rally style test drive. He had me accelerate up a hill so fast the car launched. Then we drove down a street that had newly installed speed bumps. He told me to drive over them like they weren't even there. The car never flintched. My question is, how well do the windows hold up?. I had a Dodge neon, not a car to compare to the WRX, that the windows rattled like crazy if they were half way down. Never mind the wind noise especially on a windy day. Any feedback would be appreciated.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    There will be a bug guard for both vehicles then, there is already one for the Forester, or are you just deciding you do not want one anymore on which ever new vehicle you choose?

      Cheers Pat.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I thought I read that the turbo models can't have 'em. The deflector would interfere with the airflow to the hood scoop.

    If I can have one, great. Now if I only could figure out which vehicle.... LOL

    -Brian
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Forgot about that hood scoop, Mea Culpa Mea Culpa:-)

      Cheers Pat.
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Anybody know where the EGR Valve is on a 2000 Outback?

    Also, my steering gear has been doing some binding lately...
    Went under to look at all the boots and listen for anything as my wife turned the steering wheel--not much--a little squeaking. But when I lower the car it still binds at about 3/4 of the way.

    Question--are the steering boots supposed to feel empty or full of grease when you squeeze them?

    Thanks,
    Eric
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    There is no EGR on any Subaru engine since 1999. Boots would feel empty I would think.

    -Colin
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    That's comforting to know! I have the 90-99 Leg Haynes repair manual and I was looking it the same place in the picture--but it wasn't there.

    Well riddle me this Colin: I've got a fuel smell in the engine compartment when I start up--seems to me the charcoal cannister isn't purging correctly. What do you diagnose?

    Eric
  • lite1lite1 Member Posts: 26
    My 2004 Forester XT (turbo and AT) just turned 1,000 miles so provided local service station with correct oil filter; told them 5 quarts of oil, which is what those on XT forum have indicated is correct amount. Service station over filled the oil. Is this a significant problem? Should I force them to drain some oil? This is my first Subie so getting used to dip stick is a challenge. Read things three times and I'd say that the oil comes up above the F line about as far above as the L line is below the F. So my guess is that things are overfilled by a 0.25 to 0.5 quarts. Any suggestions/comments appreciated. Oil check on level surface, after allowing it to drain back down after a full warm up so I think I did that part correctly.
  • cyberdynecyberdyne Member Posts: 36
    Does anybody have any suggestions on how to keep the engine and compartment clean? I usually just sprayed some mild spray cleaner on it then rinsed it off with a lite spray of water. But, I'd like to keep the black plastic parts and hoses looking new.
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    Are your tires wearing evenly? Subarus are touchy about this. They need to be within, what is it, 1/2 an inch of each other in terms of circumference?

    Jim
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    yeah they are mostly. I neglected rotating them for awhile, but I did about 4k ago and I don't think that they're that different. Lemme check

    Eric
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    difference of each other.

    -Dave
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    "tricks and tips I've learned on Subaru Crew". :)
    Thank you, Dave.

    Jim
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I had 2 XT6 coupes up til last year. Both have BIG frameless windows, and were 14 to 16 years old. Never made noise or leaked.

    -mike
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