Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

poodog13

i want get a cd player. i currently have the factory tape/am-fm-weatherband radio made by panasonic installed. there is a 13 prong connector on the back of it. will that unit support a cd changer. if so, how can i figure out what CD changers it will support?

Don't waste money on an OEM replacement unit, go with an aftermarket stereo manufacturer. The sound quality will be much better even with OEM speakers.

Try Crutchfield's website, they have a tool that will tell you which units can be easily installed in your car and their prices include any necessary mounts/adaptors and easy installation instructions.

rpears

I have a 1996 Subaru Impreza 2.2 with 110K miles on it. The engine light recently came on, and the ODII read said that the 3rd cylinder was misfiring. I disconnected and reconnected the battery to reset. Engine light came on again, and the ODII read said that the 2nd cylinder was misfiring. I'm told that the coil pack may need to be replaced, but couldn't this just mean that I need to finally replace the 4 year old wires and plugs? If its the coil pack, how hard is that to change out ones self?

ronald711

Ive done most of the 30K work myself, The spark plugs with the right tools are not to difficult to get at, just had to remove some of the air intake to get to it. I had a valvoline shop do the coolant and transmission flush, but I did the air filter, fuel filters myself and oil changes. save the receipts and keep good records of your services.

xwesx

The coil pack sits right on top of the engine (top-center of intake manifold), so it is very easy to access and replace. It is a fairly expensive part, though. I'd go for wires and plugs first.

ateixeira

I think they run about $44 apiece, but you don't have to replace all four.

Do go ahead and try the wires first, they're overdue. On my Miata I have to change wires every 30k!

-juice

perlova

My 2005 OutBack 2.5i is prone to making a ringing(pinging, vibrating?) sound from the engine when I am accelerating. It sounds as if it is coming from the drivers side of the engine. No, it's not a cell phone... It is very annoying and makes me think that I am driving a sewing machine. The dealer can't find the source of the moise although they admit to hearing it.
Has anyone else had this issue? It did not exist in any of the demo cars that I have driven.

zman3

Does it do it all the time or only when the engine is cold? I used the sewing machine analogy when describing the piston slap I had on my 98 Outback. I would not call the sound a ringing however.

Karl

ateixeira

Check the intake to make sure all the tubing is sealed properly. The intake silencers usually quell this noise, so that makes me think there may be a leak.

-juice

ninniwinky

I have a ringing also. I just bought a 2006 forester. There is a ringing, or a "tingling" cant really describe it, but I think it the same thing you are talking about.... The only thing I can thing of, is maybe my roof racks are catching wind, and whistling! You think thats possible?!?!? :confuse:

ateixeira

They should have the rounded edge pointing forward, like the wings of an airplane. See if they are reversed, if so they will whistle like mad.

-juice

coloradoski

My 2000 outback has just failed the third injector in 60K miles. First one was at 26K, and was covered under warranty, second one was at 42K, cost me 300 dollars, and now I have had a third one fail. Is this normal for my car? I am now wondering if the two dealers have never replaced the injector, jsut did a fuel flush. I hate having to even go into the dealer, but cannot find out how I could replace this myself. Has anyone here seen this problem before?

samiam_68

What kind of gas are you using?

fibber2

Have you ever changed the fuel filter?

ateixeira

Is it the same one as before? Or a different one completely?

These aren't common, so fuel quality is the most likely cause. What's odd is that they failed so far apart from each other.

Call 800-SUBARU3 to see what they can do for you. That's strange...

-juice

lakepop

I'm betting bad gas/dirty filter/using the dregs of fuel in the tank(last few gals)............this is NOT a common problem with the machine.

coloradoski

I use 87 octane, typically bought at Conoco. I try not to run it below 1/4 tank. Had just put in Techron two weeks before, then got my emission test, which passed.

coloradoski

fuel filter replaced once when I paid for injector, I now replaced it again last night. Still flashing CE light, still running rough

coloradoski

I am headed over to my dealer that replaced the first one under warranty to fix this one. Second failure was fixed by dealer near work. I am going to call the 800 number, and make sure both dealers get with Subaru on this, Thanks for the number and the info.

