Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    The timing belt itself is in the range of $20-$40. That is all they should add to the bill since they have to remove and replace the old one anyway. This will add 44K miles until you need to spend the $250 to replace the belt (normally at 105K).

    Greg
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I'm assuming that I can still get the additive and extended warranty even though I had my gasket replaced. Do I get my coolant flushed too? Now the question is, if the additive is a preventative, what was the original problem?

    Greg
  • outback165outback165 Member Posts: 108
    One thing I do know is "you get what you pay for". I have seen really cheap remote starts that crap out in no time, and worse yet can mess with the electrical system/locks, batteries, etc..

    My wife has an Audivox extended range system in her Taurus. She use to use it from the commuter railroad and we've used it from inside movie theaters - it is really great! Not a single stall or over crank when we are close enough to hear the car start! We had this one installed at Jo-Di's in Wallingford CT. We noticed in the fall that the parking lights that usually remain illuminated while in "remote start mode" were not coming on, although the system was otherwise working perfectly. Called the installer and he took the car THAT DAY and fixed it, no questions. I very strongly recommend Jo-Di's in Wallingford CT because of that great customer service.

    On my Subaru, I have the Code Alarm system we install in our customers cars (well, "we" when I was at the Subaru dealership in Wallingford!) It, too, is great - extended range, etc. One thing to note with Subaru factory alarm systems, is they can be tricky with after market remote starts. Some installers will say to just carry two fobs, but that's annoying. The labor involved is not worth removing the security system upgrade. I leave my factory alarm in "valet" mode and have not had a single problem with this system either. If you're thinking of installing remote start and want to ask me about it, I've learned a lot in the two winters I've been "up north" and will be glad to share. Key thing: You get what you pay for.

    Pete.
  • rthompson10rthompson10 Member Posts: 75
    Thanks- given that I'm parking outside I'm thinking strongly about getting one. Maybe I'll just call my local Sub dealer to see what they recommend?? I'm down here in NJ

    Robert
  • mtom99mtom99 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the reply. Any idea if cluster replacement would be covered under the extended powertrain warranty? I'm thinking like most things it probably isn't, but I could use a break.

    So if so many people are having this problem, why isn't it being addressed? Isn't the speedometer a critical gauge for the safety of the driver? Isn't the odometer crucial for the integrity of the vehicle's value?

    Hey, if anyone out there has a lease that's going to go way over the mileage...I might have an instrument cluster for you!
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Have a Viper remote start and alarm system it's been on the GT since I got it in 2001, and I have never had a problem, as a matter of fact both remotes are still on the origional batteries.

    On the other hand I had Clifford alarms in my previous cars and the remote batteries only lasted one year.
    I would not hesitate to recommend the Viper as I have been completely happy with it.As a matter of fact I convinced my sister in law to put one in her new Forester.

     Cheers Pat.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    DEI rules. They market alarms under various brand names including Viper.

    Unless I need radar coverage (a convertible or roadster), I wouldn't buy anything else.

    ~c
    ps, if you do have a convertible or roadster get alpine. their dual-zone radar is very effective and very intelligent.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    So if so many people are having this problem, why isn't it being addressed?

    Other than the two posts here, one of which wasn't even a Subaru, where else have you seen it being reported as a problem? I agree that the power train warranty isn't likely to cover it (but the 3/36 or Subaru Gold would). FYI, I had the same problem but it was on a 92 Jeep. In my case it seemed more likely to happen when it was cold. Some times it only lasted a few minutes but occasionally it would last a day or more. Never took it in to be looked at because it wouldn’t cooperate. I did learn to write down on a Post-it what speed I was doing at 2000, 2500, 3000 rpm etc. I kept the Post-it on the flip side of the visor and whenever the speedo went out I'd just refer to it. As far as the odo was concerned - yay, Free miles!

    -Frank P.
  • troop2shostroop2shos Member Posts: 235
    An inoperable speedometer isn't a safety related issue & you can always read your speed off the tach. Old British car owners know this procedure well. Also, this would not fall under the powertrain warranty as Frank stated.
    FWIW, the speedometer in my former '98 SHO would fall to zero at speeds greater than 115 mph. This problem affected only the '98 model years & was related to the ABS to PCM controller...Ford had no cure.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    So does that mean if your VIN is affected, you have to go to the dealer for the conditioner? Would you need to pay for a coolant flush, even if you've had one done recently?

