Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

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Comments

  • subkidsubkid Member Posts: 94
    glad it worked for you. Hope you'll post details on the buying experiences board.

    Bear in mind - there is no engine immobilizer, just a starter cut off. Still, I preferred OEM security, because, unless you are wiling to pay $800+ for a really good after market alarm, OEM is good for a price. No need for additional drilling, wires are already there, included in warranty and financing, one place service, one original key fob etc. And most important - standardized, so thief-friendly, as they don't have to think too much what are they dealing with :)).
    Honk can be disabled (for lock/unlock function)

    Unrelated to the above, I was in Cowville a couple weeks ago and was fascinated with what they did to Kananaskis river and all new paddling features there. Why are you guys getting all the best in this province. I'm seriously considering moving there, more and more.

    K
  • fryingbolognafryingbologna Member Posts: 85
    I will post my buying experience, fer shure! It may be today, or it may be next weekend, but post I shall.

    Cowville is great if you get out and enjoy those mountains. I, personally, like Etown a little better... but don't tell anyone that down here!
  • rsay777rsay777 Member Posts: 100
    About 3 months ago I thought I had the vibration noise diagnosed. With help of C. Hunter on this board and had it pointed in the direction of the Cruise Control Unit. The only reason I though this was because through tapping on various components under the hood I discovered an unusual noise in the CCU. I mentioned the vibration noise to the dealer when I had my oil changed. The tech said the my CCU was defective. They ordered a new CCU and it was installed two days ago. The vibration noise is still there. It is an RPM related noise and is enough to ruin my entire day on the way to work in the morning.

    Here is a re-cap. It only happens when the outside air temp is cold especially when taking the engine above 4k. I first discovered the noise when after I inspected the engine air filter. I went back into the air filter housing to see if I had missed reassembly. Everything appears tight. All the clips and nuts etc.

    Can anyone think where I might look to find this noise. This isn't just a slight noise this is enough to make me crazy. I have actually removed the CCU from the bracket and routed it out near the battery and wrapped it in a towel. I think the noise must be coming from the Snorkus assembly. I have taken pieces of the Snorkus off and then waited for morning and then done a test drive. Each time noise is there.

    Thanks in advance. Bob L.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Is it a RPM-related "slap" noise? As in, a belt slapping something? It could be the timing belt slapping on the cover, which may only happen when it's colder weather or the engine is cold. I've seen this on several cars, and would not be surprised if it happened on Subarus also. It means the belt needs to be tightened (some Subarus have an automatic tensioner, which may or may not nullify my hypothesis). If it is the belt slapping the cover, you should be able to "feel" it by placing your fingers on the cover. Just be careful poking around a running engine, and don't wear a necktie near belts!

    The only other thing I can think of -- is it possible something dropped in the nooks and crevices of the Snorkus? There are a lot of places something could get trapped.

    Is the noise "repeatable" with RPM, or does it change randomly and seem different all the time?

    Auto or manual transmission?

    Craig
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Where's paisan? I'm sure he's adjusted the tension on several belts before...

    Cool news - I got some brand-new OE carpeted mats for Sandy. Found them by freak coincidence on my work bulletin board for $25 a full set, still in the original plastic!

    She'd bought an extra set but her ex-husband got the Forester in the divorce. I told her she needs a better divorce lawyer! LOL

    -juice
  • rsay777rsay777 Member Posts: 100
    Thanks for ideas. The noise is definitely RPM related, especially bad at 4k and above. I'm going to reassemble the CCU and then dig into the Snorkus and start eliminating. I tapped on the timing belt cover and it sounds much deeper than the noise I'm hearing. When I talked to the dealer about the noise I only suggested that it was the CCU after they said that the CCU was defective I thought we were on to something. I think they just wanted the warranty work and replaced the CCU without really looking hard. I'm starting over and will take it back to the dealer and leave it over night. More later. Thanks again. Bob L
  • rsay777rsay777 Member Posts: 100
    After realizing that the noise HAD to be related to my inspection of the air filter months ago. I looked around the filter housing and noticed two AC tubes traveling above and behind the housing. There is some yellow tape indicating the position of a black plastic clip. My clip had slid to the drivers side too far (I must have knocked when I was getting into the housing) it was allowing the 1/4" tubing to rattle against the fire wall. I have now put a tye wrap around the assembly and in the future this won't happen again. I sang a happy tune during this mornings commute. Bob L.
  • gened1gened1 Member Posts: 256
    Good news!! I'll bet that noise was driving you crazy!!
    Now you can enjoy your Forester.
    Gene
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Awesome! Glad the puzzle has been solved!

    Craig
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Kewl. At least you didn't have WDB's issue - rodents in the engine bay!

