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Subaru B9 Tribeca: Problems & Solutions

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  • tjjantjjan Member Posts: 1
    We have a new Tribeca - about 2 months, and i determined that the temp of the air coming out of the vents even when the Auto climate control is off, is related to the temps set on the thermostat for each side. If you turn it on, and set the temp on each side to be about 60, then shut it off, the air comes out cool (or outside air temp). What i can't figure out - is how come EVERY time i turn on the Auto button - the AC light comes on - even if the temp on both sides is set to 80.... Doesn't make sense - just another button you have to hit to get the proper temp. :(
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    I have the same issue. I guess they wanted the air coming in to be dry so it won't fog up the windows. Its annoying. Its 40 or 50 degree outside, and the ac still comes on at 'auto' with temp set at 80. I have to set to manual to prevent ac from coming on.
    What really really annoy me is that for some strange reason, it changes the mode like from vents to bilevel or defrog when u start the car.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    The A/C compressor turning on in auto setting is logical and normal.

    The auto mode controls not only the temperature but also the humidity. The system can not de-humidify if the compressor is not running.

    If you do want the de-humidifying feature manually turn the compressor off.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Instead of switching to manual just press the AC button to turn off the compressor.
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Pushing the button to turn AC off will will put it into manual mode.
    :(
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    Hello All,

    Anyone have experience with or more information about the 3M Protective film to apply to the front bumper, leading edge of hood, and headlights? My right front fog light has a hairline crack on it- doesn't allow moisture through- but would like to prevent further damage to other parts of my B9... I've always thought that it fades at a different rate, and with my white paint, I wouldn't want the clear film to get "yellowish" over time.

    I do believe the plastic used for the lens of the fog light is very succeptable to crack- I am amazed that it did crack- never in any of my previous cars has this happened, and I do understand that things like this do happen; with less than 2K miles, unlikely, but still possible
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Naval Jelly - try the local auto parts store, they should have it. NAPA, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, or Pep Boys. Those types of places.

    Touch-up paint? On-line, sure. I'd definitely want a perfect match for color.

    -juice
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Add me to the list, noticed my right lens is cracked, 3 lines radiating out from the center. Given the number of posts for this problem and the small number of B9s on the road this is appears to be a design flaw or material defect.

    Has anyone complained to SOA yet - if so any reaction?
  • masspilotmasspilot Member Posts: 7
    I recently installed a Roady XT XM receiver. I used the aux input for the audio and hardwired the power from the fusebox using a 12v-5v adaptor. You will fry the unit if you don't use this adaptor. I mounted the unit to the left of the steering wheel, just under the vent and it looks very slick. You can even choose a red backlight to match the 'beca's dash lighting. I did have to buy a ground loop isolator as the aux inputs in the rear are grounded to a different ground than the one I used by the fusebox. Hope this info helps.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    Think that make 4 or 5 so far! and the replacement cost of $80 PER LENS! or $95 for the full foglight is pretty steep...

    I will call the 800 number for subaru and complain. hope others do. yeah I know its located low but the lens is way too cheap and thin for this design.
  • mattame1mattame1 Member Posts: 7
    thanks juice-
    any web address? wouldn't you think the local subaru dealer could provide it? web address would be great. I did end up purchasing all weather mats from subarupartsforyou.com suggestions would be great
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    When you get a moment, please share the 800 number with me, I would like to call and find a reasonable solution to this as well. Thanks!
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    I thought we call the 800 number that is listed right on your drivers window bottom corner.
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    Would the road side assistance number be the right choice? If we could get the number to SOA Customer Service, that might be better, I'll look through my manual tonight and update. Thanks!
  • bgunit68bgunit68 Member Posts: 18
    Thats rather odd. Both of my fog lights have cracks in them. I noticed them shortly after I got it. Maybe there is a problem with them.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    800-SUBARU3.

    Last time I got parts on-line it was from Liberty Subaru. I used e-mail, parts at libertysubaru.com (modify for anti-spam purposes).

    -juice
  • mattame1mattame1 Member Posts: 7
    good news, i took my car to get service (oil change) and mentioned it to the service department. They immediately offered to take care of ordering a vial of Mahogony Red at no charge to me. Billed to the service department.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    well the dealer said that they can not repair the rattle. they hear it but can not find where it is coming from! so now I need to wait until December when the regional Subaru Rep is at their shop so they can show him the problem...

    the sales person offered to buy back my B9 at the depreciated value and sell me one at Invoice ! I said no way, I would take a beating on the differential.
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    Any way of taking your B9 to another Subaru dealer and have them take a look at it? It's terrible that you have to live with that rattle, hopefully not too bad; I guess this is what we have to pay for to be the first on the block with the newest car.

