Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • duckdog_miduckdog_mi Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2004 XT and have lost 2 rear wiper arms due to, I don't know, using them.
    I noticed they're now made of plastic. Does anyone know if there is any way I can replace it with a metal arm?
  • jlemolejlemole Member Posts: 345
    takes the oil and coolant. As far as I know, any national quicky lube chain or auto parts store will take it too.

    Jon
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    thats funny , my 98 with 96K miles doesn't. it may be way more frequent than we would like to see but thats about as accurate as there were Iraqi WMDs capable of being launched in 45minutes!
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    You gotta love an instant expert making a blanket statement with zero regard as to the actual truth. IMO it doesn't warrant a response.

    -Frank P.
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    My 99 GT seems to be fine at 97k.
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I was looking at the Sylvania Silver Star bulbs as replacements, but I am confused by one thing. The packaging says it is 65 watts- the bulb I am replacing (H1) is only 55 watts; can I use the Silver Star bulb, or will it damage the system?

    Mark
  • K9LeaderK9Leader Member Posts: 112
    No leakage after a couple of weeks, and the cold weather has continued.

    The CSR from Subaru customer service called to follow up on the repair. In addition to the extended warranty to 8 years/100K miles, they have offered to cover the cost of the 60K mile service (I'm at 44K now so it will be a year+ before I need it).

    This is more evidence that Subaru is acting in good faith in this matter. The extended warranty along with the offer to cover the 60K service demonstrates they are not just trying to cut corners.

    --K9Leader
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    legally, primary beams may be only 55w to be road legal. fyi

    technically your wire harness should be just fine for only 10w more... I could do the math for ya if you knew wire gauge and length. :)

    ~c
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    The Subi sealer solution is (I believe) intended as a preventitive, or for addressing slight seepage. If you have a more severe external leak, gasket replacement and retorque may be in order. Patti promised to get us definitive data as soon as it is released, so at this point our opinion is just supposition. Either way, get to your dealer while still under warranty and get it inspected.

    Steve
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    most often used for aux. fog/driving lights. I will try Advanced, as the local places don't carry them. Thanks for the tip.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    59k miles on my '98 and doing fine. Hasn't cost me a penny in repairs for anything.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I take used oil to the closest Exxon. They use it for heating oil I think.

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    The owners manual shows H1 for the low beam bulb. I have to go back to Pep Boys to see what they have, as a lot of the bulbs were gone yesterday. They are running a sale on the Sylvania Silver Stars at $11.88 for a twin pack after rebate.

    I still want to check and make sure that I don't have a loose wire, or something.

    Mark
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    had my HG replaced, and still wouldn't make that statement. Talk facts please.

    Rob - that's great that they will cover your 60K service. That's a dealer I would definitely buy my next Subaru at. (sent you e-mail).

    Greg
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Is the rebate from Sylvania/Osram or from Pep Boys? I didn't see any mention of it on the Syl site. Advance Autoparts wants $32 for a twin pack of the H1, so $12 net is incredible.

    Some interesting data from the Syl web site. In the general Q&A section, they list the 'lifespan' of the Silverstar as 1 year under normal use. Does that include a provision for the use of the low beam as DRL? Assuming not, as only a small percentage of US car on the road have DRL, that says to me that the actual life expectancy in an Outback may be unacceptably short.

    Also, although they indicate an output of 1200 lumens @ 65w, Daniel Sterns' site list typical conventional H1 to be 1380 lum @ 55w. So it could be another case of coatings that give that great bright blue hue actually cost you in terms of efficiency and output.

    Still, I must admit that I am intrigued by what others have said. My emotional side doing battle with my engineering half......

    Steve
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I take mine to a local quick lube. They recommended I purchase a 5 gallon Kerosine canister as they are white and somewhat translucent. This way you can see the level and they can tell if any gas or other liquids are mixed in. It works well.

    Mike - thanks for the bulb info.

    I'm thinking about the Sylvania bulbs but don't want that blue look. Are these bulbs "white" in terms of output?

    Greg
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Steve,

    The rebate is from Pep Boy's. Go to their website, and look at the local circular for the ad. I think it may be too good a deal; I'll try and see. Do stores have to honor their circulars, or can they get away with saying it is a misprint?

    If they last less than a year, I'm not sure if it's worth putting them in. The bulb I am replacing is from AD; it is the blue bulb- and it definitely does give a "whiter" output.

