Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    I also think it is a shield rattling on you, but no way to know for sure unless you got under the car and tried wiggling them. If it was the cat, heck, I would request a different one. I've never had a car whose "catcon" rattled, and affects performance or no, I would not accept a replacement part that did rattle!

    Maybe you should tie a couple tin cans to the undercarriage of the service manager's car and see whether he finds it acceptable...... :mad:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    While on tires, I had a GOOD experience with my TripleTreds today on the way to work. I was passing a truck/snowmachine trailer combo, driving about 60 vs. "his" 45-50. There were a pair of vehicles pulled onto the shoulder up ahead with flashers running. I was just about to pass this vehicle (about 30 feet back) when a blinker came on. I figured, eh, 3 seconds and I will be ahead of him, then he can come over. Well, he says "no thanks" and jerks into my lane anyway. We've had 3 days of ABOVE freezing weather (odd for Fbx), but it was 15F today with an inch of new snow, so quite slick. I jammed the brakes to keep his trailer from side-swiping me. ABS kicked in, but the car stayed glued to the road and slowed down admirably well - enough to prevent the collision by a decent margin (15-20').
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    Glad to hear that. If I hadn't already had my dedicated snows, the TripleTreds would have been at the top of my list. I figured since I had snows (had being the operative word) I'd save a few bucks and pick a good all around tire.

    If you'd been running the Avid's we'd be asking for the address to send you get well soon cards.

    Larry
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Hahah.... well, sorry to hear that the Avids perform so poorly in the snow, but what is worse it the loss of ONE snow tire rendering the whole set unusable. Grr.

    Fix one problem (piston slap on the wife's OBW), something new crops up in the next heartbeat! :sick:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    My thoughts exactly re: loss of one making the whole set useless. I don't know if tirerack shaves snow tires or not. I would think not because of the way the blocks are laid out. But I'll find out. In either event, since I just got the Avid's I'll have 4 snow tires on there by next winter.

    Oh well, the OBW didn't sound this good when it was new. Even when I start it in the single digits, its quiet as can be.

    Larry
  • amsbearamsbear Member Posts: 147
    Larry,

    My Avid TRZ's did well for me in this last snow storm, ~20 inches in my area. I think that they did equally as well as the set of Nokian WR tires that were on my 98 OBW prior to this winter.

    Are you talking about a different version of the Avid? Also, my car doesn't put nearly the same power to the wheels as yours can, maybe there is some of the difference.

    Alan
    98 OBW Ltd
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    Alan,

    Yup, my Avids are the H4S series. I don't know how different the tread patterns are between the two.

    Agreed, my FXT is a little torque monster, but I really was driving with a very light foot.

    One difference in the cornering is the heavier rear sway bar I put on, it does tend to make the rear end "snap" a little quicker in a turn. Not a problem with the Winterforce tires, but definitely with the Avids. BTW - disclaimer - I knew that the heavier bar would have that effect, which is why I considered an investment in good snow tires mandatory. My problems with the Avids extended to straight line stops as well, so the sway bar was off the hook for that.

    Larry
  • ronald711ronald711 Member Posts: 44
    I have a 2002 Subaru forester, I had the dealer do a headgasket replacement and ever since I got the car back I noticed the security light flashes on the dashboard a little faster then it did before the service. I know the vehicle was off battery power for some time probably, but it used to flash after arming it once every few seconds maybe (maybe 2 seconds), but now as soon as the vehicle is shut off its flashes two times .. pause... two flashes, I also noticed that when the security is armed I can unlock the door and open it and the alarm doesnt go off like it used to when I first got the car. How do I turn the security system back on, the valet mode beeps and all that work I just dont believe the system is on for alarm?
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    It does sound like it is now in Valet Mode. Instructions for changing modes is covered in your owners manual. If for some reason you do not have an owners manual, you can download it for free (think you have to provide your vin number for access) from the Subaru web site.

    http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/ixSearchKwAll.jsp?publication_type=10&model_year- =2002&vehicle_line=Forester

