Subaru B9 Tribeca: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    Parts are not difficult to get at all. I had my rear bumper replace a few months ago without delay.
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    If you live near me (Washington DC area), I have a slightly scratched wheel (barely noticable) for you for free :D It took too much space in my garage.
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    The system has vents in the ceiling why not be able to use them if necessary - that is all I am saying.

    The roof vents are not connected to front vents where hot air comes from. Roof vents are connected to rear AC only. It is only useful in hot weather.
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    Well, i checked. When the AC lights comes on, the compressor will go on. The simplest way to know if the compressor is on or not is by looking at the radiator fans. The radiator fans comes on when coolant is hot or if ac compressor is on.

    I'm not sure that is the true indication or not. But the simplest way to tell if compressor is on or not in cold weather is by looking at the vent indicator. If it is blowing air through dashboard vent only and AC light is on, you can bet it is using compressor. If the vent indicator points to floor vent, it is not using compressor but rather blowing hot air.

    By the laws of physics, you get best results blowing hot air from floor (warm air rises up) while you get best results blowing cold air from dash or roof vents (cold air sinks down).
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    That's what you think. I can tell everything the AC kicks in because I can smell the ac "mildew" smell, the oder that u get when u first turn on the ac.
  • dell128dell128 Member Posts: 11
    The B9 was parked in my driveway which shares the space with my Honda wagon with 170,000 miles on it. I just assumed the oil was coming from the Honda until I checked the Honda it was ok. It was then that looked at the B9.
  • prime2prime2 Member Posts: 5
    First, thanks for the reply. Yes, I did try that. If I am doing it correctly (unless there is agreater capablility), it allowed me to reposition the location of my vehicle, which I did. Problem persists. Regards and thanks. Mike
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    there is also a actual GPS coordinate NAV calabration in the hidden NAV Setup Screen. see previous message on how to get to the technician screen by putting in the proper code on the screen.. its not for the average user but a system diagnostic screen.
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    Is it only when you type in address it is off? Does the car show your current location accurate?

    It's a known fact that the navigation data used in B9 is at least 3 years old. And I found most of the time the exact address (with street number) isn't accurate at all. Most of the time they just did a rough estimate. For example, my house is located in a private pipe stem along with 6 other houses. When punch in the street numbers, my house and all other houses will show up in the main street because it does not have information of private pipe stem and hence don't know exactly where it locates.

    Accurate geo data costs $$$ (for the human resources related to validate the data). I guess SOA just picked the cheaper ones.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    I think you are correct on that assumption. I think the database for the B9 nav system sucks for the Pittsburgh Area. road sizes are probably not modled correctly in the database. hopefully they offer an upgrade DVD for the NAV soon
  • bikeupstnybikeupstny Member Posts: 3
    I have had my Tribeca for three months. At night with the headlights on there is a distinct line about waist high 30' in front of the car. Below the line the road is illuminated, above it it's dark. This creates quite a problem when driving, especially when going down hill.
    Dealer says lights are within factory specs. I took it in to them one night and they saw the problem but could not offer a solution. Anyone else experience this?
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    They're designed that way, not to blind other drivers. I didn't notice any visibility problems at night.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm assuming you're talking about the low beams and their abrupt cut off? We have the same problem with our '01 Forester and our two new '06 Imprezas. It can be a problem on dark hilly roads in the country.