coloradoski

I know my outback is one of the first ones off of the line in 2000. Maybe I got some bad original injector. Just kind of frustrating to not have a reliable car, and to shell out this cash

ninniwinky

I just Posted last week about the 2006 Forester whistling, and the roof racks are ok. But when that car gets put in park, or I stop at a light, The idle is so rough...The RPM's dont move, so Mechanically it seems ok, but that little car starts shaking...It almost feels like someone is in the back seat jumping around...Does anyone else know what I am talking about, or have that Problem. I have been to the dealer about this, and he said that there is 0 vibration and the Car is fine!! Anyone else have this problem???????????

jeqq

Hey Juice, your dead on. I read your reply and scratched my head. My new 3 week old Forester also whistles in the wind. So tonight when I went out to walk around my lake I looked at the crossbars. Sure enough the rear one was mounted wrong; the rounded edge was facing rearward. It even had a white sticker on the rounded edge that said front. Here's a scary thought. I hope who ever did that, is not the same person who assembled the rest of my car. Maybe that's why my steering wheel ain't straight:)

Thanks again

jeqq

I also experienced the forester shake, but attributed it to the engine not fully broken in. Yes, it happened at a light. I shut off and restarted the engine and it hasn't reoccurred since. I will mention it to the dealer next time I go in and have my steering wheel realigned for the 2nd time.

lakepop

Good save. I think the dealer puts the cross bars on and probably NOT by a certified mechanic. The unstraight steering wheel is however an assembly issue...not common.

ateixeira

Cool - glad I could help.

Shake - even after it warms up?

-juice

jchang

I have 2001 Forester L and exactly same problem as what youh have. Did you figure out how to fix it? Thanks.

jeqq

Yes, the car was fully warmed up - was driven for 45 minutes, stopped at a light and it started to shake. Restarted engine at light and it was fine. Only happened that one time. I'll still mention it to dealer.

BTW

Off centered steering wheel, is that a tire alignment issue or a steering wheel centering issue? The car was not pulling before or after the dealer did the 1st tire alignment. So I'm thinking it's just a steering wheel adjustment.

TIA

locke2c

re: BTW,

Centering the steering wheel is the very first step in a front wheel alignment.

~Colin

ebony5

On Monday I had some work done on my OBW and tried to pay a portion of it with Subaru Bucks . It seems that Chase has changed the format of the coupon and the Service facility was unfamiliar with it and refused to accept it. I went home and called the 800 SUBARU3 # and after speaking to a representative, faxing her the coupon it was determined that in fact the coupon unbeknown to all of us had in fact been changed(she had to call Chase). It is now smaller and I believe comes with the credit card statement. SOA was extremely helpful she called up the Service Manager and explained the situation. When I have time I am going back to the service dept. to redeem the Bucks and get the credit placed on my card. If you plan on using these coupons it may not be a bad idea to tell your Service Advisor beforehand.

ateixeira

Thanks for the heads-up.

I noticed the change - we have $300 worth of the "old" Subaru Bucks, and a $100 new one.

-juice

coloradoski

Dealer found #3 is failed, both #1, and #2 had been replaced before. Dealer is working with Subaru rep. and they have cut me a deal on the cost of replacing #3 injector. the cost would have been 300.00, will cost me today 118.00. Also, they are letting Subaru know that I think #4 will fail.

coloradoski

Dealer found #3 is failed, both #1, and #2 had been replaced before. Dealer is working with Subaru rep. and they have cut me a deal on the cost of replacing #3 injector. the cost would have been 300.00, will cost me today 118.00. Also, they are letting Subaru know that I think #4 will fail.

ateixeira

While you have a friendly, helping ear, why not pre-emptively change the 4th one now?

Ask them if they'll do it for the $118 price, if so you've got all new ones for less than you were going to pay for the work originally.

Better safe than sorry!

-juice

pdp

PDP Again. I mentioned the ball joint, half shaft or CV joint to them and they said it wasn't any of that. They went ahead and replaced the Rack. IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE (MAYBE EVEN A BIT WORSE!!!!) DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE???

locke2c

PDP,

it's high time to find someone else to work on your car. never hurts to have a second opinion...

~Colin

jeqq

I called dealer to bring '06 Forester back in for second wheel alignment. Service rep told me there is a software glitch and that's why many steering wheels are off center. He said tires are aligned, just the steering wheel is off. They are waiting for new software to come. Strange story.
What do you guys think?

lakepop

Probably the most common complaint by customers after a wheel alignment.