    Steve
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Figures, after I post about how great my WRX has been over the past 78K miles, I bring my car in for an alignment, and find out that there is a turbo pressure leak. My turbo gage has only been going up to 0.5 pa at full boost, as opposed to 1.0 pa. According to one of the mechanics, it is common for the uppipe to become a little loose over time. Otherwise, the car is great. Any suggestions or comments?
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    Just went to check my oil and noticed that the coolant resovoire is very low about at the line near the bottom (3")from the bottom of the container. I am concerned about what could cause this, whether I can use the vehicle. I am scheduled to go about 100 miles on Monday. The mechanic where I have my car serviced has on more than one occasion said that ONLY Subaru Coolant should be used in my '96 OBW.that any other brand would, for some reason, have dire consequences. Why do these things always seem to happen on long Holiday weekends . I guess it could be worse and I may not have noticed the situation. I had the oil changed and the fluids checked about 2 weeks ago. I am wondering whether I can just add some high quality coolant to the resoivoir and go out of town on Monday (which is work related) or not drive the car and take it in first thing Monday morning and try to reschedule the work. Any suggestions and comments would be greatly appreciated
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Phil,

    In recent years most of the car makers have become very particular about fluids, particularly coolant & ATF. For that reason, I have been dumping my older stock of Prestone, and recently got the coolant changed on both my OBW and Honda Ody at their respective dealers. Prestone's latest formula claims to be 100% compatible with all makers requirements for corrosion/oxidation/electrochemical reactions between block/head metals, and gasket materials. My feeling is hit Walmart in the morning, and get the latest formula. Plus, the minimal amount you will be adding to the bottle (a pint, maybe) is trivial compared to the total volume of the system.

    Of course, the real question is where did it go? With the DOHC engine, it is usually an internal HG leak, so watch that temp gauge carefully for signs of trouble.

    Steve
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    I have not as yet had any overheating but,if in fact it is the much mentioned dreaded head gasket situation should I drive the car to the service facility which is about 10 miles from my home or have it towed. Basically how much more damage is being done by continuing to drive the car, even to pick up the above mentioned Prestone, about 5 miles round trip to the auto parts store or to take in to be looked at on Monday.
    Can one hear or feel when the gasket goes I thought I heard an umfamiliar sound come from the engine yesterday which I mentioned to my friend at the time.
  • jeqqjeqq Member Posts: 221
    I called Town on Saturday and got an update. Their Hunter Douglas alignment machine needs to be replaced. They don't seem to be in much of a rush to do this but I can't see how they can go on like this. The cost for a new one is $37,000 and they seem to be choking on the dollar amount. I'm very disappointed in them. They are penny wise and pound foolish. I am going to call Subaru, take my car elsewhere and have it done right. They wasted my time and money.
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    Thanks-sorry to hear this, one would think with the cars they sell they would provide top flight service. Unfortunately I think I have a more important issue possibly a head gasket disaster to deal with (and I just had the car serviced). I will mention the steering wheel situation when I go there tomorrow. If Flemington,N.J. were not so far away I would go there; I have read good things about them in these forums. Where are you going to take it? Anybody know anything about Smith-Cairns Service around Yonkers? We may have to arrange to have coffee together at a rest stop on the N.J.Turnpike; perhaps we would be better served with less hot buns/coffee and a changed attitude concerning wheel alignment.
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    You may want to try Kolb Subaru in Orangeburg, NY. They aren't that far away from Town. Exit 5N on the PIP. We bought our last 2 Subarus there and we've been happy with their service dept. as well. Plus, all they sell are Subarus, so all their mechanics are Subaru mechanics. Best of luck!

    Len
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    It is common for various fittings to become loose after a while. The pipes going to and from the intercooler, up-pipe and downpipe, etc.

