Subaru Outback VDC

self_mechanic · January 2003

I have been religiously checking my coolant level since I bought the car new. When I got the car the coolant level in the morning was midway between MIN and MAX markers. I check the level this morning, and it is sitting at MIN marker. The car has 6600 miles now. Am I worry? No. I do notice that the rubber hose that feeds into the hole of coolant resovoir, there is a visible gap between the rubber hose and the hole. It is possible that coolant is evaporating through the gap. I will seal that gap and see what the result is.

Alland

mikenk · January 2003

On my H6, the coolant level has now worked its way to the min mark; I plan on letting it go on down to see where it stabilizes. I am convinced it is an overflow tank issue and I agree that it must be evaporation. I will be interested in your test; I will also check the tube in mine.

I have been watching it also in my WRX, and it is also slowly going down also.

There is really not much coolant between the min and max marks.

Mike

self_mechanic · January 2003

I re-check the gap, and there is about 2mm gap between the hose the hole and the length is about 1/3 of the circumference. I also look at the 2001 Toyota Corolla coolant resovir and the construction of how the rubber hose feeding into the resovoir is definitely evaporated proof. The cap has plastic pipe sticking out which is part of the cap( I would call it male type)and rubber hose ( a female type)is mated into plastic pipe. On top of that clamp is used to hold the rubber hose and plastic pipe tightly together. There is no way coolant can evaporate out that resovoir. Well, that is my 2 cents.

Alland

cptplt · January 2003

Is the VDC system (or any other stability control system) tuned specifically for the stock tires used? Its my understanding that the system uses various sensors to detect when the actual direction of travel of the vehicle may depart from the intended one and then brakes are applied, accelerator cuts off etc etc.

Well, it seems to me that how likely you are to "skid off the road" would be at least partly dependent on what traction you have and hence dependent on how good your tires are.Obviously the system will need to account for reduced traction as tires wear too, so I would think the system may be set for a worst case scenario ie tires are close to wear limit etc. So would say a VDC with non stock high performance summer tires find the VDC system kicking in more often than it really needs to compared to a crummy stock all season tire?

kens · January 2003

I think there might be a better explainantion of the VDC system on Subaru's website, but I don't think tire selection factors in. You are correct that VDC kicks in when it senses the vehicle turning at a different rate than what the steering inputs dictate.

However, all these actions occur split seconds after the tire maxes out on lateral grip. VDC then just keeps working until it achieves it's intended result. Naturally, better tires will allow VDC to work more effectively.

Ken

bravadajon · January 2003

Was the temperature of the coolant the same on both days you checked the levels?

Ambient air temp/engine temp will affect level.

ateixeira · January 2003

Here's a technical explanation if you feel like reading through it:

http://210.101.116.115/fisita/pdf/G347.pdf

I don't think it takes the tire into account, though it does try to estimate the road friction coefficient.

-juice

simon_tx · January 2003

I just recently started to notice the LExus IS300 SportCross.

I was interested if any of the VDC owners compared this vehicle.

Based on base MSRP, they are in the same range, but I have not researched the IS300 enough to know if the base $31K includes the engine and such or if your just paying for Lexus status, then you have to buy the actual car as an option.

In some sense the VDC is a performance wagon - different than the SportX, but still performance oriented. I have seen some Lexus snobs bagging on the VDC as having less power, but I'm not sure there is really much difference between the H6 and whatever Lexus offers - I think they are confusing with the base outback.

whatdo you Subie people think

ncvol · January 2003

I took a look at the Sportcross, but I think it's just not a wagon, it's a hatchback. If you want something that has some cargo room, the IS300 ain't it. Otherwise seems like a pretty nice ride.

gym3 · January 2003

The brakes on my 2001 LL Bean Outback are very sluggish the first time I brake on cold mornings.
To be safe, I pump the brakes a few times before pulling out and this takes care of the problem.
Has anyone else had this problem?

ateixeira · January 2003

A very small hatchback, too. I like the IS300 a lot, drove a sedan at Edmunds Live and had a hoot, even with automatic.

