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Subaru B9 Tribeca: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I had one on my previous car. It's kind of a pain to clean, so honestly just replacing a paper filter is easier to me.

    -juice
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    many thanks
    Ill save the money and add the puddle lights
    seems to be the big thing that I forgot to ask them to install
  • pschreckpschreck Member Posts: 524
    I thought I read somewhere that these were a factory install. Anybody know?
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    That's my understanding - they can not be added.

    I ordered a B9 in May. The factory forgot to install the puddles - my only option was to decline the car and purchased from another dealer who had the same unit with the puddles
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    My B9 didn't have them, and my dealer quoted me $350 to install them. They're like $150 invoice from the factory, so for that price I said the hell with them, I'll look into it aftermarket.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Maybe SOA has come up with a kit - my guess however is that the dealer may be using after market parts. Did you actually see them listed on SOA literature as an availble add on accessory?
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    No I didn't. but they didn't say anything about it being aftermarket.
  • jandj94jandj94 Member Posts: 17
    I've got about 5200 miles on my 7pass Ltd. I keep a mileage/maintenance log in the car and have noticed that the trip computer MPG is about 1 MPG more than reality about 95% of the time. Rather disappointing. I figured that over time, it would correct itself. I wonder if this feature can be re-calibrated? I'd rather it tell me I'm getting worse mileage than I really am so I don't overestimate my range and get into trouble.

    Other mileage notes:

    I'm getting anywhere from 14.5-16.5 mpg around town and 16.5-17.8 or so combined town/highway. I hope it improves as the power train wears in.

    I use a combination of 89 and 93 octane: switching off between the two at about the half tank mark. It's just my voodoo.
    When I shift in manual mode rather than auto, I perceive I get a mile or so improvement in MPG. Problem is I'm too lazy to do it all the time.
    I use cruise even for short hops and I perceive a bit more economy due to smoother acceleration.
    I just changed to Mobil 1 and Tuffoil additive and I hope it will improve my mileage (up to 10%) much like it did with all my other cars since '85.
    Like a lot of you folks, I don't find that much difference in MPG between 93 and 89 octane, but there IS a palpable difference in power.

    I hear that the EPA estimates will soon be revised a bit to reflect (numbers closer to- but not actual) reality.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    FWIW, for the 4 days that I had one, the trip computer actually read low, 20.4 mpg or so, while I calculated 21.2 mpg by looking at miles actually traveled over gallons used.

    -juice
  • cyrillcyrill Member Posts: 1
    Observed that same problem, although to a lesser degree. Seems to be affected by outside temp. At around -10F, the hatch would simply not stay all the way up, but rather insisted on touching my head, and staying ~3/4 open. Under normal NYC temps it stays up, but reluctantly. Also, opening it *all the way* seems to be of import, it locks in place somewhat.
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    Can someone confirm if their passenger side power lock switch lights up red like the drivers side? I noticed tonight that it wasn't lit and I wasn't sure if it's always been like that or not. Also on the drivers door the part that has a lock symbol is lit but the other half with the unlock symbol isn't lit, is this normal or do I have a problem with my power lock switches? Thanks in advance!
  • marilynwmarilynw Member Posts: 24
    I just checked the power lock switch in my Tribeca and it is the same as you have indicated.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    I don't think it has to do with the temperature.

    Karen in Arizona and others in warmer weather have the same problem. I live in Chicago and we have had very low temps and I've had no problems.

    Apparently it simply a spec or QC problem.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    Has anyone received the new part number Struts yet for their rear hatch? I have my local dealer ordering a pair but he wanted to know the part number.

    does anyone have the NEW part number for the replacement struts?

    thanks
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    I believe kmartin in arizona has the new part. Check the posts going back a 2 weeks or so.
  • sscssc Member Posts: 7
    I have also notice the same thing on mine. exactly as you described on both sides. I did not think this was normal since the pics on the subaru website shows all the bottons lit.
  • cdgchicdgchi Member Posts: 8
    I had the new structs installed last week. The corect parts numbers are 63269XA000 for the right side and 63269XA010 for the left side. Good luck. They open very quickly and require more effort to close.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    thanks CDGCHI! Karen had the same exact struts put back in because they weren't available yet. and I read the earlier post a few days ago about the new part number for the new parts but no one had posted the number yet... now I can tell them to go order these parts :shades:
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    just called the dealer and they figured out the part numbers and verified they matched... they are in stock so going Saturday to have them installed! thanks for the heads up on the new part.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    When these forums work so efficiently.