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Good Forester Review

    The article provides a nice summation of the Forester's capabilities:

    Which reflects the Forester's – and other Subaru models' – almost unique ability to be several things to all people: family transport, high-speed intercity cruiser, shopping cart and, over weekends and holidays, a 4x4 that will go pretty much anywhere.

    -Frank P.
  • earthwomanearthwoman Member Posts: 47
    I have been busy latley so I haven't posted in a few weeks but I came by to read a few threads and ask about the stupid film that is accumulating on the inside of my windshield. What do I find but an entire page of posts on the same subject!

    So my question is answered. I am going to try the squeegee suggestion. The stuff accumulates a lot in a week or so and is a nuisance. It seems to be worse in this car. Maybe because it is only 5 months old and I leave it at a Park N Ride lot in the sun all day.

    FYI-

    I have also found that cloth baby diapers are excellent for glass cleaning.

    Rebecca
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yep, but when you dry them, do not use fabric softener. :-)

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    What do I find but an entire page of posts on the same subject!

    That's what the Crew's all about. :-)

    Ken
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Yep, we can go pages and pages about nothing, it's our shared vision of OCD! I'm also going to try the squeegee trick too, just need to buy a squeegee. Any suggestions?

    Speaking of OCD -- my wife made her usual list of meals to cook this week (on the fridge), and underneath, her sister (visiting) penned in "anal retentive salad and obsessive compulsive chicken". We got a good laugh out of that one. I won't complain as long as she cooks!

    Craig
  • logtraillogtrail Member Posts: 74
    Several months ago I had the front brake pads on my 99 Forester S replaced by my local (and very good) mechanic. I did not tell him to use Suburu parts and as a result find that there is much more brake dust on the front wheels now. I used to be able to replace pads, but that was years ago. How easy to do with the Suburu if I'm not concerned about rotors, cylinders etc.?Is it difficult to move the pistons back so that the old pads come out and the new ones in. Thinking about getting the Suburu pads. Or should buy the pads and bring them to my mechanic?
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I don't think it's too difficult to replace the pads yourself. Try going to the Scoobymods website (I'm not supposed to post the link) -- there should be instructions on how to change it on an Impreza (same across all Subarus).

    The OE pads are a good balance between performance, wear and brake dust. I've never noticed brake dust on my Forester. My wife's VW on the other hand, is a brake dust machine.

    Ken
  • rsunicorsunico Member Posts: 82
    Sev. folks asked for feedback on my Mini. AFter 2 days with the Cooper S I am amazed and now get why people who have them are nuts about their cars! Very peppy, comfortable, solid and I can switch lanes on a dime. I will miss looking forward to snow days though (no more Forest). Perhaps I will find an older Subie as a winter car...
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    Hi Crew,
    My wife's 02 Forester is still experiencing pre-ignition pinging.
    Last year I scheduled a dealer visit and the mechanic said it was "spark knock" brought on by bad gas. He suggested trying different gas stations and using the name brands. So... for close to a year my wife has only been buying gas mostly from BP and Mobil and going to different stations. Thge problem still persists.
    On occasion I will fill up with mid-grade and the pinging improves but doesn't completely go away.
    What is interesting is that it rarely pings when the engine is cold and this occurs mostly while accelerating between 25 to 40 MPH.
    I do not have alot of faith in this dealer. (They haven't corrected a persistent suspension rattle on my 00 Outback.) Here are my questions:
    1) Could this be a faulty knock sensor OR a problem with the ECU?
    2) Should I open up a case with SOA prior to scheduling a dealer appointment?
    3) Does this pre-ignition pinging cause engine damage?
    4) It is an 02 Forester (purchased 9/01) with 16,000 miles. Would this be covered under warranty?
    Thanks for your advice,
    Ron
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Had a Sidekick once doing the same thing. Tire store had changed my plugs some time earlier. Dealer service dept. checked it out and said they had gapped the plugs wrong. They replaced the plugs and no more problems.

    YWRX
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Ron-

    1) Don't know enough to answer that one.
    2) I'd give the dealer one more chance. If the problem persists, then I'd call SOA and get a case number.
    3) Persistent engine knocking (early detonation) can indeed damage your engine. Question is whether that's what you're experiencing.
    4) Yes. It absolutely should be covered under warranty.

