Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

subden

Bob:

 

Thanks for the info. My specialty installer (a well-respected national chain) wouldn't even touch the installation after talking to Delphi/xM and Subaru. No way to direct input/wire the antenna due to the new wiring layout. Craig here has come up with a way to tap in, but the installer wouldn't consider doing it after subaru scared the manager out of doing it.

 

I'm not totally clear as to what your dealer did.Glad yours is working but I'm not real hot about having an extra modulator mounted somewhere.

 

I suspect XM/Delphi will come up with some sort of "adapter" like they use on other cars to install the XM Commander. I'm going to wait a little bit and see if somebody comes up with one and if not, I'll try Craig's fix. Otherwise, the only option is to go to the transmitter type such as the Delphi Roady, but I'll be danged if I can figure out a good place to mount it.

 

Anyway, thanks for the info and I guess I will check with the dealer next to see what they "suggest".

kens

Karl,

 

A closed deck has no gap between the cylinder walls and the engine block. In contrast, a fully open deck has a large amount of space between the two as shown in the picture below:

 

http://www.cobbtuning.com/images/sohc-engine05.jpg

 

A semi-closed deck is somewhere in between. There are open gaps, but fewer in order to strengthen the engine block. I couldn't find a good photo that demonstrates this concept, but imagine the above photo with a few areas around the cylinder that connect to the rest of the block.

 

Ken

zman3

Ken:

 

Thanks. Understood.

 

Are those gaps in the open and semi closed blocks used for circulating coolant? Or is it just an air gap?

 

Karl

occking

Just curious. New to this board--picking up my Outback 2.5I tomorrow & planning on having the XM Commander unit into the vehicle. Already bought the car & traded in my other vehicle & having the changeover taking place tomorrow. What model Subaru do you have that is apparently causing some sort of problem for you? You may have had previous messages about this subject but I just noticed this one. Hoping there is nothing unusual about the Outback I purchased that would prevent the radio from being installed.

kens

Yes, it's used to flow coolant.

 

Here's an even better link:

 

http://www.cgperformance.com/subaru_block.htm

 

Ken

subden

I have an OBXT limited. There are some previous threads on the problems caused by the radio being integrated with the climate controls for 2005. There's no problem (as I understand it) with the Delphi roady or the other larger unit that can also be used in home (sorry I forget the name of it. The problem (again as I understand it and I may not throughly understand the issues) is with the Delphi xM Commander unit.

 

If your installer comes up with a "solution", I would love to know it. Thanks.

tsy

Hey Tim

 

As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. Now that being said, I don't think you need $2000 rims, nor would they be guaranteed not to bend if you hit a pothole hard enough!

 

I've seen a lot of Rotas on the Subies around me and people seem to like them enough. They are decently light cast wheels, (they don't make forged) and like most cast wheels they are mass produced in Asia (Phillipines, IIRC) so hitting a pothole hard (very hard!) will bend them, especially with low profile rubber on them. But your OB has more rubber between the rim and the road than my GT, so it seems unlikely you'd bend one if you drive carefully. And even if you do hit a massive pothole, it's certainly much less expensive to replace a Rota wheel than a BBS wheel. They have some mesh pattern wheels which should be quite strong, maybe stronger than the stockers.

 

Unless you are racing your OB, I don't see the advantage of a forged wheel. It would just be something to attract thieves! While you can't really go wrong with a BBS wheel, there are a lot of decent reasonably priced cast aftermarket wheels out there too, in OEM sizes for your OB.

 

Good luck

 

tom

rwoods

OCCKing,

 

I have the OBXT Limited wagon. My dealer didn't properly install the XM Commander satellite radio. He didn't even come close.

 

I found a really bright guy in Florida while on vacation, who owned his own specialty shop installing high end car stereos, etc. He spent two hours to finally properly install the XM Commander. So I believe that an ordinary dealer guy will be in over his head with this type of installation. My advice is to first make sure they put the antenna on the roof of your vehicle, not inside. Then thoroughly test the satellite radio before taking delivery. If there is any static or station overlap occurring, insist that the dealer correct it.

 

My impression of my Subaru dealer in Valley Stream, Long Island was that he really wanted no part of selling me the XM radio in the first place. He had never even heard of it. He begged me to not make it part of the purchase and wanted me to have it installed on my own. But I insisted since I wanted one stop shopping.

 

I'd had good success with an XM radio on my Lexus GS430 which I purchased six months before but apparently Lexus is out front on new technology while Subaru lacks the experience.

 

Anyway, all's well that ends well. I'm very pleased with the XM but then I'm easy to please.