    Way to go cdgchi. :shades:

    -juice
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    Sad to say but I got my first dent today. I was in an area I wasn't to familiar with and as I was backing up at less than 5 mph I backed into the corner of a fence. I never saw it comming. The damage isn't too bad. A dent about the size of a small fist above the passenger side rear corner bumper, and a few minor scratches on the bumper itself. If I had to guess I would think the damage to be under $500, but who knows? Should I take it to Subaru or would I be better off taking it elsewhere? I hope this doesn't break my pocket.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    :cry: I had a similar incident with a mini van in a parking garage. I pushed in its front bumper and fender and I wound up with a grapefruit sized & shaped impression in the right rear corner of the colored part of my bumper.

    The damndest thing was when I got home and looked at it again the dent was gone. It had popped back out while I was on the highway, leaving only some white paint from the van, which came off with some windex and 2 small areas where the blue paint came off my bumper revealing the raw black plastic of the bumper. I estimate it will cost no more than $100 to have it repaired at a Carnica Shop.

    The best part was the van was a rental and the renter had full coverage on it and told me not to worry. He said he would contact me if the rental company wouldn't cover it but he has never called and its been 2 weeks.

    :)

    Most dealers don't have body shops anymore and there is no advantage even if they have one except if there price is lower. Just ask around for a good shop.

    However be preapred for a shock. Most body shops will not or claim they can not repair a plastic bumper. That it must be replaced and painted. They can be very pricy.

    Good luck with the repair and let us know what it costs.

    I'll post my cost when I get mine painted.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd recommend a dealer in this case, so they match the paint color perfectly. Unless you know a really good body shop.

    Fitzgerald Subaru in Rockville repainted my wife's bumper, and the job was absolutely perfect. You simply cannot tell, in fact I often forget we had the repair done.

    I can't say that about any other body work I've done in the past, I could always tell it had been done. On my Miata the shop didn't even match the color properly, now some panels look yellowish, others bright white. Awful.

    -juice
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Hi Juice

    That dealer you mentioned - do they actually have their own body shop or send it out. My experience with dealers is that for many reasons: cost, EPA etc. they have all done away with their body shops. Maybe it is a state related - in Illinnois it virtually unheard of, even high end dealers like MB, Jaguar, Infinti etc.

    Any body shop should have access to the same paint as a dealer does. So if you spec factory paint it is all about the skill of the guy with spray gun.

    When I put my Jag into a retaining wall - the dealer sent the car out for repair and it was a perfect match in all respects.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I believe they do it in-house. They even accepted Subaru Bucks to pay for the repairs.

    I realize the paint formulas aren't secret, but they just seemed to take great care in the job.

    -juice
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    so far since they replaced the fog lights and I covered with the Xpel film. after 5k miles still no cracked fog light lenses.

    and I have had a few small chips in the windshield from rocks .. so I know it has to been hit already by rocks...

    its too bad the customer has to come up with the solution...
  • renjordrenjord Member Posts: 5
    I had to have my entire radio system replaced, and it took the dealer over a week to get the right part! :(
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    got 7k on the car, I had some leftover xpel from my botched attempt at putting them on my WRX so I put them on the Tribecas foglights right after delivery as I thought it looked like they would be trouble and they seem to be doing their job fine so far.
  • nycb9nycb9 Member Posts: 30
    Hi,

    I just got my Tribeca last week and I'm loving it so far. However, on the way home from the dealership that night I noticed the same "switch lights" problem only with a twist. On my Tribeca, the driver's side "Unlock" button is not lit (the "Lock" side of the button is), the "Power Window Lockout" switch is not lit, the Passenger side "Lock/Unlock" button isn't lit at all. AND, when you hit the "Power Window Lockout" switch, all of the passengers' window switch lights go out on the driver's side cluster, but ALL the passengers' power window indicator lights STAY ON WHERE THE MANUAL SAYS THEY SHOULD GO OUT! Strange! Please, can anybody confirm that all these features work correctly on their Tribeca?