    -Frank P.
  • georgeinmdgeorgeinmd Member Posts: 27
    I found the brake pads on my '99 to be no more nor less difficult to replace than on any other car (many) that I've worked on. As long as the pistons and cylinders are in good shape, should be no problem expanding them. Also, should you want to resurface or replace the discs, they're easy to remove, after removing the bracket (two 17 mm bolts). Possibly useful side note: one of the wear indicators on the original pads had broken off, resulting in the pad wearing to the metal backing with no warning (tho' no excuse for not catching it anyway); fortunately, I caught it before the disc was destroyed. -- George
  • subewannabesubewannabe Member Posts: 403
    most ive tried are frustrating because the handle is too long and prevents getting into the lower edge or the inside windshield. Found one at Bed , Bath and Beyond, intended for your glass shower enclosure, that has no handle, just a thumb hole in a wider blade portion. works great.
    Mark
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    Anyone else have thoughts about my pinging problem?
    Ron
  • ssiussiu Member Posts: 25
    Can one use 205/60 R16 tire size (stock is 215/60 R16) with the Forester (current model)? What would be the consequence? (Speedometer faster or slower by ?? percent? Any other issues?)

    What about 225/60 R16? Too big?
  • rsay777rsay777 Member Posts: 100
    I replaced my Geo's with the different mfg but the size was 215/60R 16" and my odometer actually gains 1/10 in 5 miles. Based on the highway mile markers. That means my tire is rolling 528' further in 5 miles (26,400') not sure of the accuracy of the hwy mile markers. Bob L
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    besides diameter issues, a smaller tire is not as strong as a larger tire. It's loads ratings will be less. Going smaller is not a good idea IMO.

    Bob
  • entropy5527entropy5527 Member Posts: 24
    I had a problem that sounded like engine ping, saw the mechanics in 8 states over a two year period and all of them had different stories. Found out it was a loose hose connector that happen to be sympathetically vibrating at certain engine RPM's against metal. It makes me sick to think how much money I spent on it. It was of all people a ...gulp... gurggle... choke... quicky lube attendent that found it by accident during an oil change...
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    FYI: Here's a link to a good tire size calculator. Ideally, you want to keep the overall circumference as close as possible to the OE tires.

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Go ahead and get a case number, 800-SUBARU3, it's a free call and it gets their attention early on. Can't hurt, right?

    Definitely could be the knock sensor, that's what my money's on.

    Steve: while it's a small difference, I would not get smaller tires. You lose a little ground clearance, you lose load capacity, you lose tread width, sidewall radius for impact absorption, you name it. Your speedo will read fast, your odometer will accumulate more miles than you actually drive. Your spare will be bigger than the OE tires, which will especially matter if you have a rear LSD (S or XS/XT models). Just about every one of those is a negative.

    I have 225/60R16, but that gives me more clearance, more sidewall, more width, more load capacity, etc. Some tires that size will rub, so you may have to get rims with a different offset (I did). Both my differentials are open, in case I ever use the spare, plus I have my spare at a higher PSI to make up for some of the difference.

    Generally, stick with the OE size unless you have a specific reason why you want to change. I wanted a slight lift, and wider tires for better floatation on sandy surfaces. Plus my rims are 7" wide, 1/2" wider than stock.

    -juice
  • jackleungjackleung Member Posts: 79
    The mirror becomes some silver liquid flowing slowly inside the auto dimming mirror of my 2001 Forester S.

    See it here

    I did nothing to the mirror and I just can't imagine it break this early. (And it's no longer covered by the warrenty) Any of you guys heard this kind problem before?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    If you use your browser's "refresh" immediately after posting a message the message will be duplicated. To avoid this, use the "recent messages" link instead at the end of these postings.

    tidester, host
  • jackleungjackleung Member Posts: 79
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    Looks a lot like mine did after it got in the sun this summer, only mine was like that all over. I was lucky enough to have mine be under warranty.

    Also, on the wife's OBW, the darn thing just stopped working at nine months. I've got an appt for Monday with the dealer to get it replaced.

    Lastly, the new Gentex mirror is way, way better IMO. If possible I'm going to see if the dealer will make me a deal on one of those as a replacement for hers.

    Larry
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I have also seen problems with the mirrors, on numerous makes of cars. In some cases, they can leak the LCD fluid!

    Replacements can be had for around $70 (online) if I remember right, so it wouldn't be too expensive. You could also put in a regular mirror for less, I'm sure.

    Craig
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    I had a problem when was trying to enter in the chat room last Thursday. The field above was empty, just a frame only and no link. Could be any access problem 'cause Russia?
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    Does it look like "non-java browser"? What should I check else?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I have to turn off my ad and cookie stoppers in my firewall to access the chat. Otherwise I just get the frame and can't see anyone or what they are typing.

    There is a way to do an html version of the chat, but that requires manual refreshing of the screen, so avoid that if you can.

    The easy version of the chat is java based, so it needs to be enabled.