    Bob
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    That why there is a high beam for situations like you mentioned. Low beams are supposed to be low and short distance so that you don't blind on coming drivers. Actually it is probably against traffic law to adjust low beam higher than allowed.
  • cheitzercheitzer Member Posts: 5
    I have had the same problem since day 1. I brought the car back and they kept telling me that they are aware of it but they do not have anyway of fixing it yet. Also, low beams on other cars do not have the same problem. This is a design flaw.
  • cheitzercheitzer Member Posts: 5
    :cry: Beware, the hatch on the B9's are dangerous and they know about it! Two weeks ago my hatch suddenly dropped about 2 inches while we were loading packages into the car and nearly knocked my husband out. I thought that maybe it just wasn't up all the way but 2 days later it totally fell on me knocking me down and trapping my neck. Can you say chiropractor. I brought the car in after we had to hack saw one of the bent lifts off. The service tech said he would have the part by the afternoon. Two days later still no part. 2 weeks later and he finally calls and says the part is back order until he doesn't know when for sure. Apparently their are quite alot of these cars hurting people and Subaru is not letting us know. My 8 year old told me he also was hit by the hatch. He hadn't told me but seriously the child could have been killed. Where is the responsibility with the automakers? This is d a n g e r o u s
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    I agree the low beam design is very poor. I understand that it is illegal to aim low beams too high but compared to other cars I have owned the B9 design seems to be almost unsafe if not illegally too low, if there is a legal minimum.
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    WOW! I've heard of the hatch hanging a few inches lower, but closing completely on you is just crazy. I'm going to take a closer look at mine. Thanks for the info!
  • cheitzercheitzer Member Posts: 5
    My service tech said they start dropping alittle at a time so you really don't notice it at first then bam your down. Be really careful. I was told the reason why I can't get a part is because they may be redesigning the hatch kit.
  • bikeupstnybikeupstny Member Posts: 3
    I have also had that problem since day 1. I carry a broom handle to prop the hatch up after it knocked me in the head. Like you parts are on back order. Can you say "class action"?
  • bikeupstnybikeupstny Member Posts: 3
    I see you are more enlightened than the authors of 381-383. Subaru's customer service rep told me in a telephone call on 2/13 that it is a design flaw and they are working on a fix.
  • mikejlmikejl Member Posts: 78
    Hey, if Subaru wants to call it a design flaw and issue a recall, no problem by me. I live in the country. Many of the roads around me are all hills and curves. But, like some other unenlightened posters, I don't have any problems with visibility when using the low beams. Come to think about it, maybe the folks who can't see very well with the low beams are really the 'unenlightened' ones. ;)
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    This is not a design flaw; rather characteristic of projector beam headlight systems. The headlights on the B9 are some of the best and brightest I have experienced, then again, I don't live in the country with unlit hills...

    When you are in a situation where the beam cuts off- as designed, if there are no oncoming cars, try the high beams. I have an Audi A6 2.7T with the HID's and although they have a nice blue tint, yet are not as bright as the B9's.

    Hope that helps- AKA1
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I agree, this is more European than most lights. I got E-codes for my Miata, they do the same. You want the light on the road, primarily.

    You can flash the brights to read signs if you need to.

    When the lights are focused down on the road, IMO you see more of what you really need to see - lanes, shoulders, debris, pot holes, etc.

    Here is a side-by-side comparo, the left is E-code (europe pattern), you'll note the sharp cut off.

    The right is a stock sealed-beam US-style light. It is not off, the light is just so scattered that you barely notice it's on! It's more of a "+" in shape, but it's much less focused on the road.

    I much prefer the Euro lights.

    -juice
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    I need a little help here.

    I am feeling a vibration or light thumping in the steering / break pedal - a continuous pattern that increases as I speed up - as if a nail was in the tire - but no exterior noise that I can here. Service dept. can't hear it - suggested I wait until it gets worse ( more noticeable). Car handles and breaks perfectly.

    Any Ideas???

    Charlie
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My first guess is a wheel bearing...

    But it could be something as simple as a patch of ice stuck to the inner wheel creating an imbalance.

    See if the wheels are clean, wax them next time you wash them to keep ice from sticking to them. Also make sure tire pressures are even.

    -juice
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    I'm thinking wheel bearing too - but the dealer doesnt't want to fish for the solution.

    Ice.....well it has been in the 40's, 50's, and 60's up here in Jersey.

    Would a bad bearing affect mileage??

    Thanks for your help.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Probably not noticeably.

