Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • brekkebrekke Member Posts: 304
    what paisan said. My obs' CEL keeps coming on/shutting off, I have to replace the solenoid valve which paisan said is the EGR valve as well.
  • jimg12jimg12 Member Posts: 7
  • jimg12jimg12 Member Posts: 7
    Just bought this car 3 weeks ago with 35,000 miles and had several repairs already. CEL has been on off and on since I bought it (should have taken it back right away!) and I've had the valve cover gasket replaced. They said the code was for the the Idle Air Control valve. They replaced it once-- problem came back. When idling at a stop sign, the car would begin running rough, almost like a cylinder wasn't firing. Turn it off, then on again and it went away.

    Last night, on the way back from the dealer (Tom Wood Subaru, Indianapolis) CEL came on AGAIN!!

    Anyboy know what this could be?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've seen bad ECUs and bad injectors cause similar problems. It's all stuff for the dealer to resolve.

    If you feel like they are dragging their feet, call the 800 number and have a case file opened. Once you do, and depending on the level of service you get, we can get Patti of SoA involved to get a quick resolution.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I think that may be EGR as well. There is a solenoid that controls the EGR valve IIRC. On the Isuzus it was as easy as connecting up to the computer @ the dealer, as soon as they did, they pulled 4 or 5 ECU codes out. Hopefully the subies are the same?

    -mike
  • rturleyrturley Member Posts: 4
    My Check Engine Light is on. Error code indicates Catalysis. Looks like I will have to get it fixed to get through inspection. Dealer ball parked factory replacements at $1000.00. Any recommendations on another source or another fix?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Cat is/should be covered under the Emissions law for 10/100K IIRC.

    -mike
  • rturleyrturley Member Posts: 4
    Car & Cat are 1996 year but 165000 miles.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yep, you are gonna have to pay. Try a midas shop, they may be able to do it cheaper.

    -mike
  • anibalbanibalb Member Posts: 193
    Go to an autoparts store and order the catalyst coonverter. You can do it yourself. It is a lot of grunt work but 1K is a lot of money. I always did my own exhaust. It is easy. Heat up the bolts and splash with cold water. They all usually come off. And if not heat them and take them off when red hot.

    You should ba able to get one for a few hundred. Good luck!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I would try Pep Boys. They sell parts, and some even have a shop attached that will do the labor for you.

    $200 is a good estimate for the parts.

    BTW, 165k miles for an original exhaust ain't too shabby.

    -juice
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    I know that Darlene is no longer "up and running" in terms as a source for parts but there is another firm that people have had pretty good succes with. I've lost the link. Could someone please post it again?
    Thanks,
    Ron
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    try what Juice said. Once you call us (if the dealer can't resolve it), ask the Rep. to start a case file. Then, ask them to review it with me. I'll try to help.

    Thanks,

    Patti
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I have not yet ordered from anyone else, but try subaruparts.com. I think newsubaru.com may be another one.

    -juice
  • zscottiezscottie Member Posts: 23
    I've got a 1998 Legacy GT Limited. soon to be 51K miles. Two days ago, my power antenna stopped working. The antenna stays up when the car is turned off. I hear the antenna motor running when I turn on the radio, as if to raise the antenna, but little does the motor know that it's already raised!

    Any advice on how to repair it, w/o paying my local Subaru dealer a ton of cash (or does anyone think that a local type shop could get the part(s), and do it for less?

    Also, how much work would it take to repair this? My brother's 95 Legacy LS had the same problem, when it was about 4 years old. I think the mechanics had to take body panel off (?) to get to the antenna.

    Thanks a bunch.
  • joseph50joseph50 Member Posts: 235
    Hello.
    I've been mulling over switching from the Yokos to Goodyear Aquatred 3's for my 2001 Forester S. If anyone has had real-life experience with this brand in snow and on ice, I would appreciate reading your post.
    Thanks,
    Joe
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
  • stevekstevek Member Posts: 362
    Go to tirerack.com, they have reviews and ratings for just about any tire
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Re: zscottie Sep 20, 2001 10:20pm

    Andrew, I recall a post on the Outback mailing list on yahoo! groups ( groups.yahoo.com ; you might have to join to view messages). Wish I had further info.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • brekkebrekke Member Posts: 304
    Colin, I'm trying to diagnose a "click" sound I sometimes hear after I shift, as I'm letting up on the clutch. It's not very loud, like the "clunk" some people have complained of at i-club after hard shifting (which I'm not doing).