    AKA
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Now that is how you treat an upscale customer. Good to go!

    -juice
  • baslowx2baslowx2 Member Posts: 1
    My wife and I just purchased a 5 passenger tribeca a little while back, and are trying to understand the mp3 on the dash. She has and ipod, but is this something that we can hook up to the car, or does it just mean that it supports mp3 playback on cd-r?
  • aka1aka1 Member Posts: 110
    The MP3 designates the playback capabilities of the in dash CD player... You would need to make your own MP3 CD from you computer, and the B9 would then be able to play it including all the different folders and sub-folders. Few members of the forum feel the MP3 playback is superior to the CD playback as well.

    Unfortunately the only way (simple way) is to connect your i Pod to the AV ports in the rear of the vehicle (only on models with DVD players) and switching to "aux" on the console.

    AKA
  • chassolchassol Member Posts: 95
    I believe that folks will find that Subaru will honor this under warranty AND come up with a fix. I know my Dealer's wife was driving one and both lens got broke - so they are well aware of the problem and they are one of Subaru's TOP stores.

    Remember this is Subaru's FLAGSHIP vehicle too.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    i sure hope so. check on the futher up on this forum for the subaru 800 customer svc number to call in to report broken fog lights so that they can log the issue.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    heres the number:

    800-SUBARU3

    M-th (8:30 - 5 PM)
    Fr (10:30 AM to 5 PM)
  • js3000js3000 Member Posts: 1
    Took delivery of a 5 passenger Tibeca Limited last week. Great car, until this evening when the ceck engine light came on with the same symptoms descirbed here: flashing Cruise Control and Traction Control light on solid.

    A few questions:

    Have any of you been successful repairing the problem?

    Did it fix itself or does this require a dealer visit?

    What was the diagnosis?

    Is it safe to drive th car under with these symptoms?

    Truly a great car, but this kind of electrical problem is unacceptable at 300 miles on the odo.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Please do call 800-SUBARU3 if you have an issue with the fog lens. They have to see a pattern to do anything about it, so let's make them aware of these.

    -juice
  • jerrys2jerrys2 Member Posts: 189
    Had the identical problem the day I picked up my 5 pass ltd. ... had less than 25 miles on it at the time. Returned to dealer next day, they reset things, didn't know why I had the problem. Never reoccured, currently have 5k trouble free miles. :)

    Jerry
  • marilynwmarilynw Member Posts: 24
    If there are any other Tribeca owners unhappy with the luggage/ cargo cover, please email Subaru of America. I sent them an email and let them know that the cover was a cheap accessory :( in a quailty car, and was non- functional as well! They emailed me that they are not aware of any other complaints. Please let them know how you feel! That's how we can get things changed.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    also called :) and filed a complaint. I think that replacement is going to be tough but will ask the dealer when I bring it in for the squeak issue. also I will tell the regional Subaru rep when he looks at my B9 for the front squeak issue :mad:

    the thing is Subaru needs to make a fix. or I am sure the replacement lens will break just as quickly. and at $80 per lens thats not fun. even if they replace it once. I doubt they will it twice. so for now I put clear packing tape over the crack and turned the fog lights off so they wont pull in moisture when hot and then cool down.
  • gwilsongwilson Member Posts: 46
    I agree 100%. The cargo cover is really my only complaint with the B9. I sure would like to have my money back on it as I never use it because it cheapens the entire car. I would rather use an old blanket for a cover...

    I will email SoA also, thanks for the suggestion.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subaru should design one that comes out of the side, like I believe the LR3 has.

    The current one is so cheap, it just doesn't belong in that beautiful interior.

    -juice
  • mikejlmikejl Member Posts: 78
    I just reported my two cracked lenses to the 800#. The customer rep told me to have the service department inspect it. If the damage was not caused by impact, it will be replaced under warranty.

    That's only half a loaf, I know, but it's a start. They'll need to realize that the lens material should be much more resistant to impact damage. I have no marks on my bumper - I would think the paint would be more fragile than the fog light lens.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    I will be bringing my B9 in to have the cracked lens looked at for possible in warranty replacement. Will post the results.