    -Dennis
  • 98redgrey98redgrey Member Posts: 15
    I do not have a service manual yet (Hayes ?) so I have a question about an oil leak (seap)located on the engine behind the right front tire. Looking up-The oil (maybe a drop) collects on the rear bolt connecting the exhaust to the "block". There is no spot on the ground in the morning but the area is dirty. This is the only place that has any sign of gasket failure-including differentials and transmission.

    So...
    1) Which gasket is involved
    2) Is this something to be expected after 94k miles/will it get worse down the road if there is no apparent loss.
    3) Would this be something to take back to the dealer while I have a 1 month/1000 mile warranty.
    4) Could it be a result of new oil/different oil being used ?

    I did not roll under it before I bought it-bad mistake? (why would they sell a car that had a grimy area-possible future problem)

    BTW-my ECU/TCU reset worked-the shifting is much more consistent (~3000 rpm).

    What to do?

    I am very grateful to this board. Thanks.

    Jon
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I had a coolant flush (and brake fluid, diffs, fuel filter, and AT fluid) back in 4qtr last year when I had the dealer do some of the 30k service stuff. So, the coolant is fairly fresh in mine. I bet the procedure will be to inspect for leakage signs, fix hg if necessary, otherwise just add the additive.

    It's pretty cold here, -1F tonight. I'm keeping an eye on it - looking for drips or a sweet smell and watching the temp gauge. So far, so good.

    -Brian
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Question:

    Technical documentation covering the STi and XT engines leads us to think that the valves in these engines do not use self-adjusting hydraulic lifters, but instead use mechanical lifters. If this is true, the mechanical lifters would require clearance adjustment occasionally. However, the '04 Forester owner's manual and service guide do not call for a valve adjustment anytime in the first 105,000 miles.

    Can your sources confirm whether the valves on a 2004 XT have self-adjusting maintenance-free hydraulic lifters, or whether they're the mechanical type that do need periodic service? If the latter, what is the suggested mileage interval for performing the adjustment?
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    We had an oil leak on our '97 Outback Limited. It got to the point where there were a few drops on the garage floor each day....nothing major, but irritating.
    Not sure if it was the same as yours, but our problem was shown to be coming from the "separator plate". The leak was just caught before the 5 year warranty on the drive train expired so we were fortunate. It was necessary to drop the transmission and it would have cost me about $600 if Subaru did not cover it.
    If there is any chance the dealer warranty will cover this leak, by all means ask now...don't wait.
    Good luck. Doug
  • jmulholljmulholl Member Posts: 29
    It blew on my 00 legacy wagon with 67,000 mi. Subaru extended the warranty to pay for it. I had first emailed patti, who told me to take in into dealer (thanks!). I am thinking of selling the car and was wondering if the gasket problem will be an ongoing one(either the repair, or the one that has not blown yet)that signals further trouble down the road.

    Also, dealer offered to replace timing belt at the same time for around $300, which seemed way too high considering he was going into the engine anyway. Joe
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    $300 is a rip off. They have to remove the belt anyway. Offer them $40. :)

    Greg
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    IIRC, all of the SOHC Subi engines of late have used a two fingered cam actuator that acts directly on two valves (intake pair or exhaust pair). It has a screw / locknut lash adjuster, but no intermediate 'lifter', per se. So the short answer is mechanical that might need some periodic adjustment.

    I have asked this question myself before, and never received an answer. The only people that have every discussed doing a valve adjustment have been those that were doing other major work requiring cam or valve removal. So I would be curious too. Perhaps Patti could get a 'factory opinion' on this for us.

    Steve
  • outback165outback165 Member Posts: 108
    Before you buy, let us know what you find out. I know when people called our dealership we always recommended the Code Alarm product because of the history of no problems we had with it. Also the same installer for over 8 years and he always stands behind his work. Where in New Jersey are you?

    Pete.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Another thought, a lot of motorcycles use shims on their (mechanical) lifters. Subaru may also (?) use such a system. When it's time for valve adjustment, just replace the shim with a new one.

    Bob
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Returning to the line I've seen in technical documentation of the STi/XT engine, no shims are apparently used in these new engines. Instead, "Graded size cam followers are used to obtain adjustment of valve clearance."