    It sounds like it's coming from the rear of the car, definitely behind me, similar to if a pebble richocheted off something back there. Someone mentioned it might be the rear diff twisting its bushings? I am trying to shift as smooth as possible.

    I wasn't worried about it until I realized no one else seems to have it.

    thanks!
    Caroline
  • pat88pat88 Member Posts: 40
    Ron...

    I recently read a post by Colin (I don't know when it was posted) about ordering parts. The following is a quote from that post...

    Again, I still feel loyalty to Darlene because she helped me immensely, but I do want to point out where I would get parts right now: Lisa (aka "Sugar" on the iclub) from Troncalli Subaru in Georgia. Her email address is sugar30041@yahoo.com or you can private message her (userid = sugar) if you are a member of the iClub messageboard."

    I placed an order for oil filters and crush washers from her. I placed the order on 9/13 and received the parts on 9/19! It only cost me $3.00 for the shipping and handling and she was so nice to deal with.

    Another option for parts...

    ~~~Pat
  • evilizardevilizard Member Posts: 195
    Sounds like some gears have stripped out on the motor. I think just about any mechanic could fix that one. Its not like the antenna motor is harmonically linked with the radio reception or anything. You could use other motors.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Caroline,

    Hmm... clicking. Get in the car and with the engine off, depress and release the clutch a few times. Hear any clicking?

    Just want to get that one out of the way, it's a common thing for Subarus and easy to fix. Yeah, I know you said the back of the car...

    -Colin
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
  • perezc1perezc1 Member Posts: 11
    My wife and I just bought a 1999 Subaru Forester S with manual transmission. The car has 30,000 miles and is still under bumper-to-bumper warranty until January, plus powertrain two years after that. When we bought the car we were shown repair records that indicated that the rear crank seal had been replaced to repair an oil leak, the clutch had been replaced, the water pump had been replaced, and the brake rotors were recut. I thought that was a lot of work at the time (my 5-yr. Impreza had never been the Subaru doctor), but we bought the car anyway...what else could go wrong, right? Plus, it's covered. Well, after 450 miles, 5 quarts of oil, and a failed inspection, two cylinder heads are being replaced by Subaru (sounds close to a engine rebuild to me). Subaru dealer gave us a nice rental car free of charge, and we should have our Forester back in a couple day/weeks! Should we cut our losses and dump this car? Or just figure...nothing else could go wrong, right?
  • FrankMcFrankMc Member Posts: 228
    And even though it had another "biggie" I think I would be inclinded to "give it another chance". I would consider an extended warrenty though. It does seem like an extreme amount of work on a 30k Forester!

    Frank
  • brekkebrekke Member Posts: 304
    no noises depressing/releasing clutch. I fooled around with the shifter, makes a little bit of noise but I don't think that's what I was hearing.

    much appreciated
    Caroline
  • evilizardevilizard Member Posts: 195
    I'd dump it if you have the means. Not worth the grief and worry.
  • mrk610mrk610 Member Posts: 378
    Hello Im new to Town Hall and new subie owner. My 2002 Outback makes a clunking noise when I accelerate from a stop.It only happens when I give it a little gas ,but doesn't do it if I accelerate slowly . Is this normal , I was going to have it checked out when I take it in for 1000 mile oil/filter change . Or should I take it in now . I only have 600 miles on it . Has any other 2002 owners experienced this .It seems to be mostly coming from the drivers side .Thanks in advance for your help . Also any body now of any Subaru owners clubs in NJ/PA/DE area .
  • anibalbanibalb Member Posts: 193
    Can someone tell me the difference between AWD and Permanent AWD? Which one does Subaru have? Thanks.
  • evilizardevilizard Member Posts: 195
    Well it would seem that the difference would be if the car is in all wheel drive all of the time or only some of the time (certian speeds or on user command). Subaru's are full time AWD. Short of doing something really special to it a Subaru is always all wheel drive. That is it has power going to all 4 tires. Depending on your specific model the power going to any set of tires (or sometimes individual tire) varies. Generally speaking when one set of tires (or tire) starts to slip the power is transfered to the others. Not all AWD or even 4WD have this ability.