It could be the roads you drive on....BUT most probably a POOR alignment job by the service department. I'd guess they did a POOR job on the front/rear toe alignment.

I'd be less than happy with a bogus reponse that the wheels are aligned....steering wheel is off.....duh....does he think its ok leting a customer drive with the steering wheel sitting in some cocamanie position?

Take the puppy to a proper alignment shop and get it done right!

jeqq

My car has 300 miles on it. The steering wheel was off center from mile 1. This dealer sells Audi, Lincoln Mercury, Subaru and Porsche. Their facility and equipment look to me, up to date and well maintained and I'm served hot buns and coffee in the waiting room:)

What I'm saying is that I believe them. I don't see what they gain by misleading me. This software glitch must be widespread. If so there are other Foresters out there with off center steering wheels that need adjusting. Any others have this issue?

locke2c

I'm sorry but that sounds like a load of BS to me. Even if they are a premium dealer and they have a universal problem aligning cars, that does not mean that it can't be done properly.

It could be done properly just like it was in the old days-- put the wheel straight and tie it in place, then align the car. Mechanics are too dependent on computers!

Tell them to subcontract it or that you will take it elsewhere and bill them because it is under the 12,000 mile adjustment warranty-- not to mention, it's just good customer service.

~Colin

jeqq

They said the software update is happening as we speak. I can bring it in during the week and have it redone. And yes it was a system wide problem from subaru itself, according to them.

I'll let you know.

drivelikejehu

i just got back from a smooth trip on the interstate only to find my '06 OBS is now making a high pitched whine when i'm accelerating or decelerating. the pitch of the whine rises as the car moves faster, or decreases as i slow down. it even happens when i put the car in neutral and let it slow down on its own [no braking]. it's VERY pronounced when shifting into 5th gear, and extremely pronounced when braking. it sounds like a model airplane winding down after a landing. [if you can imagine that]. anyone have any guidance or thoughts as to what it could be?

not to mention, my clutch feels kinda cruddy.

i just hit 3000 miles and i've made an appointment for monday for my 'first oil change'. i've got a lot of things i considered too nit-picky to bring up to the service dept. about this car until i broke it in a little bit, [squeaking windows, squeaking clutch pedal, etc.] but after 3000 miles, i think its bloody time to will make full mention of every little gripe about it to them.

ebony5

Without naming names if your service is being done in the tri-state area I also had my wheels aligned there after having a new front tie rod put on. When I was there last week for an oil change I showed the mechanic that the steering wheel is about an inch or so(maybe a little less) off center and he told me it was negligible and not to be concerned. The vehicle tracks straight and stays straight when braking. This situation also developed after I had the wheels aligned at what I believe is the same facility you go to. My questions are. What is the allowable amount a steering wheel can be off center if in fact there is an allowable amount? Is there any damage being done in either the short or long term? And finally what is my recourse if the work was not done properly? Can I request a free adjustment once the new software is in place? I believe they have what I think are state of the art alignment machines(Hunter?). I would appreciate hearing back on this matter. Thanks

ronald711

I had my O2 check engine light and it was covered under the emission 80K warranty on my 2002 Forester, bt shortly after the repair, less then 6,000 miles after the service, there is a clattering that is heard when I start the car or when the car is deexcellerating on the interstate or when you give it gas, sounds like a bolt laying in a tin can vibrating, you all know the sound, but when I asked the dealer if they can fix this since it was part of the emission work they did they told me, no matter what they do that its made up of 12 or 13 plates and you will always get one that is going to make noise, and there is no sense in repairing it and that its not covered under the work they did or the emissions warranty, since its not causing an emissions issue. I am just wondering are they right? Is this something I can fix myself? Thanks for your input, if its something I can hold the dealer responsible for then I want to push it with them, but if its something that maybe I can resolve for under $50 then I would like to learn how to take care of it. :mad:

jeqq

My work is being done at Town Motors, Englewood, NJ. It's okay to mention dealer names. I don't know the answer to your question but I will surmise that as long as the tires are properly aligned it's okay for the steering wheel to be off. The point is there is no reason for it to be that way. You wouldn't want all the light switches in your home to slant off in different directions.

