Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

ballistic

Tucker - You would be the one to know about that, "Oh master of well known facts known by very few people"

More like "perpetual repository of useless banal trivialities".

Steve, No one has ever flashed me for using the fogs.

Only because you and I haven't yet converged on a non-foggy night...

People I encounter with foglights rudely blazing away in crystal-clear conditions don't go away unaware of what I think about that lack of consideration.

stever

Sometimes I forget to turn mine off after coming down from the hill (foggy there, sunny in town). Never been flashed. I've noticed other Outbacks on clear days with their fogs on but they aren't glaring. Maybe the Forester and other vehicles' fogs are higher and more intrusive?

Just got done w/ the first draft of my taxes btw :-)

Steve, Host

tazereli

Does subaru have a brush guard for the 02 forester? I was thinking if it it did exist, that would be a good mounting place for a set of driving lights.

Regards,

Kyle (you may address me as this)

lfdal

Kyle - they do make them. Check the subaru parts sights. Last I looked, since the arrival of the 03's and 04's, they were under $100 on some sites.

HTH

Larry

ballistic

Just got done w/ the first draft of my taxes btw :-)

I do my own return every year, with pencil and paper. It's a ritual to keep me connected with the days of yore.

People like you who unintentionally left their foglights on are easy to distinguish from the loons; the former quickly turn them off when signalled. The latter arrogantly proceed on their way, foglights defiantly ablaze.

ballistic

I haven't examined the Subaru brush guards, but photos indicate that they're plastic or hard rubber. I wouldn't think they'd provide a good mounting place for aux lights. Our Australian brethren often put real brush/kangaroo guards on their Foresters, made of stout metal tubing; that would be a different matter.

stever

Never been flashed and never been blinded by anyone else's fogs either. I have been flashed in the minivan and its lights are aimed within normal parameters.

I think we're in an endless cycle with no new light being shed ... guess we need to move on :-)

This story doesn't say which model Subaru was involved, but apparently 3 feet is the snow depth limit for Subes:

One long night (Times-News)

Steve, Host

emt

Got a quote of $19000 on a USED 04 Forester 2.5X with 3200 miles. Standard equipment. Good, bad, or go for it? My opinion it is high but I can't find used pricing info for an 04. I looked up an 03 and listed it with 100 miles and trade in was in the area of $15,600 with retail $3k higher. Maybe I am cheap I can buy the same vehicle new for $688 more at a local dealer, but I don't like to buy new and take that big $$$$$ hit when I drive off the lot.

Thanks,

Joe

suydam

I think for an XS that would be good but it seems a little high for an X. One advantage of buying a year-old car is that you can get it fully loaded for less than a basic new one, but as you say, you're not saving that much. I realize this isn't technically a year old.

samiam_68

Something is wrong if you're being blinded by fog lights, because, according to your own statements, fog lights are aimed low and their light is concentrated on the pavement very near the vehicle - no way anyone can be blinded by fog lights. Are you confusing them with driving lights? Are they misaligned in some way, or maybe amateur installed aftermarket units? Properly installed and aligned fog lights are incapable of blinding, unless you are driving a go-cart headfirst into (or under) a Forester :-)

raybear

Is it a five-speed? You can get one for under $20,000 new so it may not be a great deal. If it's an automatic it's not bad.

emt

it is an auto

dnestr

If you appreciate any help, then listen to my similar story, which happened with the previous Audi A6 a few years ago. Such "water" stations were common in the near past over here. Water always heavier than gas, this is why the best way is to make the tank absolutely empty and clean before to fill new gas. To my shame I really don't know how the dry gas works in this case, but if I understood right, they didn't take the tank. Also replace the spark plugs.

Steve, do you know why all the nicks became black? Do others see the same? Seems your blue paint is finished.

Regards.

c_hunter

When starting your Forester, first turn the ignition to ON and wait a few seconds for the fuel pump to prime (you will hear a humming/whirring noise from the gas tank) before turning to start and cranking the motor. This should improve starting performance 100% in those marginal situations like cold weather or low gas. I had a few cold weather starting hiccups myself, and now make a habit to let the fuel pump pressurize the system. This is actually a common issue on many fuel injected cars.

Craig

c_hunter

Best thing to do is go down to the hardware store and buy 4 nylon bushings and 4 corresponding stainless steel screws. This way, you can mount the plate out away from the metal/paint, preventing scratches and rattles. 1/4" (height) bushings work really well.

On my wife's Forester, I got countersunk oval head screws with finish washers, and it looks real good.

Craig

ballistic

I've never used the word "blinded" when discussing thoughtless loons who keep their foglights on all the time whether or not conditions require them.

When neither fog nor severe weather is present, there is simply no important reason to keep them on, and those who do are inconsiderate of others. It's that simple.

samiam_68

Well, I apologize for being inconsiderate, but this thoughtless loon will continue to burn fog lights as he pleases and when he pleases.

