Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

once_for_all

I try to avoid getting severed by my vehicles :-).

John

kens

I was running errands this weekend and a stray rock kicked up by a semi left a 18" crack in my windshield. That's two windshields in about six years.

I just had Speedy Glass come by and replace my windshield in the parking lot.

Hopefully, this will be the last time I need to do this while I own my Forester!

Ken

deadeye5

KENS Did your replacement glass have the heated wiper grid inside and do you mind letting me know the ballpark price Speedy Glass charged ???

                        Tks. Deadeye

ateixeira

Rack it up to bad luck. My wife was on her 3rd windshield when we traded in the 626. Her Legacy is still on the original.

-juice

legasee

Patti:

   I hope you have seen the e-mail that I sent to you last night regarding the Head Gaskets on my 1998 Legacy GT. The case # is 595167. I haven't heard from the Subaru district Rep and I'm hoping that you will intervene in my behalf. The car has 58,000 miles and I was told it doesn't qualify for the 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Thanks in advance for checking this case.

zman3

But it should still be under the bumper to bumper warranty so it should be fixed for you.

As I understand it the 97,98,99 type failures are "internal" gasket failures resulting in combustion gasses in the coolant. The 2000+ issues are "external" gasket leaks where coolant will leak out of the engine. The additive is for these types of leaks so the pre 2000 engines don't qualify for the warranty extension. Two different issues.

Karl

kens

No, I have a 98 Forester so it's doesn't use the heated grid.

My non-heated windsheild with moldings and on-site installation cost an even $200.

Yeah, it was just bad luck. This last windsheild I had in was a Carlex and it was holding up pretty well to the flying rocks on my commute. The rock that did my windsheild in hit it right below the molding at the top. I think the fact that there's sheetmetal right behind it didn't allow the glass to absorb the energy.

Ken

subaru_team

You'll hear more from us soon. Thanks!

Patti

P. S. Karl - your understanding is correct. Thanks for providing the response!

samiam_68

I don't know if you've been following some discussions about the issues with the Forester automatic Climate Control, and was wondering if SOA is looking into improving / fixing this feature so that it actually provides a comfortable cabin environment.

I have not brought this up to my dealer's attention as of yet, but seems that a lot of people are complaining about it.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sam

subaru_team

I'll try to read through it tonight and see what I hear. Thanks!

Patti

lowellk

I went through that last August. A small UFO hit the windshield of my 'O3 Forester XS while I was cruising along on a freeway. I saw a large dark blur and heard it hit. The result was an "L" shaped crack over a foot in length.

Had Safelite AutoGlass do the repair. Two technicians, three windshields, five trips and five weeks later the replacement was complete.

I think that I might have overwhelmed their customer service rep after their third or fourth follow-up call. They stopped calling back after that.

Deadeye: The price of the windshield (w/heating elements) was about $511 (vice $397 for plain, which they sent out first).

juice: I agree that its just bad luck. My '89 Honda Civic still had its original windshield after thirteen years and 213,000 miles. It was a bit pitted, though.

deadeye5

Kens & lowellk. Tks for the comback on the SSSS Fig. Sounds like a big amt. of $$$ But-
whats new ??

                                Deadeye

cmuniz

Regarding your CEL problems, I have always suspected a defective gas cap and your recent message just seems to confirm that. If your dealer has a toll free number, why don't you call him and request that they send you a new gas cap in the mail. Replace your cap with theirs and if it fixes the problem send them your old cap for a refund since it should be a warranty fix. If it doesn't fix the problem, maybe they will take it back for credit. At least you won't have to take the ferry to Vancouver to find out whether or not it will solve the problem.

bat1161

It sounds like the glass coverage for insurance is definitely worth it, especially on the heated windshield. I know I had to replace my windshield a few months after I bought my OB because of a crack, and due to the insurance it cost $0 out of pocket.
Mark

ateixeira

Luckily insurance in MD covers it. We were almost on a first name basis with the glass guys.

-juice

fibber2

Liking them so much that I just placed an order for a set for the Odyssey...

Steve

jonjons

Our '99 Forester has developed an oil leak at the front engine seals. Unfortunately it is one month out of its drivetrain warranty (but only has 40K miles) and the dealer does not want to play.

First question: Has anyone managed to get a dealer to pick up part of the tab under these kind of circumstances?

Second question: The independent shop I am taking the car to has suggested replacing the timing belt at the same time at no labor cost. Does that seem like a good idea at 5yrs 40K? We will probably only keep the car for another year or so.

Thanks in advance,
                                     Jon

PS: Regarding the coolant conditioner, my mechanic had a really hard time convincing the dealer to sell them some. So while supplies are likely to open up later, some dealers appear to be trying to leverage the situation.

This is about the 4th really good reason this dealer has given me to never do business with them again!

ateixeira

Call 800-SUBARU3, and consider using a different Subaru dealer if there is one near by. Sounds like they've done nothing beyond the legal minimum to ever help you out.