    You didn't notice any seat-of-the-pants difference with only 6.5psi of boost instead of 13? :)

    ~Colin
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    False alarm. All seems right with the head gasket, had a pressure check this morning. But I did buy some Subaru Coolant to keep around just in case. I am going to stay with the same service facility-there was no charge today and not only have they been O.K. to me in the past but I have had the same mechanic work on my car for about three years now;he knows the car, is pleasant to deal with and we communicate well. I asked the service advisor in passing about the wheel alignment/steering wheel issue but there was only the one advisor in today on a Holiday and I was in a hurry to find out what was what and get on my way to work. I will ask the service advisor whom I know better about it at a more opportune time.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Glad to hear it was nothing, Phil. Sorry I didn't respond again, but I was traveling this weekend and not keeping up.

    Steve
  • pathtomaxpathtomax Member Posts: 215
    I have some questions regarding some recommended services noted from my dealer the last time I was there. I was wondering if these are "must perform" services or if I could wait. Any opinions would be great!

    - Exhaust gasket from rear car to mid-pipe deteriorating.

    - Inner fron drive axle boots dry & cracking
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Exhaust gasket-- no problem if you don't want to do it now. You can safely wait for it to fail and you'll hear some more exhaust noise when it does. Harmless.

    However axle boots, whether CV or inner shaft, need to be addressed immediately. You don't want them to crack enough to let in dust and grime, or the joints they are protecting will seize.

    ~Colin
  • lwyswinterlwyswinter Member Posts: 3
    Delurking after nearly a year to join a supportive and active Subaru community :) ....

    Wondering if anyone has experienced OEM radio problems seemingly related to cold weather. Purchased a Forester X automatic this summer and had no problems until the first week of cold weather in November. Then--just once--I started my car in below freezing weather, reached to turn on the radio, and ... nothing. Didn't turn on, didn't flash display. Turned off the car, back on, and all was fine.

    Nothing else for the entire extremely mild winter until after last week's cold snap (didn't get above 30 for 5 days). This morning, at 21 degrees according to dashboard, started the car. Drove about 30 yards before hitting the radio power button. The radio flashed, spit out a CD, and reset all the radio stations. (Since I've recently moved to a new city, this was the most distressing aspect.) But I re-tuned to one of the few stations I could remember and the radio has been fine since.

    Any ideas? I'm still under warranty so am most concerned with this being symptomatic of other issues. Won't take the time to fix this if you all (much more knowledgable folks) think it's minor. Think it's something my dealer should be able to take care of pretty rapidly?

    Thanks for all your help--whether you knew it or not, this board helped me make my mind up to get my Forester last year, and I haven't regretted it for an instant!

    --Winter
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Welcome to the world of microelectronics! Without getting too technical, the performance of all silicon based devices is strongly temperature dependent. Screening by the manufacturer is supposed to flush out those parts that drift too far from spec at low and high temp, but some get thru. It is probably some 20 cent part made in a place that you have never heard of before that is bringing an otherwise nice radio in a great car to it's knees.

    Time for a new radio!

    Steve
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I've noticed a few times that the FM reception not being stellar on mornings when the temp is < 25F. But, most days I never notice it as the primary station I listen to comes in just fine. Seems like it only takes a few moments of heat to get it to 'awake' when it does happen.

    -Brian
  • hootnhootn Member Posts: 1
    The keyless entry would lock the doors but not always turn off the lights. Dealer ordered a new module that turned off the lights but could not lock the doors. A tech installed a used module that worked fine! The dealer ordered a new module. Same result - lights turn off but the doors won't lock. The used module went back in and works fine. The modules all look the same and have the same part number. Any advice on how to solve this problem?
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Hmm.

    Well, I would say that the modules are programmable assuming that you are referring to the alarm 'brain' itself and not a relay or switch. It seems possible that the tech doesn't know how to program the alarm.

    ~Colin
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Considering that most of my driving is on the Highway, and the car still has decent pickup, I did not really notice.

    After accelerating onto the Freeway, I did.