I know, I know, if you were King of the Forester ;-), we'd all be driving Forester XTs with 2.83 final drive and auto-fog sensing fog light switches, and getting 38 MPG. But such is not the case, and therefore, free will and competitive auto markets will have to suffice.

akasrp

Best thing to do is go down to the hardware store and buy 4 nylon bushings and 4 corresponding stainless steel screws...

slick. nylon washers/bushings are the ticket!

_srp

jholtan

I have a 99 Forester. Quick story:

1) Got car washed at a full-service shop
2) got home and later that night found Parking lights were inexplicably turned on
3) Disconnected Battery
4) Read Atexierra post about the steering column switch which turns off the parking lamps (thanks!!)
5) Reconnected battery - car barely starts as most of the juice was gone

6) My parking lights and dash board lights blink (and click) off and on for about 60 seconds, stop for five, and then continue the 60 second cycle all over again. When I turn on the headlights I can still hear the clicking going on as well

Only other thing I did was take out the fuse for the parking lights and replaced it later.

Any suggestions?

hypov

that would be your keyless entry calling out to you ;-)
That will happen when the battery is disconnected.
Unfortunately, I don't remember what to do for the Forester; something about doing something with the remote fob.
Hang in there, someone will come to your aid shortly

-Dave

ballistic

You've provided a prime example for why many of us call on legislatures to adopt the same sensible lighting rules here that prevail in Europe.

More mutual consideration reduces the need for more laws. And vice versa.

crashton6

That happens whenever the battery is disconnected. Push the unlock button once on the remote & no more flashing lights. If you don't have the remote turn on the ignition then push the programing button for one second & no more flashing lights. The programing button is located at the bottom of the dash just below the bin that covers the fuse box. Hope that helps.

Chuck

jholtan

Perfect - thanks for the heads up on the remote entry. Kind of funny behavior. I would have never guessed to look at the remote.

thanks,

john

topsider

C Hunter:

Thanks for the starting tips. I'll give it a try and let you know if any continued problems.

Regards, Shoedog

psfod3

I have a 03 Forester x. I have to take the two bolts off the passenger rear combo light unit to change a brake light bulb. I have many wrench sets but not one seems to fit this or seems to work. Anyone know the right size for this bolt.

russski

It is Metric size 10 socket

Hope it helps......Vitaly

don49

I'm thinking of replacing my WRX wagon with a Forester, because I need more flat cargo space. I'm trying to find out if the Forester rear seat folds completely flat to make a flat cargo area.

The Forester brochure pictures a flat cargo area, but I folded down the rear seat on a new XT and it didn't go anywhere near flat.

1) Can someone with a late model Forester tell me if the rear seat actually folds flat?

2) Anyone know the cargo bed length from back of front seat to liftgate, i.e. what's the longest board I could carry inside?

Thanks for any info.

suydam

Don't know about the newer ones, but my '99 folds flat. Surely they wouldn't have changed such a useful feature!

deadeye5

don49 Did you remove the headrests from the seats ???

don49

deadeye5: I'm not sure about the headrests, the salesman lowered the seatback, but I don't recall him removing anything.

lfdal

They're reasonably flat, and at least the leather ones compress fairly well, but not as flat as the ones in the OBW where the bottom of the rear seats pulls up and the seats fold down and "latch" to the seat bottom, keeping them perfectly flat.

Larry

lbhaley

The cloth rear seats on my Forester XT fold completely flat assuming the back seat headrests are all the way down. The amount of room between the back of the front seats and the headrest obviously depends on how far back the front seats are positioned.

ducktapeguy

There's only one company I know of that makes brushguards suitable for mounting driving lights, and that's subaXtreme down under. They're very nice, but a little overkill for people who aren't out to run down animals on safari. Instead of getting a brushguard, consider getting a lightbar, similar to the one from www.rallyinnovation.com They don't make them for foresters, yet, but they might be doing so soon. Then you can be out blinding people all over the roads just like me.

ateixeira

My sister came by complaining of a rattle, and we traced it to the same thing - rear license plate mounting. I told her to get some spacers but I'm not sure if she used them yet. The ideas mentioned above should work.

Used for $688 less? That's not enough. My rule of thumb is 10% the minute you drive off the lot. Ignoring the 3200 miles that may or may not have been abusive, that still should amount to about $2000 less, or roughly $18k for an Auto X. I'd buy new. Remember, you're 3/36 warranty started ticking the first day of service. Big risk for a very, very low discount.

When I reset the ECU, I got the same thing with the blinking. Just lock/unlock and that stops it.

As for socket sizes, I've found most stuff is 8, 10, or 12 mm size. The big bolts for the tow hooks are 17mm.

-juice

grahampeters

G'day

I just glued a couple of sticky rubber backed furniture pads (like used under electronic appliances) behind the bottom edge of the number plate. Instant cheap fix.