The SportCross is probably a little smaller than a WRX wagon, though, and costs several grand more, while not being nearly as quick. And being RWD it wouldn't touch any Subie on snow or even in rain, especially when some models come with summer tires standard.

The interior is gimmicky, I hate the dials. Besides being a bit cramped, though, there's not much else to complain about. I'd compare it to an RSX-S and a WRX wagon, though.

Try the G35 if you want a near-luxury RWD import from Asia, those are much roomier.

-juice

cptplt · January 2003

thanks for the link, unfortunately my alzheimers precludes me from understanding 3/4 of that article!
But its quite clear, what I need is a Legacy GT with a 2.5T and VTD!

ateixeira · January 2003

I'm hoping they'll surprise us and offer that combo for MY2004.

-juice

wepperson · February 2003

Any suggestions on handling upgrades for the 2002 Subaru Legacy Outback H-6 3.0 VDC Sedan?

I love the comfort and my friends have been surprised at the room, but the handling has been disappointing even though I dumped the cheesy RWL Bridgestones (sloppy) for Dunlop SPs as soon as I got the car. And if they'd only turbo this engine....

ateixeira · February 2003

One thing I'd look at is the new struts that come with the 2003 models. Maybe test drive one to see if you can feel a difference, though the improvements made were more for ride quality.

Second, consider a sway bar upgrade. Maybe a whiteline adjustable sway bar would be the ticket, better yet a matching set front and rear. You get less sway at not cost in ride, so it's like a free lunch. Well, $120 or so, maybe.

You could get GT springs but you'd probably need different tires for those to fit properly, and you'd lose clearance.

You may be happier making do with the current car and then getting a Legacy turbo next year when those come out, in fact they might even arrive in the fall.

-juice

njjuliano · February 2003

New wagon, and I hear a grinding noise on every startup, lasting a quick second. It does not happen for the duration of the trip, but sure enough, on next startup, will happen on the first move of the car. I even tested shutting the car off in mid trip, twice, and when I restart, hello grind on the first move, whether with accelerator or without.

I have heard from ABS check, to steering, to other "nature of the car" solutions. Any advice is appreciated. Would like to get it to the dealer as early as possible if this is the necessary step. Thanks.

subearu · February 2003

It is most likely your ABS doing it's check. I believe it happens at 5 mph or less during that first move (forward or reverse). It is harmless and is supposed to happen.

-Brian

myuen · February 2003

Hi,

Any idea whether this security upgrade kit option is worth getting? Thanks.

cptplt · February 2003

if you want an alarm system get it. many insurance companies may give you a discount too

the dimming mirror is really useful, no blinding glare at nights from the headlights of the car behind you

njjuliano · February 2003

Limited action in here lately. I guess we're all too busy enjoying our Soobs.

I'm planning to get my '02 VDC wagon in for both recalls that I saw here in Edmunds. Minor question. In the long run, is it better to keep it getting serviced at the dealer from which I purchased the car? There is another Soob dealer that is much closer to me that I would rather take to, for time and such, if there is no big benefit of hauling my car the extra 40 minutes.

On a side note, here in South Jersey there has been one snow storm and am looking forward for the projected 2 for this weekend.

ateixeira · February 2003

I shouldn't matter. Service records are shared. In fact you can get them on-line on my.subaru.com if you're registered.

-juice

njjuliano · February 2003

Thanks, juice. Speedy reply.

anthony_cheng · February 2003

I have an Outback VDC with the Premium Sound Package.

My girlfriend accidentally spill about 1/2 gallon of water in the rear seat floor.

Unfortunately, she was on the freeway and could not immediately stop and fix the spill.

Anyway, to my dismay, I noticed that the seat floor she spilled the water is behind the power amplifier (which is underneath the front passenger seat).

My question is:

Is the amplifier sealed off adequately to deter water damage?

There is sound coming out of the speakers...is it safe to say that water has not caused any short circuits?

What's the best, most complete way of cleaning this up?

ateixeira · February 2003

If it's working, I think you're OK.

For the wet carpet, do you have one of those wet vacs? If so first thing I'd do is vaccum out the excess water.