    Of course some 4WD vehicals have whats known as a low range of gears which adjust the gearing and power transfer to the wheels in order to get started on or out of slick surfaces.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Anibal,

    Our Subies have permanent AWD.

    AWD is just a general classification for 4WD vehicles that don't have low-range gearing for serious off-road use.

    Some AWD systems are part-time, like that found in the CR-V, for example. Basically, the vehicle is in 2WD mode until the system is triggered to send power to the other two wheels.

    Other vehicles like Subarus are full-time AWD. Power is always being sent to all four wheels, all the time.

    In general, permanent AWD vehicles provide better traction and handling characteristics than their part-time counterparts. The downside is that permanent systems sometimes are less fuel-efficient.

    Ken
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Noises are probably the hardest thing to troubleshoot.

    Does it occur only at a particular time? (first thing in the morning, after idling in traffic, only on bumpy roads, etc)

    Is it obvious enough that someone else can hear it after you point it out?

    Can you duplicate it fairly easily?

    At this point I'd wildly guess heat shielding on the exhaust, but maybe someone else or I will have a better theory after some more info...

    -Colin
  • mikezakmikezak Member Posts: 95
    Not to beat a dead horse here, but...

    I am at the 9K mark, and within a few weeks from now, I will need my next oil change at around 10K miles.

    Just wanted an affirmation if going to Mobil 1 is the right thing. Once using Mobil 1, I plan to change it every 5-6K miles rather than every 3K which I now try to do. Yet someone on the Subaru Newsgroup was relating about synthetics having more susceptible for oil leaks. They also say once you go to synthetics you should not go back to dino oil.

    What's the groups concensus regarding going to Synthetics? I would also be interested in the groups thoughts about leakage, and whether or not one can go back to dinos in the future.

    As always, my thanks in advance.
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    All synthetics are not made the same and it is therefore difficult to make blanket statements about them. Some are fully compatible with dino oils, like Mobil 1, and some are not, like Amsoil.

    I have a lot of experience with Mobil 1 and can speak to that. I have used it in a variety of vehicles for over 11 years and never have had any problems. The current owner of my '90 Dodge Daytona with the Mitsu 3.0l V6 still uses Mobil 1 and is approaching 200K miles with no problems.

    The current owner of my wife's '95 Neon Sport switched back to dino and has had no problems. My lawn tractor which also uses Mobil 1 got mistakenly switched back to dino when it went in to have the front axle replaced (don't ask), and I have had no problem with that. I _would_ be concerned about switching back from a non-compatible synthetic, but not Mobil 1.

    Dino oils swell seals and gaskets, early synthetics did not. I again can't speak for all brands, but Mobil 1 specifically addressed the issue.

    I have put Mobil 1 in both of our '01 Foresters at ~7K. I can tell you that the results are very noticeable. They are both much smoother, the word "silky" comes to mind. My MT vehicle is much smoother at low RPM, gentle acceleration in 4th gear (sometimes I get lazy). Previously I didn't like to even drop to 40 MPH without down shifting to 3rd because I didn't like the "feel", but now I find I can drop below 40 if I choose.

    This of course is just an example, the engine revs more freely too. I seems very happy with Mobil 1. The main reason I use it is for cold starts. It is more "clingy" and also flows better when cold because there is no wax. It gets cold here in New England but my vehicles always crank the same as in Summer.

    I have mentioned this before but I also have a '95 Dakota with the 5.2l Magnum V8 that I have put a few performance parts on. I don't baby it and have ~60K on it, ~55K with Mobil 1. At ~50K the intake and valve covers had to come off for a TSB to replace a gasket on the underside of the intake (stupid design but that's a different story). I asked to see it while it was apart.