Cheers

Graham

jdemmers

I just think that it's silly to drive around in clear weather with your fog lights on. Doesn't matter whether it's due to inattention or a desire to 'look cool'. The irritation that it causes though can be a minor plus as it makes the offender's car just that more visible.

raybear

Just make sure all four screws are in place, that's usually all it takes.

ducktapeguy

Why are people getting so worked up over fog lights? The fog lights only come on with the headlights, the amount of light they put out is tiny compared to headlights, plus the fact that they're aimed almost directly to the ground seems unlikely that they will bother anyone. So if the fog lights are so offensive, how come people aren't complaining about headlights and DRL's? Just seems like such a minor issue to even be talking about. I think some people really need to relax a bit and loosen up. I hate it when people are out there with their turn signal on for hours on end, but I'm not about to write to my congressman about it. I just become aware that it's on and they might make a move, but after a while it doesn't bother me. Seriously, just forget about what everyone else is doing wrong and just enjoy driving your forester a little more. You'll have a lot more fun on the roads.

samiam_68

I completely agree. I absolutely don't mind when other people have fog lights on, as long as they're aimed properly. I know of no person from real life who ever complained about fog lights. I like my fog lights on all the time, I know they don't bother anyone, they help me see better at night, and I will keep them on. And if anyone wants to introduce "legislation" to regulate the use of fog lights, THAT would be an excellent example of someone having nothing better to do than think of ways to waste taxpayers' money.

Keep 'em lit! :-)

johnb2251

And if anyone wants to introduce "legislation" to regulate the use of fog lights, THAT would be an excellent example of someone having nothing better to do than think of ways to waste taxpayers' money.

Yes, well said. Properly aimed foglights shouldn't be a nuisance to anyone.

emt

I don't like to buy new, but searching for used 03,04 Foresters has brought me to the conclusion that I can buy new for just a bit more, less than $1000, than what the dealers around here are asking for used. I have a dealer close to me that beats Fitzmall's prices by about $200. They are a one price, no haggle dealer..we'll see. Making a visit to the dealer this weekend to see what my 93 Legacy is worth on a trade. I already looked it up, it will be interesting to see what they offer. Thanks for the advice.

ateixeira

Good luck.

The used car market prices are low, so if they offer you wholesale it won't be much. Private party sale will get you more but it is more of a hassle to do that. Your call.

-juice

ballistic

to see what my 93 Legacy is worth on a trade. I already looked it up, it will be interesting to see what they offer.

I hope you'll be pleased, but it's likelier that you'll be shocked and dismayed. With all the rebates and zero-rate financing flying around, new cars are so affordable that the market for used cars has become moribund. Typical dealer trade-in quotes have been running about HALF what Kelly Blue Book Wholesale prices show.

caperosier

01 Forester L 5-spd. About 63K great, no hassle miles.
In 1st, 2nd, or rev gear under strain--like deep snow or mud or hill--there's a strong burning smell that goes away in higher gears or just on the road. No clutch slippage in any gear. Did have a similar odor in below zero temps w the heater fan on high and temp cranked up. No rodent nests so far in the heater box...I think.
The clutch has always "shuddered" when cold even when the L was new...long time ago. I've ignored it since it is a familiar trait on some trucks and bikes.
Any ideas or familiarity w this ? No, I won't get an air freshener. Thx.

ateixeira

Do a visual inspection of the under side. This is easiest if you change your own oil, so the plastic cover is off.

Check the front of the block (O-ring front main seal) and the head gaskets on both sides of the block for oil stains or signs of coolant leak. If you can smell it, it would have to be an external leak.

You'll get a service bulletin soon, for them to add a conditioner to your coolant. Let them do that because you'll get the warranty on the gaskets extended to 8 years, 100k miles. Bonus, you're back in warranty for those.

It could just be a dirty undercarriage. I just washed mine, it was filthy. The water coming off the car was a nasty, clowdy black. All that stuff was on stuff like the exhaust, which gets hot and would burn it off and create those types of smells.

-juice

caperosier

Abrigade.
The burn smell does it only when in low gear under strain. Under your orders (see, we do listen !)I did cut an opening for oil changes in that silly "pan"--much easier to change the filter and open the plug now. The local official Subaru mechanic reccommended to just get rid of that "pan."
Did get the coolant recall and a clutch check.
It is filthy under there and it will get a steam wash soon.

leo2633

I just can't win. I got the headgasket repaired on my '01 Forester last week. I took my wife's '03 Outback in for some minor warranty work this morning (door weather stripping). I got home tonight, and the fog lights wouldn't turn off. I mean, the fog light switch is off, the headlight switch is off, and the key is out of the ignition. The parking light switch is off, too. The indicator light on the fog light switch stays on all the time. I called the dealer, and they say they never heard of this before. Now I have to bring it in again for this. I pulled the fuse to kill the fog lights, but this is ridiculous! At least my fog lights won't be offending anyone for a few days.

Anyone have any ideas what the heck could be wrong? Thanks in advance.

Len

ateixeira

That's bizarre, you're not even supposed to be able to turn them on alone.

-juice

ballistic

Divine retribution?

leo2633

Good one, Jack!

Len