    I have ordered a set of 3M head light & Fog light protectors from: www.drivingcomfort.com

    Set of four custom cut shields
    1402 Xpel Headlight Protection, Headlamp and Fog Lamp Kit, for a 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca

    Will ship from manufacturer within 2 to 3 weeks
    $44.95 shipping is $4.95

    At $80 bucks a pop for one fog light lens this is a no brainer.

    They also have upper and lower clear bras at 165.00 each.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    be curious to know how it looks. can you take photos once you get the 3m protective film on..

    also let us know if you get the fog lights covered under warranty
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Hmm... I have the 3m film on my other car. You can't see it once its on. There is an 'edge' around the light where the film ends and you can't see it unless u really look for it.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    but the headlights are a complex shape so I am wondering how well they fit over that form. also can you remove and replace easily with the adhesive used to mount the 3m film?
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    You can remove it but I don't think you can reuse it.
    The film for headlight is a 40 mil plastic, which is pretty thick but flexible. It should fit nicely since it become soft when heated with a heat gun or hair dryer.

    The adhesive is on the back of the film, with a peel off backing. There are 2 installation method, a dry and a wet. I recommed the wet as it is more forgiving. You can peel the film off the headlight and redo it as many times as you want as long as the alcohol/water solution is not dry up behind the film.

    The dry method is just a stick on solution. So if you screw up the first time, you are screwed.

    The film is great. But I do notice some bubble between the film and headlight after about 3 years. Not too noticeable unless you really look at it.
  • harvptharvpt Member Posts: 40
    Just an FYI, The rattle is still gone, however the part has yet to be replaced. Per the service dept, its still has yet to come in. Its been approx 3-4 weeks. Not a big deal, however I would like it resolved. :confuse:
  • harvptharvpt Member Posts: 40
    I would agree, My wife has a 98 Outback, and the Luggage/Cargo cover is far superior.
    I was using mine, however it is flimsy and not user friendly, so its in the cargo bin for now.
    Do you have the e-mail for SOA?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just call, 800-SUBARU3.

    -juice
  • marilynwmarilynw Member Posts: 24
    To email Subaru of America, just go to Subaru.com and click the contact us link. Good luck. Let me know if you get a reply.
    Marilyn
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    I went on line to www.xpel.com and found out there is a local certified installer in my town :D

    Looking at the website it shows the headlight and foglight install is a ***** (5 star difficulty) the hardest of their rating. The local rep quoted me $120 installed so for $80 I think I am going to avoid the risk of screwing it up.

    Also they are a premium installer so I guess they have the computer to custom cut the stuff so I dont need to wait for xpel to ship the protection kit to them.

    I am curious if it will still crack. I dont think its a chipping problem but the lens material on the foglights are not strong enough. so I wonder if the 3M film will stop the chips but the force will still cause the fog lens to crack :confuse:
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    You must have read it wrong. I think the headlight is either a 2 or a 3. Definitely not a 5. I have installed that on other cars before and its not that difficult. Use the 'wet' method of installation. You can't screw it up because u can simply peel it off and redo with the 'wet' install. For the fog lens, you can even take them off and do it at home. The warmer it is the easier to work with.

    I haven't heard of anyone lens got broken with the film... I guess u can put it on 1 of the lens and see if the other 1 craks or not. :)
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    ummm NOPE it says 5 Stars difficulty for the headlights/foglights kit:

    see link HERE

    and I am sure on a standard foglight with glass or better quality plastic lens on the foglights then the thin plastic used, the 3M film will work wonders. And no ... I guess putting it on 1 lens and seeing if the other cracks is not an option :P Why would someone do that :confuse:
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Just received my copy and they used a photo of a B9 for the index page of the auto section.
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Some1 has to do some testing... :p
    Ok.. I m wrong. its a 5 star... But the foglight is easy...
    :)
  • mikejlmikejl Member Posts: 78
    That's some great info. Even if you just use the fog lamp protectors, it's cheap protection.

    Thanks!
  • mikejlmikejl Member Posts: 78
    I have the Limited w/NAV. This morning was the first time I've driven the car at below-freezing temperatures and the temp gauge was not registering correctly. I've not had a problem up until now, but at 20 degrees this morning, the B9 was showing 25.

    I had 20 at my house, I drove eight miles on country roads to pick up my carpool rider and confirmed that he had 20 at his house. I'm going to keep an eye on it for a few days, but it could be a bad sensor.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Was there any residual heat, i.e. had the car been driven recently?

    Click & Clack say it takes about 4 hours for the engine oil to cool fully, so that might affect the reading.

    -juice
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