    I checked out the lifters and pushrods, the valve area including the rocker pivot points, and everything else in general. Besides being spotlessly clean, there was no noticeable wear anywhere. Everything looked brand new.

    The Technician saw me looking around and came over. He asked how many miles on that engine. I told him it was the original and had 50K. He said it looked like a new engine and "you must use Mobil 1".

    If your path of investigation has led you to Mobil 1, I would encourage you to not let generalized statements dissuade you.

    Regards,
    Frank
  • jay_24jay_24 Member Posts: 536
    First welcome to the group Michael!

    I have a 2001 outback and have some noise too. I had it in once and the mechanic didn't hear a thing... If I remember a few others posted with a similar noise back in May or June. For me it happens mostly when its cold. Like the first thing in the morning. Very seldom when the car is warm or if its 90 degrees outside.

    Do you have an automatic or manual transmision?

    --Jay
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    I'd always thought Amsoil is compatible with dino, whereas Mobil 1 isn't.
  • mrk610mrk610 Member Posts: 378
    Jay, thanks for the welcome . Regarding your question I have a a/t ,and come to think about it yes it mostly happens when the car is cold . Does It still happen to you or did it goway . I think Im going to have them check It out when I take It In for 1000 mile o/f change .

    mike
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Nope, the other way around. From the Mobil 1 web site:

    " What is an alkylated aromatic?
    An alkylated aromatic is a synthetic hydrocarbon designed by Mobil with a different chemical structure than polyalphaolefins (PAOs). It is fully compatible with both the other synthetic components of Mobil 1 and with conventional motor oils. We have begun using this fluid in conjunction with PAO and synthetic esters based on their combined excellent performance in protecting your engine against wear, sludge formation and piston deposits. This makes Mobil 1 Tri-Synthetic Formula fully compatible with conventional motor oils. "


    Regards,
    Frank
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    So, is it too late to switch to Mobil 1 with a '97 2.5 with 66k miles?
    ...inquiring minds want to know...

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    That is something I have never done, but I don't see why not. As long as an engine is in good shape, less friction is less friction, and more protection is more protection. Obviously a newer, tighter engine would benefit more, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't help you. I think the only time I wouldn't use it would be in an engine that burns oil, or one with a leak somewhere. In these cases the "flow better" could make those problems worse.

    Regards,
    Frank
  • hansklosshanskloss Member Posts: 6
    I am repeating what I've red in professional auto magazine: It is not recommended to switch to synthetic oil after certain mileage because of extraordinary "washing" abilities of that oil. It means that if your car has over 60K miles it is very alike that it already has some carbon deposit in it. This carbon deposit seals your engine.
    Of course, it is not good for the engine but at least it is has good compression ratio because of that carbon seal. If you put synthetic oil into it, the oil will "wash away" all that carbon seal causing loss of your compression ratio ( You don't want that!) with increased engine noise because of unsealed gaps between engine parts.
    Like I said, it applies only to engines with greater mileage and I think this is the engine with 60K.
  • trinkettrinket Member Posts: 3
    My '95 Legacy wagon has developed a problem that I haven't been able to figure out how to repair, yet. When turning sharply into parking places, the car jerks a bit, like something is not turning freely or it's being bound up. This only happens on paved parking lots, not gravel or dirt ones. The transfer valve, which can cause this situation, was just replace a few thousand miles ago. I just replaced the front axles a couple of weeks ago. I know there is a viscous coupler in the car, but I can't find out much about it.
    Has anyone had experience with it and were you able to repair it yourself or how much did it cost you? Any help would be great.
    Thanks.
    Trinket
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sounds like a differential problem. Though yours is an open diffy. Make sure the fluid levels are topped off.

    Caroline: it's worth putting a little lithium grease on the sway bars to see if that stops the squeeking. I know they're supposed to act in turns primarily, but under acceleration there is squat in the suspension.

    My Forester has 41k miles and never burned any oil. Two leaks at 30k is unheard of.

    At least it's documented now, and since the problem began before the warranty expired, I'd expect Subaru to take care of any problems down the road, if they're at all related to these early ones.