    Also, WHERE IS THE MASTER INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH?! You know, the switch that turns on all the interior lights. Do you really have to open the door to get all your lights to go on at once?! I have never experienced a vehicle that lacked this switch.

    Thanks...Joe in NY
  • nycb9nycb9 Member Posts: 30
    Hi,

    My Tribeca did not come with the puddle lights. It's a very cool feature but not worth what they're charging. I just ran my fingers under the skirt where the puddle lights go. There are clearly capped holes there so if the wire harness is there, it should be a snap (literally!) to install these yourself. I'll check for ease of the cap removal when I have a chance and its light out.

    Thanks...Joe
  • nycb9nycb9 Member Posts: 30
    Hi,

    I got the all weather floor mats but I think they screwed up. In the second row, I got two "right side" mats. The one on the left is not fitting correctly because the shape of the well is not symmetrical, they're actually "mirror image." Anybody else experience this?

    Thanks...Joe
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    Yes was wondering the same thing just last night... no way I could easily see to activate all interior lights. anyone know of a way?
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    There is a way to turn all the interior lights on with out opening the.

    It is part of SOA's fitness program. Here is how it works:

    Place transmission in PARK.
    Manually Turn on the two front reading lamps
    Next- crawl between the 2 front seats to the second row
    Turn second row lamps on
    Next - climb over bench seat to rear 3rd row seat (if so equipped) or luggage area as may be applicable.
    Turn on rear lights
    Reverse path to front seat. :shades: :sick:
  • nycb9nycb9 Member Posts: 30
    Wow, that is unbelieveable and an odd omission. Even my Dad's 72 Buick had one! I'll search out the door switch harness and figure out a way to install a switch to do so. I'll let you kow if I'm successful.

    Any confirmation on how your window switch indicator lights work?

    Thanks...Joe
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    Keep me Posted. Thanks!
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    Joe
    keep me posted
    I failed to ask for them as well but did notice this afternoon what you were talking about (the caps)
    This place near my home sells all accessory items but at discount to dealer costs.
    I could not find anyone else that sells the puddle light kit seperatly.

    http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I got two left mats with my minivan years ago and the dealer had to order a replacement. Sometimes the mats say on the bottom if they are left or right, or may have a part number that molded in and the part number may only be for a right or left mat.

    It sounds like you need to visit the dealer about this one.

    Steve, Host
  • drjochen1drjochen1 Member Posts: 5
    We have also joined the "Mecha error" club.
    It happened during driving while listening to a CD. The car went in, they had to order parts. Then the car went in again and they replaced the CD changer. The new one, when we picked up the car, didn't work!!! Every time we shut off the engine, it would spit out all CDs. When we changed CDs, it sounded like a machine gun. They obviously NEVER tested it. Of course, all that was there when we picked up the car at 6 pm was a clueless receptionist...
    Then something drained the battery overnight. The car was towed and has been at the dealer for 10 days now. :mad: They are supposedly waiting for more parts.
  • nycb9nycb9 Member Posts: 30
    Hey Spence66,

    I don't see the puddle lights on the link you gave. Are they there? It seems that the puddle lights are a factory option. Some forum research indicates that dealers can't put them on. It may be that the wire harness is not there so they can't be just clipped in. The harness has to be done at the factory. I'll take a look this weekend and see what I find.

    Any luck confirming my Power Window and Power Lock switch indicator lights question?

    Thanks...Joe
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    Puddle lights are a PIO (port installed option)- the dealership should be able to do this- there is no "pre-wiring" either. If you want to attempt to do this, you must remove the lower black rocker panel on both sides, also get into the two front wheel wells- someone here had mud guards installed, and it shorted out the puddle lights, hence the need to get in behind the wheel well- there's got to be a module that plugs into it... On my B9 they go on when you unlock the door, and stay lit for a little while when you lock the car and walk away.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    I'm waiting for a new harness for the drivers side. The dealer apparently shorted mine out when they installed the mud flaps.

    When locking the car via the remote they turn off immediately along with the interior lights.