 

Bob

Long Island

occking

There is a good dealer (Auto Sound, Wrentham, MA) that has done work for me before. No problem installing the Commander unit in my Malibu MAXX. I can't imagine why there would be any problem reinstalling into my Outback. Actually, part of my deal with the Subaru dealer is that they would make the transition from my MAXX to the Outback at their expense. This will now be done on Monday, but taking delivery of Outback today so I can have for the weekend. I am going to Auto Sound today though to make sure where they will place the small unit on the dash. I certainly hope there is nothing so strange or unique about the Outback that this will pose a problem. If so I would be in a terrible bind as I do a lot of travelling & could not live without my XM radio!

bat1161

Bob,

 

I've travelled along I70 going from NYC to the Kentucky side of Cinncinatti. Nice road, especially when going through the Appalachians.

 

Mark

kyfdx

Everything looks good when you are headed to the Bluegrass.... lol

rsholland

Then you passed within 2 miles of where I live (as the crow flys).

 

Bob

c_hunter

If they are good installers, capable of making their own custom antenna adapter (which a number of us owners have done) then it should be a simple install using an FM modulator. However, many stereo shops seem to be stumped by the Outback's proprietary antenna connector and the lack of an aftermarket adapter kit. That's truly a shame, because it took me all of 10 minutes to make my own adapter.

 

If you are using a wireless FM transmitter, then it will really be a no brainer install.

 

Craig

subden

I went back and printed out your Msg. #4529 and am going to take it over to the stero shop and see what they say.

 

I think they got scared off by Subaru who said there were "impedance" problems and "so on" if you tapped in like you did. I need to press them a little harder on what they thought the "real' problem is but if your works fine, that's good enough for me. I'll see what they say.

 

Problem with wireless transmitters is finding one that will actually fit into an OXBT (permanently mounted as I'm not interested in mobile useage). The Roady alsmost fits in the sunglass shelf, but not quite. Any other location would look pretty crude I think.

 

Thanks for the help.

occking

I stopped by Auto Sound today & showed them the Outback. No problem installing the XM Commander although I will find out for sure on Monday when they do it. The small rectangular unit can fit right on the console just in back of the gearshift. I think it will fit perfectly right there & held with velcro & the wire to the unit under the dash tucked into the molding right next to it. I had mentioned I hear of some problems installing this particular unit & they scoffed at that--they are "professionals" & will have no problem. All of 45 miles on the vehicle so way too early to see how satisfied I am. On thing though, that I never noticed during the test drive was that the armrest on the center console is way, way to low & not practical to use as am armrest. Not sure yet how I will solve that problem as I do a lot of driving (over 30k per year) and if not completely comfortable in the car & twist or turn a little to compensate than my back will be affected. Maybe some sort of cushion or something. Otherwise, averaged 25.2 on my "mini trip" Really hoping I will get close to the 28 on highway driving which most of mine is. In a week have a long trip planned up through Maine into New Brunswick & back down through Quebec & Montreal. That should be a 1500 mile trip & by the time I return will know the comfort level of the Outback.

dcm61

Not sure yet how I will solve that problem

 

It's easy to solve. Subaru sells an accessory armrest extension for the '05 Legacy / Outback.

 

http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=540

 

DaveM

bat1161

What about the armrest extension? That should raise the center to a comfort level. When I did a test drive with it on an OB, it felt nice and level.

 

Congrats, btw. Enjoy your trip as well.

 

Mark

dcm61

Where have you been for the last 5 minutes, Mark? :-P

 

DaveM

sduford

Subaru sells an armrest extension that will solve that problem for you.

 

Let us know what you think of the seats after your trip. A few of us find them uncomfortable for long trips. My butt hurts after anything over two hours, my wife is the same, plus she thinks the angle of the seat bottom is wrong for her. Unfortunately, that cannot be adjusted on the passenger's side which has only a 4-way adjustment instead of 8-way.

 

Have a nice trip!

 

Sly

locke2c

Ken, subaru's implementation of semi-closed just has 2 extra tabs around each cylinder, top and bottom referencing that SOHC picture, and the side tabs are wider. that's what the STi has.

 

~c

dcsteve

Has anyone installed the armrest extension in the '05 Outback? I bought the extension but the directions reference parts of the center console that don't exist. Can anyone give me a quick idea of how to do it -- it looks like it should be very easy.

 

Thanks!

 

DC Steve

dcsteve

Has anyone installed the armrest extension in the '05 Outback? I bought the extension but the directions reference parts of the center console that don't exist. Can anyone give me a quick idea of how to do it -- it looks like it should be very easy.

 

Thanks!