    Here's part of the chat blurb from Town Hall Help:

    Browser Requirements
    To participate in an Open Member chat, we recommend you use a java-enabled browser. Either change the settings in your browser to enable Java or change your preferences in the Town Hall Community to run the HTML version of the chat. (A Preferences link is located at the top of any board or discussion page when you are logged in to the Town Hall Community.) Users of non-java browsers such as WebTV and older versions of AOL should use the HTML version of the chat.

    Try the Mazda chat this Tuesday if you can and maybe we can figure it out before the Subaru Chat on Thursday. The link is always on the main Town Hall page.

    What browser and OS are you using, bty?

    Steve, Host
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    I should have been more attentive. Though I do seem to know nothing in my PC, a buddy of mine does it well. Each Thursday and Friday I wake up for fishing (4 am Moscow Time), at the same time the chat starts.

    Hope to be in the chat room in a week and check my access again if a fish won't go away.
  • joelbjoelb Member Posts: 16
    A few months ago I was on a long trip and found my 1999 Forester had low manual transmission fluid - it has 100K miles. The owners manual recommends 75/90 weight oil. I was only able to find 80/90. I've been driving with the 80/90 for a couple months with no noticeable problems. Should I drain and refill the transmission with 75/90 or is this not a big deal?
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Does it get cold where you live? Once the transmission warms up, the oil will be 90-weight in both cases. The 75w-90 will have a slight edge when the transmission is cold (easier shifts), but otherwise, the 80w-90 is probably just fine. And if you added 80w-90 to a transmission mostly full of 75w-90, the overall mix is probably closer to 75w-90 anyhow. As long as the two oils were of the same type and compatible, I think you're probably OK.

    Craig
  • jackleungjackleung Member Posts: 79
    Thanks all U guys for the inputs.

    Maybe it's the heat causing the problem. It was quite hot in California several weeks ago.
    I checked www.subaruparts.com and it's cost $136.21. It's just so disappointed that the mirror is that easy to break. I think I will just replace it w/ a cheap (non auto dimming one) instead. (or maybe try ebay to see if any good deal there......)
  • appletree2appletree2 Member Posts: 2
    I am considering a 2001 Forester L with 34000m It appears in perfect condition... but the owner admitted to an accident some months ago which resulted in about $8000 of repair... all of which apparently was exterior bashing--no frame or mechanical issues. Assuming that to be true,I worry if the rust-through protection can be trusted when new quarter panels are installed etc. He is asking $13800 which is roughly book value with no damage history. Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. The seller seems extremely forthright and honest.
  • lakepoplakepop Member Posts: 221
    Well keep in mind that selling price is almost never equal to the asking price.

    If it was a quality repair and no frame damage perhaps you should make him some type of low ball offer and see where it goes from there.

    Sounds like it had some significant damage even at todays inflated repair costs. At a minimum take it to a reputable body shop and have it checked if you are interested.
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    The owner should have a copy of the repair order from when he had the work done.

    One thing a body man told me when my Sable got hit in the rear quarter (the insurance go offered to buy a new one but he worked the metal back out by hand - almost no bondo when he was done - looked great) anyway he said that by the time he chiseled through the spot welds, re-welded the new piece, primed everything, etc, that it would last about 3 years before it started to rust.

    I've known the guy for years and never met anyone better at that type of work.

    By the way, you might want to check the Galves price, which is the auction wholesale price for that model - I think its $5.00 for 24 hours of access. If you want the car I'd start at below the Galves price and then negotiate.

    Remember that if you go to sell it later and someone pulls a carfax on it, you might have a problem unloading it. Less of a problem of course if you plan on keeping it forever.

    FWIW

    Larry
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    We checked my browser, it's been upgraded by java since the beginning. So, the problem is something else.

    I really have no idea.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It might help to fill out a Feedback Form and see what tips the experts around here give you.

    And check your Preferences (linked at the upper left of your page under My Preferences) to verify that you've selected Java for the chats.

    Steve, Host
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hmm, you're not supposed to mix viscosity, but those are so close. Go to Bobistheoilguy.com and ask him, he might know more.

    If the price of a severely damaged car is no lower than a pristine one, I'd avoid it. OK, it was fixed, but still. The paint never quite matches. It's peeling on the repaired panels on my Miata (done just more than a year ago).

    There is no compelling reason to buy it, that's the thing. The seller is a nice guy, and sadly we all know where they finish...

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    80/90 should work fine. I don't think you'll see much difference between 75/90 in most climates. In fact, my local dealer uses 80/90 on tranny fills.

    I wouldn't buy a vehicle with an accident history no matter how good the repair. And $8000 is A LOT of body work. It makes you wonder what kind of accident was this person in?

    Ken
  • jerrys2jerrys2 Member Posts: 189
    I have a new E-mail and ISP...How do I make this chaange so I don't have to log in?

    Thanks,

    Jerry
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