    Does anyone have any other suggestions? Maybe the normal bulbs are more economical in that the originals lasted me 3 1/2 years.

    Mark
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    I didn't seem to get a year from the Silverstar bulbs. After replacing 2 at $25 a pop, I went back to the Philips bulbs.
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Jim--
    Actually I bought some of that belt dressing and used it, but it didn't quiet the clop clop sound. I used the steth I bought and now am convinced it is coming from inside the timing belt cover. Boy that stethoscope is a really neat tool! I found myself listening to everything in the engine bay--cool! And only $10 at Autozone.

    Eric
  • georgeinmdgeorgeinmd Member Posts: 27
    I just saw your earlier post about the timing belt. I recently replaced the belt on my Forester -- basically the same procedure for the OB. You have to remove the belt covers to get at the belt, and you have to remove the crankshaft pulley to remove the covers; its a BEAR! Be glad to provide details if you're interested. -- George
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    I might take a whack at it if the dealer doesn't want to cover it under powertrain warranty

    Eric
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    The site says that the product they sell in Europe has no coatings, but the US bulb has a blue tint. I suspect that a light tint will absorb some of the red/yellow end of the spectrum, giving the appearance of a more blue/white output. But probably not as 'blue' as the 'Friday Night' crowd.

    Steve
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    the automatic belt tensioner used on the late model EJ series reminds me of something honda would do: technology for technology's sake.

    why does it have to be as complicated as it is? many engines have used a simple spring and they seem to work OK.

    evil little piece of work...
    click here

    hmm, were IMG tags nerfed recently?
    ~colin
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    regarding "if you can over-engineer it..."?

    -Brian
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    haven't noticed anything, the ones in my profile links seem to be ok still

    -Brian
  • outback_97outback_97 Member Posts: 130
    I think I posted a link to these before, but it was probably in another area:

    OEM bulb vs. Silvania Silverstar:
    http://users.sisna.com/ignatius/subaru/mods/compare.jpg

    And the bulbs:
    http://users.sisna.com/ignatius/subaru/mods/bulbs.jpg

    Although the bulbs do seem better than OEM, the tint causes more glare in rain and snow. We don't get much rain here but driving in heavy snow the other night it was pretty bad. I'd go for Xtravisions rather than Silverstar, myself. My $.02.

    Someone posted re: IAC valve... there's a test procedure in the Haynes manual for Phase 1 2.5 (Legacy) that involves checking the resistance of the terminals. I don't have it at hand right now but if there's interest I could dig that out. On mine the IAC is easy to get to, top of the engine, passenger side.

    utahsteve
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    Do you folks feel it would be beneficial to loosen and re-torque each cylinder head bolt as a "preventive maintenance" to leaking HG?

    I've got ~84k on my 2000, no problems to date. I do plan to purchase the coolant additive for the 90k service.

    What are your opinions?

    Thx,

    Jim
  • simon_txsimon_tx Member Posts: 42
    Not sure if this is state by states, but I thought there was some law about places that sell motor oil have to accept it for disposal (not sure if it is free though).

    I know in Texas anyone of those quick lube places will take it and also most Wal-marts if they have the auto shop.

    I think they have they law for batteries.

    Of course I do believe most places charge some State disposal tax (used ot be $2 per battery and like a $1 per oil change at a quick lube place).
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    I might be interested if it has the compass built in.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Mark,

    If you need to upgrade your H1s, I would very much recommend going with Philips Vision Plus.

    They're not available in the US, but they are available from Europe via mail order for $16 each (H1).

    link here

    These are not those "Superwhite" or blue bulbs that are overwattage, lower output or tinted.

    Ken
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    My take? Get better driving lights for around $100 if you REALLY want better light. For the most part no matter what bulbs you put in they won't improve the amount of light on the road. If the reflectors in the headlights aren't good the bulb won't help make em better.

    The Hella FF series is great. I use the Micro DE HIDs in the SVX and Hella 4000s on my Trooper.

    -mike
  • rochcomrochcom Member Posts: 247
    I need to replace the clock in my 98 Forester. does anyone know how to remove it?
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    it could be just a bad connection.

    Eric
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Difficult question to answer. I thought about this also. In the past, I owned Nissan & Toyota products that actually had head gasket retorqe requirements as part of periodic maintanence, usually prior to valve adjustment. Something along the lines of loosening an 1/8 turn, then retorqued to spec.