 

DC Steve

rossmr

I rec'd a quote from my dealer on 05 OUTBACK VDC for 7 year/100K Mile Gold Plus Plan Extended Warranty from SUBARU with a $50 deductable. $1600 - is that reasonable?

Thanks

occking

Bought a car this week & they have a sale through Jan 3. I paid $899 for 5 year, 100,000 mile 0 deductible. Their "gold" plan would have cost $200 more but I decided it was not worthwhile. Could have gotten the 6 year, 100,000 for another $100 per year, or $999, or $200 more for their "gold" plan. Supposedly full retail for the plan I got was $1600 and would have been $1990 for the gold plan same mileage same length. If it weren't for those special prices I probably would have gambled & not gotten any plan at all. I do a lot of driving--around 30k per year. This way I will be protected for almost 3.5 years or, if I want something else in 2.5 years it would have around 75k miles on but 2.5 years still of coverage & could give to wife as she only drives around 10k per year. On another subject, I would like to hear from others out there who may have purchased & installed the extended armrest. How difficult to install??? Does it work?? I can see I would not be comfortable without one. Wish I had noticed during the test drive -- might have insisted dealer throw on in as part of the deal. Probably would have cost them well under $100 & they could have installed it for next to nothing.

rsorganize

Late June: 6 years/100,000/$0 deductible (Gold) - '05 VDC: $1195.

 

Peace.

kens

Thanks, Colin. I remember seeing a photo of it before and thinking "how is it semi-closed" on first glance.

 

I guess a little extra bracing goes a long way.

 

Ken

subden

I think that's in the ballpark. I paid $1625 for 7/100K Gold Plus with $100 deductible. This included a $250 surcharge for the turbo. Probably not applicable to the H6.

 

This was supposedly $100 over dealer cost which I believe to be true or close to it because of prior one I bought at another dealer for my Forester turbo last year and I saw the dealer book.

c_hunter

I had mentioned I hear of some problems installing this particular unit & they scoffed at that--they are "professionals" & will have no problem.

 

Well, let's hope they really know what they're talking about -- I would feel more comfortable if they said they were aware of the issues with the 05 radio and knew of the solution! As I said before, a wireless transmitter is easy, but using a wired FM modulator or direct line in involves some custom solutions. What type of connection did you have in the MAXX?

 

CRaig

occking

I had to set my radio to 87.9 FM & turned on the Commander so I guess wireless to the guts of the satellite radio??? So, maybe there will be no problem at all? Will find out on Monday.

c_hunter

I just did some reading on the Commander, and it looks like it comes with an FM modulator that will need to get installed inline with the antenna cable. So the shop will need to fab a custom adapter. Here's the post where I talk about the adapter I made (with pictures):

 

c_hunter, "Subaru Crew: 2005+ Subaru Legacy/Outback" #4529, 7 Oct 2004 9:47 pm

 

Craig

lumbar

Thanks for that info. If I read your post correctly, the turbo surcharge on the warranty is over 15%. My experience is that no one understands risk better than those who write insurance contracts. So... in judging future reliability,it seems that some degree of "problems" associated with the turbo (as opposed to the other two engines) are still anticipated.

saedave

05VDC late Nov.: 6 years, 100k, 0 deductible $900.

saedave

My 2005 VDC now has around 600 miles , slowly accumulated in city and suburban driving. Fuel economy has been VERY slowly getting better, but seems to be lower than expected in the suburban portions of driving. I hope my VDC doesn't take as long to break in as did my 97 GT! Comments?

rsorganize

Great deal! I'm jealous (but, still satisfied with the deal I got).

 

Peace.

drdave25

The 2005 Outback 2.5i exhibits some odd behavior when the car goes over road bumps (sewers, potholes, etc.- yes, I avoid them when possible!). The rear of the car more or less jumps up and lands a little to one side. This occurs at any speed over 30 mph. In addition, the car seems more jittery in cross winds. Before Christmas, driving to Toronto in slippery conditions, everything passed us, semis, Neons - you name it! I've had the alignment checked and wheels balanced X2, tire pressure is set at manufacturer's recommendations. When I got the car, I swapped the Potenza oe tires for BFGoodrich Traction T/As, which got way better reviews. (On a previous Outback, I replaced the Potenzas with Continentals and experienced a similar improvement.). In general, cornering with the BFGs is generally much better than the Potenzas. So it is hard to see the tires as the explanation - it seems more like something wrong with the design of the new Outbacks. Has anyone had similar problems with the 05 Outback? Any ideas on what could be wrong?

c_hunter

Some people think the back suspension is underdamped (wallowy) but your post indicates that it feels over-sprung in your case. I have not noticed this in my 05 Outback XT, though I have to say the car rides stiffer than my previous 02. In addition, the faster steering takes some getting used to -- my previous 02 had a dead on-center feel while the 05 is fast and instantaneous off-center. I am running the stock tires.