    If it is the bearing, it'll get more and more audible. We had one fail on our 626, it went "chunk-chunk-chunk", varying with speed.

    If you are worried, lift the wheel off the ground and see if there is any play.

    -juice
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    Charlie, If you can, try to get the tires rotated. If you've hit a big pothole recently, you may have accidentally broken one of the steel belts in the tire- if the vibration is gone after rotating, then you know the issue is with the tire/wheel. If it is the tire- you have some recourse, you can take it to a GoodYear tire store and find out if the tire is defective. Somehow, I really don't think it would be a bearing- more to do with the tire.

    AKA1
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    I agree. It could also be that one of the front wheels are not balanced or the little weight balancing metal got lost. Ask your dealer to check the wheel balance and alignment.

    If it only happens when you brake, you may have a warpped disc instead.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    You may want to try running your hand around the inner side of the wheel and see if flat, smooth and even. It may be bent from hitting a curb or pot hole
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    Thanks again for everyones input -

    Flemington squeezed me in today - finally one tech felt the vibration - rotated the wheels -

    I his second test drive he also noticed a grinding/buzzing noise on when cornering right - they're changing the wheel bearing!

    Still can't Identify the thumping but they strongly feel the two symptoms are caused by the same problem.

    Funny though, I thought the grinding was the VDC kicking in.

    The part has to come from Mass. so I have a loner car - I came later in the day so I was stuck with a Sentra. It's a terrible car but it has an aux. jack on the radio. I hope Subaru is reading this message.

    I'm glad I leased this car for two years - I really like it and hope to buy one in 08 - when all the problems are worked out.

    Charlie
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    I should have posted this here originally (as I had promised I would) but replied to another meesage in the main Tribeca forum instead...anyway, here it is again...

    ----------------

    I had mine [struts] replaced recently. Took a while for them to get the parts. My dealer said Subaru is looking into a possible recall on these, but for now they are still trying to locate stronger ones. My new ones are the same as the original ones, I believe, and they are working fine now...except now the hatch is hard to close! But I'll take that over whacking my head any day.

    -Karen in AZ-
  • prime2prime2 Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone been able to get any information on the correct, updated 2005/2006 navigation system DVD for the Tribeca? Neither the dealership nor I have been able to get an answer from Subaru. I had to use my navigation system today as I do frequently, but again there was a problem with the system calculating the address. My thinking is that since the system reads the DVD as a 2004 .3 version, that there should actually be a 2005/2006 1.0 version, as is imprinted on the DVD itself and the box and I am hopeful that the correct version may function better with the system. Frankly I cannot believe how unbelievably user unfriendly the system is. I had a phenomenal navigation system in my Nissan that was one DVD not split into two and covering the entire country it was as detailed as an Atlas. Additionally, even when a road was indicated as unnamed, the system would still navigate you to the correct address unbelievably accurately. This one looks as if a child drew a map onto the screen. For the price I paid for my Tribeca, even though I am computer literate and am able to work through the navigation system, it seems that I should be able to use it without having to set up zones, etc. All but one destination I have put into the system have been incorrect by at least a half mile and a couple of them by 9/10 of a mile or more. I'm just glad I had a cell phone. What do people who are not computer literate do? DON'T GET ME WRONG,I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE TRIBECA AND I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN. In my opinion it's great, but the navigation system is quite deficient and needs to be seriously addressed. What a shame that they put in such a cheaply designed navigation system in such a perfectly designed, beautiful high end vehicle.
  • cheitzercheitzer Member Posts: 5
    Sent my email to Subaru about my hatch problem and low and behold the parts became available pronto with a reply saying they took the liberty of contacting the service department. They are in fact replacing my struts with the same struts that were previously in place. I hope these hold up better. I will be moving out of the way gingerly just in case. My hope is that they will come out with a better solution. And I believe they could be more human about getting whacked in the head. I don't think offering a free rental while my car is in the shop would have been over the top. :confuse:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ask your dealer to help set it up (for the layman). The ones I've driven were all set and quite accurate.