Then, if it's dry were you are, let it air out. I'd even consider hooking up a dehumidifier if you have one.

If it smells, you can later sprinkle in some baking soda and vacuum it out. Good luck.

-juice

hypov · February 2003

Don't use the Sound System for a while. Give the amp a chance to dry off if there is any water intrusion.
I second Juice's suggestion of hooking up a dehumidifier.

-Dave

vin_ams · February 2003

We have a 2002 H-6 Sedan with about 6k miles. We get what seems to be alot of noise which seems to come from the alternator. The dealer indicates that this is normal. Has anyone out there having this problem? In normal driving the noise is like a whining sound. This noise is greater when vehicle is cold. The only time it cannot be heard is under full throttle conditions.

paisan · February 2003

It could be your PS pump. I get a sucking/whirling noise from the PS Pump on my H6 SVX when it's cold out and the engine is cold. I was worried then I later found out that it was just the PS pump warming itself up to operating temps.

-mike

vin_ams · February 2003

I pretty much have isolated the noise to the alternator. My power steering pump noise reduced when I changed over the vehicle to synthetic lubricants.

otis123 · February 2003

Anyone put 225/60/16 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires on their H6 Outback. Wondering how they perform. My original Firestones are starting to slip at 38K...

Thanks,

Ralph

starfire465 · February 2003

I am seriously thinking of getting an Outback (first time Subaru buyer) but a mechanic told me that because of the horizontal engine arrangement (for Subarus) sooner or later the oil leak problem will prevail for the life of the car and it is a headache that will not go away.
Is this true? Words of wisdom/advise from Subaru owners are welcome here.

ffsteve · February 2003

I hate to perpetuate a sad story, but your mechanic is probably referring to the much maligned Corvair engine. Also horizontally opposed, it had design features that just about gauranteed oil leaks. But the leaks were not a function of the orientation of the engine cylinders, but rather how the two piece block was designed, how the pushrod tubes mated to the head and block, and the perfectly horrible stamped steel flat oil pan.

I once owned three of them...

But my Subaru, now with 24,000 miles, is wonderfully dry without any signs of oil leaks. I expect it to continue this way.

Others here will also venture their opinions and experiences.

Steve

ateixeira · February 2003

There were some gasket issues with the early Phase I H4s (even then a minority), but to my knowledge it has not affect the H6 engine.

-juice

spyderchick · March 2003

I recently bought an 02 LLBean Outback and love it! I still have the 88 Legacy Wagon with 260K miles that I bought brand new. (and by the way, never had an oil leak--EVER!!)

I just wanted to stop by and say hi........I'm looking forward to chatting with you all.

Hugs,
Julie

ateixeira · March 2003

Hi and welcome Julie.

Congrats on being part of the quarter million mile club. iSR Subaru has one, with plenty of pics to prove it.

-juice

revka · March 2003

and congrats on your 02 LLBean Outback! We look forward to hearing about your ownership experience.... Happy motoring!

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

dan_s1 · March 2003

I have a 2001 H-6 (LLBean) and have never ever had a drop of oil leak. This is my first Subaru so I am looking for any problems and so far.. so good!

Also, I have not been notified of any recalls, via mail or MySubaru.com. Is there a place on Edmunds for recalls?
Thanks, Dan

stever · March 2003

The Edmunds Maintenance Guide lists recalls, tsbs, etc. Looks like we show one recall for the "P" indicator for the '01 LL Bean.

Steve, Host

njjuliano · March 2003

Here's one for you all...

Brought my 02 VDC wagon for an oil change and the recalls seen here to another dealership (name it Dealer 2 cause not where I purchased the car in Jan 03). This Dealer 2 says that the recall has already been done. And that it was done by the selling dealer. Surprised me because it has been indicated that it has not been done via mysubaru.com. Called the selling dealer, and they said that in fact, no, it has not been done, and that I should bring it in to get it done.

What?

Possible that selling dealer forgot to put it in the database after they have done it?
How then did the info that it has been done there already? Maybe another dealer prior to selling dealer?
Are they looking at different databases?
Is there any way to eyeball this and figured if it was done or not?

ateixeira · March 2003

I would take it in, if they do it twice no harm done, if they don't them there might be a problem.