 

Is it possible the tires are tramlining?? This means they would react to road irregularities and skitter back and forth, sideways. You might want to read the reviews of that tire on the TireRack and see if anyone else reports tramlining or an unstable feel. It is common with some tires, and it is worse on some cars than others. This may also explain the sensitivity to crosswinds you notice. My 05 is not any more susceptible to crosswinds than my 02 was (they are both equally sensitive, in other words).

 

Craig

zman

My XT is acting more or less the same as Craig's. It is a stiff, responsive ride. I wonder if the issue is the difference between the 2.5i and the 2.5t. They are set differently.

sduford

I don't think so. I have an XT and I do observe some underdamping in the back, but only under some very specific circumstances, namely at high speed (75Mph+) and when hitting very long bumps. That seems to excite the suspension and cause it to bounce up and down a couple of times.

 

Sly

drdave25

Thanks for the input. I posted your idea about tramlining on the Tirerack BFG T/A survey list. I also read an article from the Tirerack site on the topic. Based on that, I wonder if we need to revisit the alignment as a concern. My wife and I and another couple went to a movie last night and my buddy (who drives an Explorer)- like my other friends - couldn't believe the behavior of my Outback.

sduford

If someone who drives an explorer thinks your Outback is mishandling, then something is most definitely wrong! And I am not being sarcastic here.

 

Sly

paisan

TP may be too high. You'll get an overly bouncy ride if the TP is too high. I know you said you checked it but maybe drop it 3lbs and see how it rides.

 

-mike

max751

Cruising along the interstate Saturday, I suddenly realized the little gas pump light and cruise light were flashing, along with the check engine light in my '05 Legacy GT sedan. Also the fuel gauge read fully empty despite the fact that I have over half a tank.

 

I have read elsewhere that check engine condition will blow the cruise away. (Not at all an acceptable situation, in my view.) I have not seen any mention of the fuel gauge going haywire.

 

About an hour later, the gauge came back, but the rest is still out.

 

I will consult the dealer, but wondered about the fuel gauge involvement, and about others' opinions of disabling cruise unnecessarily (assuming the info about that is correct).

rwoods

OCC,

 

I have 4,500 miles on my OBXT and best mileage I got was 25mpg on trip to Florida. That's enough for me.

 

You can get an arm rest extender to balance out your elbows. It cost me $200 with installation.

 

Bob

saedave

Could the new tires be quite a bit heavier than the OEM fitment? Additional tire weight could produce extra bounce. Additionally, check the rims for possible damage or poorly seated tire beads.

rwoods

OCC,

 

I paid $40 or half hour labor for the arm rest extender installation. And the unit cost $149.

 

Bob

smokingmagneto

Hi, new member here.

 

I just returned from a 1,600 round mile trip in my '05 OBXT and averaged 23.5 mpg. This was at 75 to 80 mph most of the time, and driving through a couple of mountain passes, some city driving in San Francisco too. On my return the car had 2,900 miles on it.

 

Had one stretch of level ground where I averaged 25 mpg at a 75 mph average.

 

Not great, but not bad either for an all wheel drive car driven slightly aggressively at times.

 

If my average mileage goes up to 25 or 26 mpg in those conditions I will be satisfied.

 

Eric.

kens

Eric,

 

That sounds close to one of my first road trips on my Legacy GT wagon. I went up to Yosemite this summer and I averaged about 26mpg with similar driving conditions as you mentioned.

 

Ken

timo1745

Hey Eric-

 

Nice to see yet another new member here. I bought mine in Aug, and am still dying to get to try her out in the snow!

 

Fyi, I experienced similar mileage results in my '05 OBXTL-5MT on my first road trip. To be honest, I don't think 25MPG is bad whatsoever for these cars; not with full-time AWD (as you had said) and certainly not for the amount of "performance on-tap" which comes with it. If someone were to show me another car on the market which was even close to what the OBXT had to offer (including the kind of gas mileage they're capable of), I'd be interested in hearing about it.

 

All in all, I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

 

Welcome to the board!

 

Tim G.

'05 OBXTL-5MT

6700 miles and counting!

paisan

I think the cruise is a good idea personally. It gets the attention of the driver. Most folks ignore even a flashing MIL.

 

-mike

jam05

I've got a new OB H6 and have noticed the fuel gauge is extremely slow in responding after refueling. It takes about 30 minutes to indicate full after refueling from about 1/4 tank. Anyone else have this problem? Is this normal?

thanks!