    -juice
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    I purchased a black B9 with NAV and DVD without the puddle lights or other options
    Please let me know what the extra cost?
    Is it worth it to get these installed?
    Any other options for the 7 passenger that are worth adding?

    thank you
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    do you mean there is a cover for the 7 passenger model
    if the seats are folded (or not)
    that covers items from view through the back hatch window?

    thanks
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    I have had car for 2 months
    2600 miles
    only getting 18.5 MPG
    I have a 7 mile round trip to work 5 days a week
    and than drive 500 miles on weekend (highway) up to Boston
    seems really low miles per gallon

    Any suggestions?
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    MY APOLOGY FOR ENTERING A FEW MESSAGES AT ONE TIME

    I love the SUV
    my last problem
    hairline scratch on black 7 pass. model
    very visable
    Did I go to the wrong car wash?
    Can they be buffed out??
    thank you
    Fellow Tribe member!!
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    I bet any amount of money it was there when you purchased it. Those damn salespeople with there magnet dearler tags LOL. I see it all the time, when they go to take off the dealer plate and dont grab it with two hands to pull it directly off it scratches the paint. Trust me I know what I'm talking about. You can buff it out, but that only last so long till it's visable again. Then you have to buff it out again. Welcome to the world of wax.
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    I've only had my B9 for 1900 miles, and so far my gas miles sucks. I've seen 20mpg on the highway, but over all average I'm only seeing 14.4 mpg since mile one. I just installed a K&N filter before my latest fill up thinking it would help, but to my surprise I'm only seeing 13.9mpg on this tank. I'm shocked to see the miles get worse. I thought a K&N filter would improve my gas mileage. Looks like I was wrong, but I'm not going to give up just yet, it might be to early to tell.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You may be interested in this discussion: K&N Air Filters, bolt-on power?

    tidester, host
  • cdgchicdgchi Member Posts: 8
    My dealer called and told me the new improved struts are in and please bring the B9 in so thet can put them on. The new struts have a different parts number. I'll report on how they work when they get put on.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    can you call and get the exact new part number please :)
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    when looking on tire rack for that info on wheel hub centric ... I came across this page on replacing one wheel of a 4wheel drive system:
    Article

    I never thought of shaving a new tire down to match the other three so you dont have to buy 3 new tires also if you have one flat.
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    Thank you
    Any suggestions on products?
    Wax, (take to detail place? etc
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    K&N Air Filters
    So should I go get the filter as the Tribe is going in for the first check up at the dealership
    or it really wont help my mileage?
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    I have been on a roller coaster ride with my MPG. I added a K&N filter and have seen virtuall no change in mpg. Having said that - I have to laugh at myself because I laugh when people make the same comments - since they are basically meaningless. I mean if you drive a given road say for 200 miles - note the MPG - then install a K&N and turn around and retrace the route then we might be able to say it does or doesn't help. But just changing it makes it almost impossible to be sure. There are just too many variables.

    At one point this fall in the chicago area I started seeing that often talked about increase in MPG. I started getting into the upper 18s & low 19s in all arounf urban driving. And that was pre K&N. Lately I've been back 15 & 16.

    I just got back from a 1000 my trip running a mid grade ethanol blend on the overall trip I averaged about 18.9, But I drive hard, running between 75 and 90. On the last 300 miles going between 70 & 80 it averaged 21.9

    I have decided that from now on I am not going to check my mpg at all. There is nothing I can do about - it is going to be what it is and that's that.

    Over all B9s are medicore in the MPG department like most other cars in its class and weight.

    Don't expect too much and you will not be disappointed.
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    That is a pretty good summary and I had the same experience.

    As for K&N filters, I thought the only advantages are (1) no need to replace the air filter, just clean it (2) some how increase a little bit horse power due to better air flow. AFAIK, it does nothing to mileage. That been said, from what I read recently in other Subaru sites, it has virtually no benefits to new Subaru engines especially the turbo charged ones.
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