Subaru Legacy/Outback

c_hunter · January 2002

Yep, the heaters stink. I likened it to flaming baby diapers, but it's really the smell of warm windshield caulking. Should go away after you use them a few times.

Craig

bkaiser1 · January 2002

These cars tend to make burning smells for quite a long while -- I've got 21K on my 01 OB now and the odd smells (car's, not mine) have largely disappeared. There was an ever-present burning smell coming from the car (burning plastic type smell?) for at least 15K miles and the smell was exponentially worse if the car had been: a) driven on slick surfaces, or b) driven aggressively. The dealer and others said not to worry, I didn't, and the car seems happier now. For "normal" smells, though, they sure are a hell of a lot stronger than in any of my previous new cars. Incidentally, I do not have the cold weather package, so I cannot comment as to whether the de-icing elements smell...

Brian

mdisaacs · January 2002

Nod, I thought that was the case. I'll keep any eye (nose) on it just to be on the safe side but won't stress over it.
Thx - Mike

ateixeira · February 2002

All Subies come standard with a patented "new car stench". You get funny smelling plastics and a rotten egg smell from the undercoating overspray on the exhaust. It's free of charge! ;-)

-juice

david55838 · February 2002

Hi all,

While we're talking about things that aren't quite right, the remote entry feature on my '02 OB H4/5-speed, seems to only work when IT wants to. Many times I have to literally walk around the car pressing the 'unlock' button. What fun when loaded down with stuff!

Anyway, has anyone else experienced this with their OB? My other cars with remote entry don't have this problem in the exact same location. I know sometimes electrical towers can interfere with the reception, but this happens in my garage, with the reflective properties of the concrete walls.

Anyone else?
David

cptplt · February 2002

could be something as simple as a low battery in your remote, or something more serious with the cars system but its definitely not normal.
My 98 had a mind of its own and alarm would go off at a drop of a hat, took three visits before they got the sensitivity set right!

ateixeira · February 2002

Actually, my range is very poor with the keyless, too. It works better from specific locations, like behind the hatch in my case. How hard you press the keys also seems to make a difference.

Strange, but I guess I got used to it and know how to get it work by second nature.

-juice

hondafriek · February 2002

I had that same problem with the remote on an aftermarket Clifford alarm.

Replacing the battery did not do anything, turned out there was a crack in the printed circuit board in the remote.

Cheers Pat.

c_hunter · February 2002

Both my old Outback and the new Bean have so-so range and performance with the remote entry. It seems to vary quite a lot. Always works from 5-10 feet away. sometimes it works from across a parking lot, but rarely. My last two Hondas weren't any better. But my wife's Mazda and my mother-in-law's Taurus are quite amazing. They always work from large distances.

David, try the other remote if you haven't already, and/or try a new battery in the remotes. Those are the easiest things to investigate. It would not be unheard of to get a bad battery.

Craig

mortpeaberry · February 2002

1st Q:My Factory security system has never gone off. I can kick the front tires or bang the windshield and get the warning tones (so I know it works) but my alarm never goes off in the middle of the night or in parking garages! I get the alarm discount with insurance and no added noise pollution guilt.
2nd Q:often I have to push unlock numerous times or press lock and then press unlock again. I feel it is more likely a case of security codes than range. IIRC the system uses a series of codes for added security (200k of them), which keeps someone from just copying the frequency. (What's the frequency, Keneth?-REM)
-Steve-v

goosegog · February 2002

I've used the wiper heaters a few times both last winter and this, and never smelt anything. They use the same technology as a heated rear window and turn themselves off after 15 minutes or so, so I'd be surprised if they get hot enough to generate a smell. They are close to the edge of the glass though. I've never heard of a HRW smell on any car.

Something under the car whiffs quite a bit when the car is new and the exhaust is hot, but mine disappeared after about 8,000 km. The longevity of that smell might depend on whether you do mostly short or long journeys in the early stages of ownership.

20llbean · February 2002

It's been a while since I last chatted. Still feeling the sting of the Rams beating my Eagles. My OB Bean just passed 10K in 7 months. Gas mileage has averaged out to 23 MPG with mix driving and 20 mpg with mostly stop and go. Premium only. I drove the car during the first significant snow storm on the east coast ( call me crazy but I had to) a couple of weeks ago. Traction and stability of the car was fantastic. No problems climbing steep hills or going down them. ABS kicked in on an icy patch with the car keeping a straight line. So far so good! only complaints are:
1. That damm brake squeal when backing up after the car has rested. It's louder then ever!
2. Wheel balancing: after a tire rotation, the steering wheel shimmy has appeared again, most noticeable on highway cruising.