40k miles is very early, even though it is out of warranty. See what the 800 folks say.

-juice

amsbear

I just popped a pair of these into my 98 OBW. We shall see if there is any perceptible improvements. The packaging / specs claim 30% better light output. The current lighting is pretty poor and I'll take any kind of improvement.

I'll post again with my opinions on these.

Alan
98 OBW Ltd

toboggan

where did you get the Philips HiVisibility 9007? Seems the 9007 size restricts you quite badly on availability of stronger lamps.

MNSteve
'98 OBW Ltd

steve

I took my '00 RS in this morning (Louisville, KY), and was told thet the stuff was well stocked, cost $1.98, was in a 3oz. bottle, and I could get as much as I wanted. Try getting it yourself at a dealership and letting your mechanic do the hard stuff. I couldn't be happier!!

Steve

amsbear

MNSteve,

I went to SUVLights.com. They were $12 apiece plus shipping $8 which was kinda high since it came via regular mail.

Yep, I definitely agree on the lack of options in this area.

Alan
98 OBW Ltd

ateixeira

What's the verdict, should we put this in even if we have Phase I engines (up to 1999)?

My guess is yes, it can't hurt. Other opinions?

-juice

hammerhead

Juice: I'm with you. Could it also prevent an impending HG issue that hasn't yet made itself obvious?

Cheers!
Paul

jonjons

My concern would be that this stuff is like radiator stop leak which is famous for clogging heater cores. I would be inclined not to use it unless you have to.

Hi Juice, thanks for the advice. I'll give toll-free subaru a try!

Jon

jonjons

My concern would be that this stuff is like radiator stop leak which is famous for clogging heater cores. I would be inclined not to use it unless you have to.

Hi Juice, thanks for the advice. I'll give toll-free subaru a try!

Jon

subaru_team

I can state that this conditioner has not shown ANY evidence of clogging the radiator. I was concerned about this possibility myself so I asked to review the test data and the info. I was provided did pan out.

Also, please do what Juice said. The Rep. can check into it for you. As a general statement however....when you use an "independent" facility for servicing, it is more challenging to get a dealer to try to seek assistance for you. The do look at a customers "loyalty" or the business they bring them. I'm not saying that this is the right thing to do - it just is one of those things. If a dealer feels that someone gives them service business they are more inclined to seek help for them. It's really more of an issue with "maintenance" related failures.

Anyway, we'll do what we can to encourage the dealer to help you. You can let your Rep. know that I'd like to review the case file. They'll know what to do.

Thanks - and I'm sorry you are having a problem.

Patti

mrk610

I just had to replace one of my sylvania silver star bulbs . The bulb lasted 6 months . If the bulbs are only lasting 6 months I'm going back to the original one's . I"m going to try and disable the drl's this weekend . I remember alittle while ago reading about a guy who disconnected the dlr's by moving the switch on the parking brake .

Mike k

mikezak

I have over 78K miles on my '01 Outback. I've noticed when the engine is 'cold', a slight 'knock' or 'ping'; like a dieseling sound until the engine warms -- about 2-3 minutes, then goes away.

This did not happen when the vehicle was new, and only started happening about the last 15-18K miles. My vehicle has been maticulously maintained.

What is the cause of this sound?
Why does it go away?
IF normal, why did'nt this occur when new?
Should I be concerned?

My thanks in advance.

ateixeira

I'd ask to leave it at the dealer so they can try to start it on a cold morning and try to trace the problem.

Could be as simple as a bad knock sensor.

-juice

jonjons

The reason I do not take the Forester to the dealer is that they replaced the clutch under warranty back at 10K miles. When they returned the vehicle to me I drove it home before noticing a small but 1-2 inch deep dent in top of the front drivers' side wing. Looked like they either dropped the engine or a very heavy tool on it. They initially denied that they had anything to do with it but eventually fixed it for me. I was very angry that they lied to me about this and I was also angry that the service manager would not even come out of his office to explain or apologize.

Under these circumstances, the word "loyalty" is rendered meaningless!

I do love Subaru's though!

jay_24

Probably the piston slap issue some of use have had. THe pistons are designed a bit too short causing them to rock slightly when cold. Once they warm up and expand the noise goes away.

I recently had 2 pistons replaced. Subaru covered it under waranty. HOwever I wouldn't call mine a slight noise, and it took about 15 minutes to go away. However that was Jan/feb when high temps were -5F.

In theory it doesn't cause damage, just noise. Other manufacturers (GM/Ford) have the issue to.

Maybe leave it with your dealer over night and see what they say....

--Jay

PS: contrary to your profile, not all Wisconsinites are Packer fans.

mrk610

I had the piston slap(knock) since 6k miles,I now have 39k on her. I just had 2 of my pistons replaced by SOA under warrenty . My knock was very prononuced every time I started the car and would last for atleast 15 mins .SOA will not do any work on your engine If it only lasts 2-3 mins . The best I can say is If you can leave it overnite so the dealer can do a cold engine start .