    Thanks for the info. I will look to tighten it up next week (Vegas is calling for this week! Car should be fine though).
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    It is only me but recently every time I want to access this site I have to sign in whether I want to post a message or just read the comments. What's the story?
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    It's not just you. There has been a login issue lately and the problem IS being worked on. Sorry for the temporary inconvenience.
  • masanmasan Member Posts: 77
    This happens two or three times a week upon first start of the day and/or after my 2003 Forester has been parked for around four hours: The car will start, but it shakes and shudders and eventually dies unless I force warm-up by pressing on the accelerator. My mechanic told me that it could be a bad spark plug or some kind of sensor. Once there was a CEL, but it disappeared. Can a dealer's computer detect the problem without a CEL?
  • masanmasan Member Posts: 77
    Forgot to say that the 2003 Forester is an automatic with 45,000 miles.
  • denursedenurse Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2002 Legacy. I have 58,000 miles. When it is cold and I first start my car in the morning I hear what appears like knocking sound,it usually disappears within few minutes. This only happens when the temperature is 30degrees or less. Is this something I should be worried????
    Thanks Denurse
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Bob, In addition to that, now when I log in WE gives me the 'may not be secure' warning box, I check the 'continue' button, but that box continually reappears every few seconds. Only solution I've found is to back out of the page, then come back in again. I'm still logged in, and everything after that is hunky dory.

    Wonder if it's related - feel free to pass it on to the techies.

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    I also am having repeated log in problems. This is getting VERY irritating. Why do some other (non-Edmunds) sites NEVER have this problem???
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    The noise could have a few causes, but by far the most likely is the timing belt tensioner. Fortunately, it's also one of the least expensive fixes.

    It's a fluid-filled piston that puts tension on the timing belt. Subaru's implementation seems to be a bit less than reliable, whereas most other manufacturers use a simple spring-- not an uncommon failure at all.

    Go ahead and have your timing belt replaced at the same time; they'll have it off and it's scheduled for replacement at either 90,000 or 105,000 miles.

    ~Colin
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    The error code should have been saved in the computer unless it was not serious (like a gas cap missing) or if the battery was disconnected.

    It could be a temperature sensor. Several of them can cause cold-starting problems if failing / failed. I'd check the coolant temp sensor first.

    ~Colin
  • subarustupidsubarustupid Member Posts: 1
    Don't be suprised if the 1-800 Subaru3 answer line leaves you more frustrated than before you call. They only go by what the field technician relays to them. And that in my opinion is really a croc since the field tech would not return my request for him to call me, or allow the dealership to give out his number. Even in our judicial system you have the right to face your accuser. So my warranty was denied. Further more the dealership neglected to tell me that no tranny failure in a WRX had been covered under warranty prior to dismantling my tranny and billing me $480.00 for the trouble. This was for a 6 hour teardown at $80.00 per hour that I later reinsatlled in less than two hours. and it usually takes longer to re-install. Needless to say Subaru will not warranty an item unless you can sue the pants off them if they don't. My attourney said it would cost more to sue than to repair and Subaru knows that. If I could stand the monetary loss I would have parked it inside the dealership showroom at full speed. Oh yeah, when I picked up the car the dealership had scratched the paint on the rear fender and wrapper the greasy driveshaft in my sons nearly new football jersey. Thanks a million Subaru.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Tech support is aware of the problem and is working on it. Sorry for the inconvenience, but it'll get straightened out.
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    The first posting on this issue was Saturday and if I recall correctly it was going on for a little bit before that post. It's been four or five days. Come on already.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    complex issue. It'll be solved soon.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    "Subaru's implementation seems to be a bit less than reliable"

    Really? Hmm. I guess I should keep it in the back of my mind as a possible replacement the next time I am in there. I feel like that is one of the parts that is the MOST reliable on mine! 201K and I have had that part out 5 times... no problems with it yet.... :surprise:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Darn it, Shifty, I am an American and this is 2006. I want instant gratification. :mad: :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    Hey all.

    Co-worker had her 01 leaking headgaskets replaced a couple of weeks ago. Since then the car shakes at idle, regardless of what gear (P/N/D). Idle is fine. Dealer claimed plugged fuel injector. Of course, there was no problem before the headgasket fix. Any ideas?
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I have no idea why some of them fail prematurely but I do know it's a sensitive little device. Compress the piston too fast and you destroy it... the service manual indicates compressing it with no more than X force over Y amount of time (like at least 10 seconds).