I checked out a foreign subaru parts site (UK, I believe) and they had a nice looking chrome front grill. Has anyone brought this grill and if so, is it better then the plastic piece currently on the OBs? Thanks.

hammersley · February 2002

Sten: compare the part numbers on the speakers. mysubaru.com had the tweeters on sale (or announced a clearance on them for $16/pr. They fit my 97. - Can't speak for the Y2K.

Keyless remote range: Believe it or not (and it sounds kind of wacky), try keying the remote button while holding it at your chin with your mouth open. No, this isn't some sort of sick premature April Fool's trick... I read it somewhere & thought it a bit crazy myself until I tried it (in the dark so neighbors wouldn't worry), and it really does extend the range! My wife, ever the skeptic, even concedes the difference, although she insists its a fluke.

Cheers!
Paul

99gs · February 2002

Paul,

I would like to know who first discovered that the mouth open chin thing worked and how many other things they've tried before finding that is combo worked. Jack

nygreg · February 2002

Smells - still get burning smell after driving it, uhmmm, in a good mood. I believe it is the brakes. Guess what, no more break squeal in the AM even after doing a good rinse of the undercarriage. Must be the sand/salt from winter. No smell from using the windshield heater, although my wife questions its effectiveness. Winter has been too mild so far to really test it. Come on snow!

Remote - remote seems to work fine, and yes the range does appear to vary. Interestingly, my Sienna will automatically lock all the doors if you do not open the door within a certain time after unlocking it with the remote. Security reasons, I am sure.

Welcome back Rich.

Steve, Lyn and myself held the first unofficial, East Fishkill Subaru Meet (actually lunch) today. Had a great time as we pondered the cult status of Subarus. I won't admit this in "public", but I think Steve's OB was cleaner than mine. Of course mine is missing a tooth too. We need to track down the other owners in the parking lot - one of which is a new, white RS!

Greg

ateixeira · February 2002

Cool, good to hear about local get-togethers. :-)

-juice

david55838 · February 2002

Hi all, and thanks for your input. I've tried both remotes; they're the same, so I doubt it's the battery. I've also tried the wacky approach (against your forehead works too with other cars) to no avail.

I guess I'll mention it to the dealer next time I bring it in. I just don't want them to make some adjustment that will adversly affect the system.

David

hammersley · February 2002

whoever they are, they probably don't admit it... wouldn't want to stir up any credibility vs. "loonier than a toon" issues...

Cheers!
Paul

jay_24 · February 2002

Its my first winter with an OB wagon. So far its great. The AWD is mostly flawless. I say mostly since I hear a slight clunk or thud once in awhile when it kicks in. The noise usually happens in severe cases where the rearend need to go to work fast. Anyone else have that?

Also I've noticed that the automatic tranny definitely has 80 or 90% front wheel most of the time. Going into corners in the snow will produce the typical front wheel push until the rear end decides to get going. If you don't pay attention and give it a bit too much gas, get ready for the back end to come around....

Of course this was not during normal driving. Just my normal "subaru in the snow driving" with empty roads.

hondafriek · February 2002

I have a Viper alarm with remote auto start, the range is fantastic because of the remote start, its around 600 feet.

Cheers Pat.

armac13 · February 2002

Yup, I too get a thump from the rear end in extreme "snow play" as has been reported by many others. Doesn't bother me any more. BTW, mine is AT also.

Ross

c_hunter · February 2002

I also hear the thump, it only happens on auto-trans models. I think Colin said it happens when the multiplate clutch pack engages abruptly. Under normal driving, it engages much more progressively and you don't hear/feel anything.

You are right about the front/rear behavior when it's slippery out. My old manual transmission Outback (50/50 nominal split) did not have the FWD-like understeer tendency that the auto models have, but the tail would get reall happy if I hammered the throttle. My new auto trans Outback is much more docile, but will also get a little tail happy if you push it.

Craig

aps5 · February 2002

I actually would like to completely eliminate chrome on my 02 Bean. Does anyone know of a way purchase a black OB grill, or even paint it?

By the way, I immediately took of the made in Indiana sticker and both back glass AWD stickers, and I think the car looks much better.

wmiller4 · February 2002

I have a question.... I too notice a strange unusual smell coming from my '02 Bean. This is usually after some spirited driving and I only smell it after I get out of the car. It kinda smells like a hot fan or accessory belt. Could it be the AWD clutch system being warm from engaging while driving? Could it just be a slipping accessory belt?