    The Subi procedure for a new gasket is rather complicated, specifying a several step torque/loosen/torque procedure.

    My local guy (i believe a former Subaru NY/NJ employee) told me that he has successfully retorqued light seepers with good results. He typically finds that the bolts around #4 are often quite loose. Did it on his wifes '00 OBW. In your case there may be some merit in doing so as a preventitive measure.

    The bummer would be if you broke something on an otherwise seemingly healthy engine. Not sure about Subi's, but some head bolts are heat treated and are specifically designed for one use. Just need to be sure it is OK to reuse them.

    Steve
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    that's not at all useful for occupied-road use though. improving the usability of your regular headlamps, in whatever small way, could provide a lot more value in everyday situations.

    ~c
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Mike-

    I have to replace my headlight bulb as it burnt out on me again; that's why I'm trying to improve on the quality of the light for now. I agree a pair of driving lights would be a big benefit, but that is something that may be down the road.

    Ken-

    Thanks for the link on those bubls. Any idea how long they are supposed to last?

    BTW- I checked with Pep Boys last night -they did not get in my bulb yet. However, they do have a sign up saying the ad was misprinted -instead of the advertised $16.88 for a pair before rebate it is $16.88 for each bulb.
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    I bought the twin pack of SilverStar bulbs at Pep Boys on Sunday. Like Mark said, the ad was $16.88 for the twin pack before $6 rebate. This store also had a sign stating misprint but it said something like $23.99 before $12 rebate. Anyway, I got mine for $16.88 for the pair and also received a $6 rebate form but according to the form, you need to send in 2 UPCs so I have no idea if it will go through.

    They didn't have the low beams (H1), so I got the high beams (9005). From what I'm reading though, I may take them back and get something without the blue tint. People are saying you get more glare in rain and snow with the blue tint.

    DaveM - '03 OBW
  • mrk610mrk610 Member Posts: 378
    I have had the silverstar bulbs in my 02 outback for 3months now . I have not had any problem with the bulbs during rain or snow driving . I just spent a week up at the mountains skiing and we had snow every day with no problems .
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    Thanks for the info.

    Are you using the SilverStars for low or high beam?

    DaveM
  • mrk610mrk610 Member Posts: 378
    I.m only using them for the low beam. Truthfully I think I have used my higbeams 3 times since I have owned the car . I drive with the fog lights on at nite ,and I can see quite far .

    Mike k
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    55w driving lights are legal for road use.

    -mike
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Headlight patterns and position are regulated so as to not blind oncoming drivers, yet any yahoo can point driving lights any which way (and do). Sort of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

    I only use my fogs / driving lights in the same manner as my high beams - when I am totally alone on the road.

    Steve
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    DaveM,

    It seems like they have a ton of the Hi-Beam bulbs (9005), but none of the low beams. Out of curiosity did you have to argue with the store in order to get the bulbs for the advertised price? Also, I thought the bulbs come in an individual package, so wouldn't you have 2 UPC codes from that?

    Mike-
    If the bulb goes out again, I may have to swing by AZP to try and figure out what is going on.

    Mark
  • hatesthevalleyhatesthevalley Member Posts: 2
    I got hit on the left rear quarter panel on my brand new Forester. They towed it on a flat bed. Is that the only way to tow an awd vehicle?
    I am stuck with no car after owning it less than 24 hours
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    Sorry to hear the news, but you may pretend to a right to enter in a Guiness World Record. Don't loose your chance.
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    Sorry to hear about your new Subie getting hit. Flatbed is the best way to tow a Subie. I believe there are one or two other possible methods but flatbed is preferred.

    Hope they get you back to "good as new" quickly.

    Jim
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    No arguing. I took them to the checkout, handed them the coupon and that's what they rung them up for. I got a twin pack, two bulbs in one pack, one UPC. The rebate coupon lists qualifying UPCs and the 9005 twin pack UPC is on there but I'm still thinking you need to buy two packs. I may stop in at Pep Boys again and see what the actual deal is suppose to be. If I can't get the rebate, it's not a big deal.

    DaveM
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    sorry to hear. I hope it wasn't too bad.

    Greg
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    really sorry abt the crash. trust you are OK and Sube will be out of hospital soon...

    srp
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I would not re-torque the bolts unless you had some sort of symptom. Why stir things up if they're fine as-is?

    Plus, I bet Subaru would have suggested that along with the additive if they thought it would help.

    -juice
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