Of course ask them to document it this time. And I'd consider starting to use that other dealer!

-juice

nygreg · March 2003

800-SUBARU3 and see what their database says. I agree with Juice.

Greg

pqriordan · March 2003

On 4 or 5 occasions over the past 4 months, the VDC Off light and Check Engine light on my 2001 VDC H6 have come on simultaneously for no apparent reason. I have had the car at the dealer after each incident. They have been able to clear the indicators each time but they have been unable to diagnose the problem. Anyone else having these problems? If so, have you had any luck with dealer service? There were postings on this board about a year ago from POPGUN and JON58, who were having similar problems. I wonder whether they resolved the issues.

mikenk · March 2003

I had the identical problem twice. The first time the dealer didn't find anything. The second time evidently registered on the fault sensor. They sent the module back for reprogramming; no problem since.

Mike

ateixeira · March 2003

Hmm, OBDII stores the code even if the light goes off. That only lists a symptom, though.

-juice

ncvol · March 2003

Does anyone know what, if any, changes will be made for MY 2004? I know a fairly significant redesign is coming for 2005, so I'm not expecting anything radical.

ateixeira · March 2003

There's still debate about whether the new platform will show up this year. It might in Japan, maybe here too. Maybe just the Legacy, or maybe the Outback too.

I think they're ironing out the details now and will have a decision in about a month, in time for the NY Auto Show.

Having said that, if we get a new one only in MY2005, then I expect the 2004 will be largely a carryover, with perhaps a couple of very minor items added as standard. Maybe a new color or two.

-juice

ncvol · March 2003

I didn't know about the possibility that the redesign could be this year. I had figured it was what you said, just a few minor changes like the addition of the standard 6-CD changer and On-Star for 2003. I'd like to see them offer the H6 models in the dark blue color they use on the 4 cylinders.

ateixeira · March 2003

There was a Legacy spotted in Alaska that was cold weather testing. The body panels were loosely fitting, implying it was already a test mule on the new chassis. That was about a month ago.

So it's a definite possibility, it's just a matter of can they build it in time for the fall, and get it ready to show in late April at New York.

-juice

ncvol · March 2003

If not, I can probably hold out for MY 2005. I just spent $1100 to replace all the rear bearings in my Explorer, so I might as well hang on to the thing for another year.

rsholland · March 2003

at the Baltimore auto show said the '04 Legacy/Outback would remain on the current platform, but that the '04 model year will be very short, with the all-new '05 model being introduced in North America next winter.

Note: This all-new Legacy reportedly will be introduced in Japan this May.

Bob

cohenc · March 2003

When I bought my 2001 Subaru Outback VDC Wagon, I planned on purchasing a car with the cheapest stereo system available and upgrading it to what I wanted the way I wanted to do it. For the good or bad of it, the VDC came with a pretty awesome sound system that until now, I have not wanted to touch - or toss/sell.

But... I would really like to add the ability to play MP3's, either by CD-RW data discs or with a hard drive/memory system.

My question is has anybody done or tried to do anything like this on the VDC (which obviously came with the McIntosh system)? Are there any suggestions as to how to do this? Can anybody tell me what the back of the McIntosh unit looks like and are there any inputs if I were able to output say from a laptop that had MP3's on it (i.e. AUX input)?

How does one remove the unit from the car properly to look into this? (pictures and detailed instructions welcome encouraged)

Would it be possible to piggyback onto the amp and simply install a second radio that played MP3's and use that output from that as input to the amp along with the McIntosh and simply use one at a time?

Obviously one solution is to FM Modulate the signal and listen to them via the McIntosh radio, but the quality of that would not be accecptable.

Any and all suggestions, etc. are welcomed and encouraged. BTW, is it possible to add on a multi-disk remotely mounted CD player? If so, maybe this unit would be able to play MP3 discs. Any thoughts or progress on this?

I have phones both Subaru and McIntosh Labs and both point to the other and I get no help, even on removing the stereo to inspect.

Thanks - Caleb

Subaru Outback VDC

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