8644 messages,
Last post on May 22, 2013 at 4:04 PM
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Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.
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Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Wagon
#4381 of 8644 2001 Legacy wagon clutch problems
by profromdover
Mar 11, 2005 (10:12 am)
Webought a new Legacy wagon from our local dealer in 2001. My wife complained from the beginning about the clutch shuddering at the point of engagement. I took the car to the dealer concerning an unrelated problem and asked them to check the clutch. They had one of their mechanics drive it and, after a short trip around the lot, he reported "no shudder when releasing the clutch...at this time vehicle operates to factory specs." I was told by the service manager that the clutch shudder is "characteristic of the car... which is underpowered and has all-wheel drive." The car now has 50,000 miles on it and the clutch slips badly in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears. I contacted Subaru customer service and was told that the clutch is a wear part (no kidding!). I maintained that a clutch should not fail in 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions. I know that there was a TSB issued in 2003 for this car related to "cold clutch judder." Comments would be appreciated.
Mar 11, 2005 (10:20 am)
We have the same problem... only now the clutch is slipping. Neither SoA or our dealer is willing to do anything about it.. The shuddering problem has gotten progressively worse. Who is your dealer... and could I contact them to see what they did to solve your problem? I am frustrated and pissed off at Subaru!
#4383 of 8644 Re: 93 legacy hesitating [ddupont]
by tyguy
Mar 11, 2005 (10:23 am)
Sounds like a cracked distributor cap. It could also be plug wires, but I'm assuming the problem was happening before you replaced them and is still occuring.
When a distributor cap cracks, and it becomes moist outside, condensation builds in the cap and interferes with the electrical signal between the points and rotor.
Replace the cap and rotor, and clean out any moisture built up on the distributor while you're replacing them.
-Ty
#4384 of 8644 Re: 2001 Legacy wagon clutch problems [profromdover]
by tyguy
Mar 11, 2005 (10:36 am)
"Characteristic of the car...which is underpowered and has all-wheel drive."
Ha, ha, ha, ha. That's classic. He was just trying to blow you off. The service manager is right in one aspect, though, when he said the problem was characteristic of manual Subie trannies for that age. But it has nothing to do with power or AWD. It has to do with crappy clutch material.
The TSB is 03-51-02R, and applies to all manual 99-2002 Legacy sedans starting with vin 36206712 and all manual 99-2002 Legacy Wagons starting with vin 36305452.
If you have the problem documented on receipts, then call Subaru of America, explain the situation, provide the documented evidence, and ask for the TSB to be applied. That will get you Clutch Kit 32098AA020, which includes a new flywheel, cover, disk, and bolts. Problem solved.
Mar 11, 2005 (11:58 am)
Call 800-SUBARU3 and have all the information above handy.
-juice
#4387 of 8644 Re: 93 legacy hesitating [tyguy]
by dcm61
Mar 11, 2005 (8:59 pm)
Replace the cap and rotor, and clean out any moisture built up on the distributor while you're replacing them.
It's going to be hard to replace since it has distributorless ignition!
It may be a bad coil pack or corrosion on the coil pack.
DaveM
#4388 of 8644 Re: 93 legacy hesitating [dcm61]
by tyguy
Mar 12, 2005 (8:13 am)
Ha, ha. Yep, that would be a tough swap. Thanks for clarifying.
I think you're right, then, the coil pack would be the next culprit. The coils could be arcing when there's enough moisture in the air, or corrosion may be interfering with the spark.
Mar 12, 2005 (8:34 am)
Ask a VW owner, they have experience with that.
-juice
#4390 of 8644 Re: Electrical problem after changing battery [ornt]
by bourbon84
Mar 12, 2005 (11:21 am)
My 98 Subaru Outback is doing the exact same thing. I hit the lock and unlock buttons on my keyless remote, and the flashing stopped. Now, I'm hearing the clicking from the fuse panel area down by the driver's left foot. If I have the driver's door open and I put the key in the ignition, the car beeps at me like normal. However, I shut the door, turn the key to start it, and it won't even turn over. I can't start the car. And I'm still hearing the clicking. I hit the lock/unlock buttons and I get nothing. Help!!!!! It's driving me nuts and I can't go anywhere now. I called the local Subaru dealership and the service dept is closed (it's Saturday), and none of the salesmen could help me. Thanks in advance. I promise good karma is coming your way.
Mark