I also agree with Juice about undercoating on exhaust making a smell but this smells like a "hot belt". Do Forester owners get the strange smells as well? Maybe the weight difference between Forester and Outback makes a difference in heating up the AWD system? Any thoughts?

I first heard of using your chin to extend the range of car alarm remote back in 1993. The alarm installer gave me the tip after I asked if he knew how to extend the range.

sibbald · February 2002

I posted this problem last June but didn't get much of a response. There is something wrong which is still undetermined by the Dealer after two appointments so far.

When the car is driven around town, no smell. It occurs after highway speeds of 100 to 120 kph for a period of three hours. A climb up our ski hill at the end of the trip really brings on the smell. It is also much more apparent if the road has been wet, go figure. Anyway, it is still present when driven on a dry road.

My worry is that there is something wrong with a major component of the vehicle which will cause me some problem in the future. There is no obvious oil leak and the new car underspray problem is long gone.

Passengers on my last trip up to the ski hill asked if they should call 911 on their cell phone after I stopped for a red light. It is a hot steamy burning oil smell.

Tom

fibber2 · February 2002

David's question on remotes: Glad you asked! The first hit on the 'open' button unlocks the drivers door (& chirps) as I approach from as much as 75'. But I sometimes have to hit it again a number of times to get the rest of the doors to unlock. Sometimes I need to be standing right next to the car to get the second sequence. I have tried varying the repetition rate, etc., but cannot find the right combination.

Greg/Lyn Lunch: See my post in "Meet the Members". Nice time - thanks! You think my car is clean? And I was almost too embarrassed to park it where you could see it. Thought you might tell the others of my neglect!

Burning Smell: Most definitely worse since getting the brake pad 'morning squeal' shims put in. They have a soft adhesive backing that is burning off. Had them installed two weeks ago today. I would say that they cut the sound considerably, but it can still be heard some mornings.

Steve

jei · February 2002

To get all 5 doors to open, I hold my remote, buttons facing the car, against my stomach. My (slim) body seems to reflect the "radio waves" just fine. Also the remote works most reliably for me at the rear hatch area.

John

hypov · February 2002

like hot fan, assessory belt?
Is it like burnt rubber?
I too and dealer haven't pinpoint what it is - my '98 OB checked out fine, no leak(s) or anything out of order.
City driving is fine, but after some highway or "spirited" driving it is noticeable. In my case, very prominent at the front wheel wells. Nothing at the rear wheels.

-Dave

hondafriek · February 2002

Check at your dealers, I believe the grill on the legacy l is black, if it is it is a direct replacement.

Cheers Pat.

reblack_jr · February 2002

In one of these forums there is discussion of the remote opening of doors. What is a "normal" Life of the battery? I just noticed a few days ago that the doors were difficult to open on my 01' OB Limited put in service on July 00'. Is it time to replace it and teach it the codes in accordance with the owners manual?

mortpeaberry · February 2002

does the remote start override the clutch start switch and does it know if your MT is in neutral?
or do you just make sue it is in N when you park. (and if you left it in first - how far does it lurch down the street before you catch it?)
steve-v

cptplt · February 2002

obviously depends on how often you use it! but I have found that sometimes when its in my pocket some coins or keys are pressing on the buttons and using up battery power

hondafriek · February 2002

My Gt is automatic,not sure how they get around the manual trans but I know they exist.

Cheers Pat.

aps5 · February 2002

On our new LLBean 02 OB, there is a low pitched wind "howl" mainly at 65 mph and over from the rear - is it the rear roof rack cross bar?

I would like to fix it without removing the bar, but if I have to I will remove it. It is quite loud, mainly since the car is otherwise so quiet.

Any other possible sources for the howl?

Thanks.

Andy

lakepop · February 2002

Andy...try moving the cross bars to a different location. There should be a tool in your glove box. Some people have had success doing this.

Hope this helps....

subearu · February 2002

make sure that the crossbars are mounted correctly - that is, the fatter side faces forward (like an airplane wing). There may be an arrow sticker on the bars that indicates the front side.

You can also 'disturb' the air flow (and reduce the howling) by wrapping something around the bars. I think someone once mentioned that you could wrap it with a bungee or rope in the the pattern much like that on a candy cane.

-Brian

c_hunter · February 2002

Yeah, if it's a humming noise it's probably due to the racks. They shed vortices periodically, which results in a harmonic "tone" noise. Try the bungie cord trick -- it should help.

Andy, how can you tell the noise is coming from the rear?