    -juice
  • brekkebrekke Member Posts: 304
    I don't want to waste any more of your time on this, I was just checking to see if everyone had it.

    I can't duplicate it easily, for instance I only heard it once this morning, and it's not very loud. But I noticed I may have taken my foot off the gas a little too abruptly prior to depressing the clutch. I let someone else drive and I heard it once, he thought it was because he let up the clutch too soon/too quickly (?)

    Thanks anyway, Colin
    -Caroline
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I am in the same position as you wrt Mobil 1 and plan on doing exactly what you are doing. I have 8.5K on my 01 OB and plan on going to Mobil 1 (5W-30) at 10K which should be just prior to the cold weather. I am using Mobil 1 in my Sienna now without any issues. I also plan on replacing my gear oil to Mobil 1 in the spring. Still in the air on AT fluid, but, will probably change it also.

    Greg
  • hciaffahciaffa Member Posts: 454
    I had changed all fluids in wifes 99 Forester L to Mobil 1 to try to get better gas mileage. It has an auto tranny and that fluid was changed as well. The dealer wanted close to 300 dollars to pump the tranny and torque converter. So I went shopping around for opinions before I did this and every tranny shop told me the same thing. Mobil 1 tranny fluid is commpatible with other tranny fluids states so on the bottle. Drain out what you can and replace the filter $35 part at Subaru dealer. The Mobil 1 will mix with the fluid in the converter and create no problems.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Some of you may recall that I tagged along on some trail ride in the Pine Barrens of NJ on 9/14. I picked up some light to moderate scratches along the sides of my Forester; the ones on the plastic C-pillar moldings had me especially worried. I finally had the chance to clean the car up on Saturday and met with fair success. Here's how:

    Paint: I usually use 3M Perfect-It II Rubbing Compound # 39002 for scratches, but it's a bit too abrasive for the thin Subaru paint. I was able to remove about 80% of the scratches using the leftover Mother's California Gold Carnauba Cleaner Wax I had from their clay bar kit. Those that remain require close inspection and viewing at a >45-degree angle of approach to the car. I followed with Mother's Pure Carnauba without cleaners or abrasives. The only downside is that I can still see some "water marks" caused by the Mother's Showtime instant detailer that I used when I clayed the car back in early August. Any suggestions? I thought of using Griot's system but it's way more expensive and less convenient than Mother's.

    Plastic: I've only mentioned it once before, but the Novus 1-2-3 plastic polish system worked wonders on removing the scratches from my C-pillars as well as all of the plastic trim, including side view mirrors. Used Novus 3 (coarsest) to start buffing out the scratches, Novus 2 (medium) to finish and remove oxidation, and Novus 1 (finest) to protect and give a shine. In the alternative you can use Mother's Back to Black instead of Novus 1. I counted 18 distinct scratches on the C-pillars (OCD enough for you?) and Novus got out 17 and about half of the 18th.

    I ran across the Novus system at a Harley-Davidson dealership a couple years ago and have used it successfully on Lexan and Plexiglas (Perspex) windows and doors, CD jewelboxes and promo car models. I know now it works well on full-sized cars and I plan to keep some handy should I *cough*trail ride*cough* need it again. Novus has been very hard to find but I see now they have a website at www.noscratch.com.

    Usual disclaimers apply (I don't work for, sell or distribute 3M, Mother's or Novus products - note my use of Mother's Showtime was not without problems). Maybe it's time to spring more $ for the Klasse of Zaino Bros. products?

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sounds good. I cleaned my air filters this weekend. By the plural I mean the intake air filter and the interior HVAC filter. The one inside wasn't really dirty, but the one in the intake was.

    Boy, I removed it and hit it a couple of time, and just watched the sand fall out. Hard to believe, it was a mess! After that I used a vacuum cleaner to get the rest out.

    Ed: time to check, maybe even change, the air filter. ;-)

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    juice: I installed a new Amsoil filer late May, but I'll give it a check very soon. 30K service is Friday and I have to remember to tell the dealer NOT to change the filter!

    Thanks,
    Ed
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