Mike k

mrk610

We'll I tried the move the switch on the parking brake thing . It worked great but now the brake lite is lit on the dash board . I gues it is a 2 way switch that controls the dlr's and also the dash lite . Gues I'll be changing it back tomorrow.

Mike k

subearu

there's a relay under the dash somewhere that controls the drl's. I thought I saw directions somewhere on the 'net though...

-Brian

locke2c

I'm gonna be pissed off if the new legacy has DRLs. Automatic headlamps I can do. Headlamps on all the time I can't do.

~c

rob_m

Mike, I have a 99 GT with 99k on the 100k warrantee. It is going to the dealer for the 90k service and a once over. I will probably do the timing belt while it is there. Should I be looking at anything else? I plan to keep this car for about another year, and expect another 20-25k miles. Thanks! Rob M.

bluesubie

I'm sure there will be a quick and easy rewiring mod. :-)

-Dennis

ateixeira

Our 2002 already does, Colin.

Pull the hand brake up one click, it does not engage the brake but it does turn off the DRLs.

Simple solution and free. You can send me money if you want, though. ;-)

-juice

hondafriek

Don't what the hangup is with DRLs, they have been law in Canada since 1990 and it is far easier to see a car coming at you with headlights on than off you can see the car at greater distance.

Anything that makes life safer on the road I am all for and IMHO the advantages to DRLs far outweigh the disadvantages.

  Cheers Pat.

rsholland

mrk610

One pull up on the brake lever also lites the brake light on the dash board too.My other head light blew out last nite on the way to work . So both Of my silverstar headlights blew out within 2 days of each other . I was wondering if the Philipps bulbs last longer . I thought maybe if I could disable the dlr's I would get longer life out of the bulbs .

Mike k

jay_24

Personally I like them. Some DRLs are better than others but I think its better than nothing. Subaru's could be better buy automatically going to 'on' position when it gets dark, and having a shut off switch in limited cases when you don't want them. Dare I say like GM.

As far as bulbs lasting longer? I don't know. I have my headlights in the on position all the time and still using original bulbs 3 years 50k miles.

Opinions, aren't they great!

--jay

ateixeira

We don't bother doing that, I was just mentioning that you could.

-juice

locke2c

I wouldn't think of riding a motorcycle without an always-on headlamp, in fact sometimes I ride with my highbeam on during the day for even more visibility.

I just don't feel that is necessary for a car. Perhaps on high speed 2 lane undivided road and in that case I would turn the headlamps on myself.

~c

jlemole

Just lost my stock driver-side low-beam on my 02 OBW purchased 9/3/02. So, a year-and-a-half for a $14 replacement item (2 stock Sylvania bulbs) seems like a pretty fair tradeoff even if the added safety benefit of the DRL's is only marginal.

Jon

subearu

in my '00 Outback with DRLs still burning strong. Of course, now that I say that I'll have one go out soon. ;-)

-Brian

p0926

A few years ago I use to be very anti-DRLs, resentful of the government/auto industry thinking they knew better than I when my headlights should be on. However, since that time I've done a complete 180 and now firmly believe that if it can make can you safer (and it doesn’t cost anything) then it's a good thing. In fact with my 01 Forester I took advantage of Subaru's auto-off lights feature and just left my headlights on all the time (3 1/2 years and 60k miles and the OE bulbs were still going strong).

For those who don't see the benefit of DRLs, think about the number of times you've seen cars driving around at dusk or dawn with no lights on. No doubt because the driver could see where he was going fine and not stopping to consider whether other drivers could see him. Or what about the distracted driver who briefly glances to his left but doesn't notice you and then pulls out right in front of you? Maybe having your lights on could have been the difference in him seeing you or not.

In virtually any situation, DRLs will make a car more visible and that can only be a good thing (unless of course you're running from the law).

-Frank P.

canpaul

Well I was able to change the coolant last week on our 99 Legacy. When I removed the overflow bottle, it was empty, but the rad was full, and the level has not dropped since the change. did not have a driver large enough to remove the drain plugs from the block, so I just disconnected the lower rad hose until it ran dry. When the rad was empty I looked inside and everything looked perfectly clean. Today the transmission fluid got changed. I used Mobil 1. The job is as easy as changing the oil. I measured the fluid that came out, which was only about 4 litres, so that is what I refilled with. The level is good after a short test drive. One thing to keep in mind when changing the tranny fluid, is that you need a crush washer for the drain plug. It is the same one as for the oil drain plug.

hondafriek

Hope you have your flame suit on:-) I cannot for the life of me figure the strong aversion to DRLs even amongst the enlighted folks on the crew.

You put well in writing all the advantages of having DRLs how can there be a sane objection to something that makes life on the road safer, and easier on the nerves is beyond my comprehension.

I have heard such lame excuses as the bulbs only last half as long, what price your Life?Or the one you yourself expressed, I don't want any stinkin government telling me what to do.

  Cheers Pat.