Craig

ateixeira · February 2002

Periodic vortex shedding, I love it. I have to say that at least once a week. My antennae is wrapped candy-cane style to avoid the whistling.

-juice

stever · February 2002

Great thread. I wondered why my antenna is "wrapped" like that. Wish I had known about the bungie trick before I put 1x4's on my round bars on my rack.

Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

dzn · February 2002

I just picked up my new Outback 4 cyl.(2001/12500 mi. program car) and am mostly pleased.

Minor problems so far....
1. Wind noise (very annoying!)above 40 mph..I hope it's only a window adjustment

2. Car drifts very slightly to the left

3. Slight hesitation at shift points (A/T) especially from standing
(an earlier posting mentioned that sparkplugs from factory should be replaced. If I do this myself, does it affect warranty?

4. Are daytime running lights automatic or can they be turned off?

I am taking the car to the dealer this week

Any comments are appreciated

ateixeira · February 2002

Check the roof rack cross bars. The fatter end should face forward, and try moving them back if they're still noisy. The dealer can adjust the window angle (read back if you want to see photos of this).

Alignment is tricky, so I'd leave that up to the dealership.

You will not void the warranty by changing the spark plugs yourself. Just follow the right procedures and keep your receipts.

You can't turn off the DRLs legally because they are considered a safety feature. A simple way around them is to leave your headlights on all the time. They turn off when you remove the key anyway, and will operate on low beams when you drive (with a lit dash, too).

-juice

ateixeira · February 2002

If you hit refresh, it re-posts your question. Click on the original link instead.

-juice

dzn · February 2002

Thanks for quick response

My car came without crossbars. Probably scavenged by dealer for a little extra profit.
That hopefully leaves the window adjustment as the answer

I am not sure what you are suggesting for the DRLs

Is this hesitation common or would you suggest a change in plugs...if so what brand?

ateixeira · February 2002

DRLs - you can't get the lights off, but at least by using the normal headlights they won't be using the brights, and the taillights will be on as well.

I would use Bosch platinum plugs, the regular ones. Make sure you have a torque wrench and do not overtighten the plugs. Use an anti-sieze grease so you have an easier time getting them out next time, too. Check the gap on the plugs before you install them, too.

-juice

winkiebark · February 2002

I am sure that somewhere within this board is an answer to my request, but my has it grown since I last read here! Anyway, I am looking to add a trailer hitch to my 2001 Outback Wagon. I want to purchase a small, 4X8 flatbed utility trailer to haul household supplies around town. Anyone have any experieces or products that they would care to share?

thanks, Dave in Logan, Utah

ateixeira · February 2002

4'x8' should be light enough duty that I wouldn't be concerned much about the Outback hauling it. Make sure a 4" wide sheet of plywood fits, i.e. that it is truly 48" wide on the inside, else you lose valuable utility.

-juice

herbruss · February 2002

Why do you want to turn them off? Just curious. I've heard a lot of reasons and am still trying to understand why.

paisan · February 2002

I hate drls myself. I like to control when I need the lights on. Also it puts excessive wear on the bulbs due to running them at a lower voltage than designed.

-mike

c_hunter · February 2002

Here's a cool picture showing the phenomena:

This is from a computational fluid dynamics simulation (using a computer as a wind tunnel, basically). The black circle would be equivalent to the cross-section of an antenna, wire, rack cross-bar, etc. The colors show levels of velocity, with blue being the slowest and magenta being the fastest.

For those with a fast connection, there is a 3MB Quicktime animation here

Craig

mrk610 · February 2002

Just getting back to you guys .Sorry it took so long. I was able to go with the service tech for a ride in my car 1st thing in the morning . He told me to pop the hood so he could listen to the noise when I started it . I told him you don't hear the noise when its idling just when you drive it . He said I was hearing things then because it has to make a noise when you 1st start it and when it idles. Well quess what no noise . He then goes so if I don't hear anything then theirs no problem .
I said again for the 3rd time you only hear when you drive it .So we get in and guess what for once things go my way .He goes wow now I hear it .
He then says it will go away in a couple of seconds because its normal . Well it made the noise the whole time we were out [ about 4 mins].When we got back to the dealer they took my car in for the O&F change . When it was ready they told me that he was going to contact the Dist Rep from SOA about the noise. I told him about the posts I've found about the timing belt tensioner and he said that he had to wait to hear from the dist rep from SOA b/4 he did anything to the car . Patti does this sound right.Also do you know who the rep is for this area and can I contact him myself .I'll keep you posted on what happens .

mike k

Subaru Legacy/Outback

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