    The illustrations in the tech docs don't show anything like a screw adjuster for valve lash, and also don't show shims. The illustrations appear to show nothing but bucket-type cam followers. I read the sentence above to indicate that these come in various graded sizes, and that adjusting the clearance requires replacing one follower with another of different thickness. That sounds very difficult and expensive to me, so I do hope Patti can get the straight dope.
  • jmulholljmulholl Member Posts: 29
    It blew on my 00 legacy wagon with 67,000 mi. Subaru extended the warranty to pay for it. I had first emailed patti, who told me to take in into dealer (thanks!). I am thinking of selling the car and was wondering if the gasket problem will be an ongoing one(either the repair, or the one that has not blown yet)that signals further trouble down the road.

    Also, dealer offered to replace timing belt at the same time for around $300, which seemed way too high considering he was going into the engine anyway. Joe
  • rthompson10rthompson10 Member Posts: 75
    I'm in Northern NJ- I called Flemington Subaru- got a price of 479!-ouch something to do with the security system in the OB that would need to be bypassed. A brand called Champion??They are getting me more info on the product

    Robert
  • outback165outback165 Member Posts: 108
    The alarm system thing is no surprise. You have a factory alarm? If not, then it is a non issue.

    Don't know anything re Champion, which means absolutely nothing, but believe it or not the $479 doesn't overly offend me, perhaps $50 higher than I would have thought - retail. For that kind of money, confirm it is "extended range". Manufacturers typically don't like to commit to an "exact" ranges, but this system should have an 800+ ft range. Any other bells and whistles for $479? You might want to find out who the installer is and check with the BBB as well as how long that dealer has been using them. As I said before, there is a lot of "junk" on the market.

    My wife and I just moved to Morris County for her job. I think my closest dealer is in Morristown.

    -Pete
  • wrxfanboywrxfanboy Member Posts: 25
    Just got my first CEL this afternoon when leaving to go to lunch. Started the car (Stock 04 WRX w/ 8900 miles) and the CEL stayed on constant (not flashing). Turned off, checked the gas cap thing, started back up and no change the CEL is still on. Called dealer and they told me to not worry about it because it's not flashing but bring it in on Monday.

    I am worried about driving it around until Monday but I have to drive it. Should I take it to Auto Zone and have them check it out or should I just wait till the dealer vistit. Any thoughts or suggestions?? Thanks!
  • rthompson10rthompson10 Member Posts: 75
    I'm in Morris too. Been using Flemington because of their good rep.

    Robert
  • outback165outback165 Member Posts: 108
    Got the name of the installer from Subaru of Morristown and left a message for him to give me a ring. I have a slow afternoon, so I will do some homework with him for you and let you know. Also, it should be noted that most installers (like 99.9+%) will NOT install remote start in a stick shift car, so I'm assuming your OB is auto.

    Pete.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Well I got the emissions test done today on the Titan, guy said this is an extremely clean vehicle sir, if it was any cleaner it would be switched off.

     The readings were idle RPM
                            HCppm limit 150 reading 1
                        2500 RPM limit150 reading 2
              idle RPM CO% limit 0.70 Reading 0.00
               2500 RPM limit 0.70 Reading 0.00.

      Even though I still think this is a farce it is still gratifying to be told your car is in good shape.

       Cheers Pat.
  • ppekppek Member Posts: 58
    Was your gas cap loose when you checked it? I've heard it sometimes takes a little driving for this to reset, even after it's tight. Since it's not flashing, I would not worry about it. If you would feel better, go ahead and get it read at auto-zone.
  • rthompson10rthompson10 Member Posts: 75
    Glad to know the fossil fuels +Titan are clean burning
    Robert
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I went to one of our Techie Guru's. I'll let you know ASAP!

    Patti
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    If it isn't flashing, just drive for a bit and see what happens. The system will run through another check based on various criteria. If the condition that caused the light to go on has been rectified, the light will go out, but it will store a code that the dealer can check on your next routine visit. Usually, if it was related to the fuel cap, the system will re-check itself after the fuel level gets to around 1/2 a tank.

    If it's still on after a day or so, you may want to set it up for the dealer to check it out.

    Thanks!

    Patti
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Speedo on my old Escort would vibrate, wiggle, sort of. Never did get it fixed. Felt like there was a kink in the cable. Aren't they measured with electrical signals now?