    I think if you press the remote lock button with a door open, then close the door - the puddles and interior stay on for a short time
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    puddle lights should be installable by dealer. there was rumors that it would be offered later in the year. but for now its a Port installed Option (not installed at factory that I know of)

    as far as lights, my door lights all the window switches, when I push the LOCK window button (which is not lit) the lighted window buttons all go out on the driver door. the passenger buttons on their doors are always lit I think. so it operates like the last person posted.
  • nycb9nycb9 Member Posts: 30
    Two of the three Subaru discount accessory dealers said they couldn't get the puddle lights because "they are a factory installed item and not available as an accessory." I haven't heard form the third yet but it would appear you have to get them through your dealer's parts dept.

    The brochure clearly shows the driver's door "UNLOCK" and "Power Window Lockout" switches lit up. Apparently we have the same defect. According to the manual, when you have the "Power Window Lockout" switch engaged the indicator lights on all the passengers' window switches go out. Mine stay lit however they do go out on the driver's side switch. Do your indicator lights work according to the manual?

    Thanks...Joe
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    The brochure clearly shows the driver's door "UNLOCK" and "Power Window Lockout" switches lit up. Apparently we have the same defect. According to the manual, when you have the "Power Window Lockout" switch engaged the indicator lights on all the passengers' window switches go out. Mine stay lit however they do go out on the driver's side switch. Do your indicator lights work according to the manual?

    Mine does the same thing, but if everyone does the same thing is it a defect? Unless someone has a 06 that all the buttons light up and when window lock is activated all passenger doors switch lights go out. But mine doesn't do like the manuel says.
  • b9bingob9bingo Member Posts: 46
    On my Drivers door, when you open it there is a chrome plate that says Subaru, and right where the gas release lever is the carpet keeps comming undone from under the Subaru name plate. After some inspection I noticed it was missing a clip from the center which I thought was the cause of the carpet comming out. After the dealer replaced the Subaru molding with new clips I thought the problem would be solved, but even with all the clips intacked it came undone yet again. The month of Febuary is horrible for me to get anything done because I work 70hrs a week all month, so I wont be able to get it back to the dealer till March. Is anyone else having the same carpet problem as myself?
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Puddle lights are a factory option. A regional manager explained what might be causing some confusion. Some refer to certain options as port installed, which often indicates an option or accessory that is installed after the car arrives in the US. But since the B9 is built here, the factory is the port. So if a B9 option is referred to port installed that translates to factory installed.

    Window switches - on my B9 all window switches lite except if I activate the lockout (which is always unlit) the 3 passenger buttons on the driver's door go out but the ones on the passenger doors remain lit.
  • nycb9nycb9 Member Posts: 30
    OK, so your window lockout switch is unlit as well. How about the "unlock" portion of your door lock switch? Mine is unlit but the "lock" portion of the switch is lit. These are odd, though unimportant in the overall scheme of things, anomalies. Will my dealer think I'm nuts for asking them to fix this stuff?! Unless these switches are really unlit by design, which doesn't make sense. That's why I'm asking here; I'm looking for consensus to see if ANYBODY's B9 works like the manual/brochure says/shows.

    Thanks...Joe
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    I am having the same issue
    I am also worried about asking the dealer
    (that is why this forum is exceptional)
    that here in Connecticut after this HUGE snow
    I noticed the car has slippage over certain icy spots
    I remember my old 91 Legacy wagon and than my 2002 Impreza wagon never had any slippage on snow or ice
    The car never seemed to sway (tight ride) in all inclement weather. Is it because this a true SUV and higher up?
    I dont know, but I am surprised as this has happened a few times driving the car since Decemeber and noticing that it
    slips over certain road conditions and really have to adjust my speed
  • spence66spence66 Member Posts: 39
    What do you know of total cost for part and installation?

    Do you also know if some of the 2007 options (rear sensor device, rear camera etc) per offered as options for us 2006 owners to add to our B9?

    thanks
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    I think its because of the factory tires they put on. its a cheap all season tire that doesn't handle much snow here. just driving back from the ski slopes down hill was a bit scary. it wasn't the SUV but the tire grip.
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