    Like I said before, other vendors get by with a simple spring, but Subaru had to be different! I thought that was Honda's job, to have technology just for technology's sake. :)

    201K, wow. :surprise:

    ~Colin
  • kumarikumari Member Posts: 72
    This is scaring the CRAP out of me!! Here I thought this company stood behind their product and now I read THIS!!!! :lemon:

    I'm supposed to pick up my brand new Forester XT Limited in about 5-7 days and I'm worried that it will be a lemon and Subaru won't stand behind it!

    I'm wondering why they wouldn't fix the transmission - isn't that supposed to be a covered item??? I'm curious what year this WRX is and what they told you at the dealership as to why it wasn't going to be covered. Was it written in the warranty papers that transmissions aren't covered? And, then I don't understand why they took it apart and wouldn't put it back together again. If you needed a new transmission, I don't understand why you put the original one back together after the dealership had taken it apart.

    Also wondering what state you are in.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Yes, I have read that they are sensitive little buggers. Get this though.... two weeks ago, when I last had it out, I realized upon preparing to put it back in the car that I did not have anything with which to compress it! Every other time I had it out, it was at garages/shops with a bench press - or at least I had a C-clamp to remove it.

    I was a little perplexed at first about how to resolve the problem. So, I ended up pulling the bottle jack out of my van, inserting the device between the jack and the hitch mount on my '69 C20, then jacking the bottle jack up about 6". The truck has a lot of travel in the suspension, so it had not even come close to lifting all the weight of the rear axle, but it was enough that after a minute or two the piston had fully compressed and I was able to insert a pin to retain it. *whew* :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Oh, and I received an email from a gal on Sunday that said something like:

    201K is not bad. I have 246K on my '96. The only problems I have had is a bad water pump and replacing the timing belt idler pulleys.


    I could live with that..... but hey, at least I am gaining quite a bit of experience maintaining/repairing mine! :sick:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • psfod3psfod3 Member Posts: 63
    I have a 03 Forester x and I have a terrible time with it in the snow. The x model has a depression in the rim that collects snow and ice and when you drive the car after a icy snow my steering wheel has a bad shake above 50 miles per hour. This has happened a few times over the years. The wheels go back in balance once the snow melts out. The xs wheels do not have this indentation around the rim to collect snow. Is there anything that can be done to help this problem
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Kumari,

    Be not afraid!! For most of us, the experience with Subaru has been on par or better than with most of the other car companies. In fact, when Patti was with us, I would say that we saw some truly outstanding things happen, beyond what one would ever expect. Anyone who has ever purchased a new car can probably tell a story or two, good or bad. After 9 new cars from 6 companies, I would list Toyota at the bottom of my list. They left me holding the bag on a tranny problem as well.

    Remember that the devil is always in the details. Ronny might have a legit claim, yet he has told us virtually nothing about the circumstances. From his post and profile we see that this is his second (?) repair to second gear, and SoA will not do it for free this time. Why? Unknown.... Maybe they know or believe it to be abuse, like racing? Who knows, as he has not seen fit to share this with us. Again, he might be right, but we just don't know.

    Always take what you read on this boards in the context of the situation, and the mood of the writer.

    Steve
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    IIRC, the x has steel rims, the xs alloy? So yes, they have a very different design and shape. First pass, try cleaning them well and apply a good coat of wax before winter. Slush needs a textured surface to stick, and if it is slick enough, you might avoid this.

    As a last resort, Tire Rack and other dealers sell very nice, relatively inexpensive alloy wheels. In a year or so when you need new tires, order a wheel and tire package from them. They come mounted, balanced, with valves - ready to go. Compared with the cost of the same tire purchased locally and mounted on your old rims, you might just find that the cost of the new rim has been brought down to pocket change. That was my experience when I bought snow tires a few years ago. And nothing dresses up your car more than a set of new narrow spoke alloy wheels!

    Steve
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