    Check the fuse box. :o)

    I think a B2B extended warranty would cover that, but not a powertrain warranty.

    CEL: let the dealer read the code. Yours is so new I'd want to know if there is any problem. Most are harmless, a singal engine misfire can trigger them, or a loose cap as mentioned above.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    wrxfanboy.

    If you are in NJ, drop by my place and I'll check the CEL for yah. shoot me an e-mail.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm about to do my 60k service myself, should I use that additive in the coolant when I flush the system? What is Subaru using?

    -juice

    PS '98 Forester, BTW
  • wrxfanboywrxfanboy Member Posts: 25
    I am in the Chicago area unfortunitely!! Anyone in the Chicago area have a code reader?? I heard Auto-Zone will pull codes for you for free though!! Just wanted to get a "second opinon" I guess to see if what the dealer tells me matches what other sources say. Thanks again for the offer!!
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I'm not too sure. If it did have any benefit, then I'm sure Subaru would have extended the service bulliten to include Phase Is too.

    I'd just stick to a regular coolant mix for now.

    Ken
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If it's not blinking I wouldn't worry about it til monday.

    -mike
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    from Chicago to New York will be lots of fun and will definitely drop your fuel level below 1/2. Don't forget to bring some Chicago pizza.

    Greg
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I think the chemicals froze to your tail pipe before hitting the analyzer.

    Greg
  • rthompson10rthompson10 Member Posts: 75
    After reading the SUV threads on AWD versus 4WD I'm curious as to the similarities in the AWD mechanics of my vehicles, both purchased within the last year:
    96 Impreza Outback AT and 03 Outback AT

    Do they both have the same 10/90 power split?
    I'm assuming the 03 has the LSD feature?
    Anything else different or are the systems the same?
    Robert
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Pete- How would they even go about installing a remote starter in a car with a stick? Is there someway to bypass the clutch-engaged sensor?

    -Frank P.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    wrxfanboy- Don't sweat the CEL. A gas cap not being tightened enough is by far the leading cause and even after you tighten, it can take a couple of days to go out. I did have the CEL come on once for a bad oxygen sensor but the car still ran fine until the dealer replaced the sensor.

    -Frank P.
  • outback165outback165 Member Posts: 108
    Frank P: From what I understand there IS a way to do it, BUT installers (usually the reputable ones) don't like to do it because of the risk. It's a bummer because it is such a great luxury to get into a warm car!

    The other thing that I find curious is that more brands are not making this feature OE - even high line. I know Subaru New England makes available to its dealers an Omega remote start that is port installed and operates through the factory key fobs. I ordered a few cars with it at the beginning of the winter, but was not overly impressed with the system. Also, the range is limited to that of the keyless system, so it really wasn't a system that made a lot of sense. Patti, do you know if this was an SNE exclusive item, or does SOA have this available as well?

    Here's an idea for anyone with OnStar's ear. How about a service that allows subscribers to dial in to OnStar and access their vehicle's systems, allowing remote start, climate control, etc.! Now that would be cool! (in some cases, literally!)

    I'm still hoping to make the chat tonight!

    -Pete.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    When I lived in Anchorage and had no garage, I'd keep a little ceramic heater in the car and plug it in to a switched outlet. It cost maybe $30 bucks and did a great job of clearing the glass and warming the interior.

    Cars idle a lot cleaner these days, but I'm still not crazy about the idea of a remote start. Luckily I live in the banana belt now and have a garage :-)

    Chat starts in one hour - link is on the left.

    Steve, Host
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Nope, they pull the car in and allow it to warm up before beginning the test, they also have to have the car at operating temp also before they can test.

      Besides I also made sure the car was at operating Temp when I brought it in.

      Cheers Pat.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    I do too, but since I am a belt and braces kind of guy:-).

      Cheers Pat.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    The speedometer is now controlled by speed sensor no more cables Thank God.

      Cheers Pat.
  • wrxfanboywrxfanboy Member Posts: 25
    maybe I could catch a Rangers game while I'm there since I'm such a big fan....peperoni OK?? LOL!!
  • wrxfanboywrxfanboy Member Posts: 25
    Actually I forget to bring up that I've been noticing a slight drivers seat discoloration only on the left side support. I think it is from rain and the seats are fading lighter. I know it's probably just ACID rain right?? No I don't know just wondering if anyone else noticed!!
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