The service rep said they now are aware of the problem and by this week the software will be corrected. I'll be back there soon and keep you updated.

ebony5

Thanks for your timely response. I also have my work done at Town Motors. I had the wheels aligned in May-5600 miles ago. I see on the back of the invoice that the warranty for the labor is good for 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever comes first but excludes front end alignments. Does that mean that this steering wheel situation is not covered even though it is due to some "software" glitch. . It seems to me the work should be redone to keep long term loyal customers satisfied. More shall be revealed. I do not know when I will have the time to deal with this situation but I will keep you informed.

fibber2

To begin with, I am trying to sort out what was actually repaired. I don't believe Kentucky follows the beefed up "California Emissions" policy (there are a half dozen states that do), so you probably have the basic Federal package. That gives you 80k coverage on the EEC, OBDII system, and the converter itself. So I assume that the converter itself went bad, and that is what was replaced? And this new converter has developed a rattle? Are you over 80k now?

Assuming they changed it, they would have had to remove and replace the shields. Doubt they gave you new ones. I would suspect that something is loose there, rather than from within the catcon itself, although I guess it is possible. Technically, none of this would affect performance of the system, and they could probably get away with ignoring your request. If it really bothers you, try calling 1-800-subaru3 and ask if the home office could authorize the dealer to do futher good-will work.

Steve

jeqq

From the feeling I get about the place I don't think you'll have a problem with it. That's why I bought the car from them even though I could have saved around $150 somewhere else. They are "Now" aware about the software glitch. I think they'll be gracious about it. I believe there is only one person(a gentleman) at the counter that handles Subaru service. You can tell him you heard about it from me, Jeff/'06 Blue Forester LL Bean.

Let's keep each other posted.

ebony5

Thanks I will mention your name and this forum etc. when I go in next and see what happens. I have had my car serviced there since 2002,and even have the same mechanic work on the car every time(I like the continuity). He knows the vehicle (a '96 OBW with 83,000K). and tells me what to look out for in the near future. Greg who I know pretty well used to be the Subaru Service Advisor, but he has moved over to the Audi desk. I am just now beginning to establish a relationship with the new advisor. Perhaps we will meet there one day(Philip White OBW). I usually call ahead to ask what would be a good day to come in and I try to be there first thing in the morning right before they open the gates.

fibber2

Some mountain driving the other day convinced me that it was high time I do something about the brakes on my '02 OBW. From a pad wear standpoint, it is almost time, and the pulsing and shaking, severe fade, etc., convinced me that the rotors should go as well. Not good when you have your kids with you.

"Guy6" suggested PowerSlot rotors, but I decided, after reading some reviews to go one step higher, with the cryo treated slotted "Frozen Rotors", and Hawk HPS pads. With shipping, $395 from TireRack. Ouch! But hopefully worth the investment.

Steve

jeqq

Philip, the new service reps name is Don. Obviously you must be happy with the service there after all these years. I had good vibs about the place. I have an Audi still under warranty and will consider them when I need to service it. I purchased the Subaru from Town but the Audi somewhere else. I look forward to meeting you there one day. First it was the airplane and now the internet is making the world smaller place to live in:)

lfdal

Lost one of my Winterforce tires last week and had to switch over to the Avid's I bought for the other 3 seasons.

Naturally, that was right before the biggest snow storm of the season.

Tirerack survey results basically say that the Avid's in deep snow and ice are Good as compared to Excellent and Superior. I disagree. After driving with decent snow tires, I think the Avid's ought to be rated about a 2.0 and that's generous.

Cornering was horrendous, even at very low speeds, they broke traction with the slightest of touch on the gas, and I got to use the anti-locks more this morning than in the entire time I owned my FXT (30 months).

I actually missed the Geolanders, as I thought they performed better than the Avids in this weather.

FWIW, the Avids are great in the dry and on wet roads, which is why I bought them. They're also fairly quiet. IMO, they're also the worst tires I've ever owned in the snow. All I can think of is that the folks that rated them don't drive a lot in the snow, or never had the benefit of a dedicated snow tire. This is the first time in about 6 or 7 sets of tires I purchased from tirerack that I disagreed with the overall survey results by such a wide margin.

Just my 0.02, but I've been driving in snowy winters for 34 years.

Larry