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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19283 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 9:15 AM

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV


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Messages Page 1802 of 1929

#18004 of 19283 Re: Windshield Film Issue [kwunschel] by sgloon

Feb 17, 2009 (2:11 am)

Replying to: kwunschel (Feb 16, 2009 6:11 am)
The film on mine is coming back after the wax as well. I just hadn't driven the car very far until Sunday... went over 150 miles, now it is showing up again...so, I'll be contacting Subaru again.
 
I recommend that you call their 800# as well to get authorization for the real fix.
 
The issue is suppose to be some gaskets on the heater box "vanes". They will have to replace the whole heater box to get rid of it. I'm told it can last up to 15 months (so far reported) if you don't get it replaced. I believe, from what I have garnered to date, that it looks like the "rubber" gaskets were impregnated with some type of "oil" that is given off through the defroster (and probably the other vents) and causes the film you are seeing build up.
 
This has also occured on the 2008 IMPREZA, which is why they know what to do about it...

#18005 of 19283 Re: Bad Idle 2 [phil2000] by xwesx

Feb 17, 2009 (10:17 am)

Replying to: phil2000 (Feb 16, 2009 6:41 pm)
I am sorry that you had the added difficulties, but it sounds like you got it done well in the end. Congrats! I bet it feels very good to have it running again.

#18006 of 19283 Check Engine Light - Codes [xwesx] by phil2000

Feb 18, 2009 (2:53 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 17, 2009 10:17 am)
After the repair the CEL came on after 30 miles. Then went off the next morning only to come on as I drove to work. I got codes of P0303 and P0420. The first is cylinder 4 misfire and the last is catalytic converter efficiency. A year ago I checked all 4 cylinders and number 4 had good compression. I am wondering if antifreeze that mixed during the rebuild could have fouled number 4 and also lead to bad O2 sensor readings. Can I hand clean the sensors? I cleared the codes and will see if they come back on the way home.

#18007 of 19283 Re: Check Engine Light - Codes [phil2000] by xwesx

Feb 18, 2009 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: phil2000 (Feb 18, 2009 2:53 pm)
Your suspicions may be correct. Antifreeze will definitely foul oxygen sensors in short order. I would check the plug as a first step in regard to the mis-fire code. Did you put new plugs in after the initial repair? I hate to say it, but you might consider replacing the whole set again once you confirm everything is in good order.
 
You're certain to get the kinks worked out here soon. You just finished with a major surgery; there are sure to be a few complications.
 
How is your fuel economy? Have you driven it enough to tell?
 
Keep at it -
 
-Wes-

#18008 of 19283 Re: Check Engine Light - Codes [xwesx] by phil2000

Feb 19, 2009 (9:19 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 18, 2009 6:19 pm)
Can I clean the Oxygen sensors and put them back in? Do I replace the the O2 sensors (which one or both)?

#18009 of 19283 Timing Belt Pricing Question by rthompson9310

Feb 20, 2009 (8:36 am)

Hi,
 
03 Outback has 118K on it- Realize I'm past the recommended mileage for a timing belt.
 
MY question is this- Got initial quotes from 2 dealers, Becker in PA, and Flemington in NJ. Price was substantially different based on same work- $250 versus $425.
I realize the recommendation is to also get the water pump done- anything else?- which would add to the price but don't understand why the starting point is so different
RT

#18010 of 19283 Re: Check Engine Light - Codes [phil2000] by xwesx

Feb 20, 2009 (10:37 am)

Replying to: phil2000 (Feb 19, 2009 9:19 am)
I am not sure about this. I would hope someone else could chime in on the issue, but if not, perhaps you can ask a mechanic you might know? I suspect you will not be able to just clean them; as far as which/both to replace, I also suspect both. But, again, seek other advice - I am simply guessing here.

#18011 of 19283 Oxygen Sensor Cleaning [xwesx] by phil2000

Feb 20, 2009 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 20, 2009 10:37 am)
Got this from another forum.
 
First of all. It's not whether it can or can't be cleaned. Anything can be cleaned, if you go about it right. The question should be, first of all, whether cleaning it would do any good, and if so, whether it needs to be cleaned. Oxygen sensors are exposed to such extreme heat that the only thing that it can get (dirty) with is carbon. Extreme heat will turn any organic matter, such as gasoline or oil, into carbon. Well the bad thing about that, is that baked carbon is not soluble in any kind of solvent, and even if it was, the sensing unit within the o2 sensor module, is not exposed, and is not visible. It is covered by what is usually a louvered steel cylinder. Therefor if you're going to brush it, use a wire brush and brush it as hard as you want, because it isn't going to hurt the steel cover. But this is the problem. The only thing that you can really clean with any success is the outer cover. Since solvents won't do any good, I really would not recomend using electric motor cleaner, since the active indredient in it is Trichloroethylene which is not a very strong solvent. not only is it's strength very low, but also, since it is designed to clean electronic components, it evaporates very rapidly, resulting in a very short working time.
Since o2 sensors are disigned to hande such extreme temeratures. The best method of cleaning them, is to heat the bottom part of the sensor (the part that inserts into the exaust) with a propane torch, to the point that it just begins to turn red. You do not want it to glow chery red, even though they are designed to take extreme heat, you can still over do it. Once you have it heated to the point that is just turns red, or to the point just befor it turns red, quench it in water. This will break free any carbon build up inside the sensor. After the first time, some pieces may still be to big to come out of the sensor so I would recomend doing it 2 to 3 times, blowing it out with an air compressor between each time. But I would have to say, good luck, since O2 sensors very seldom fail do to being dirty. This is not common at all.

#18012 of 19283 blown engine by blueschaser220

Feb 24, 2009 (9:56 am)

my "piston slap" got worse recently. took my 03 outback, 2.5L in to dealer to be told the lower engine, probably piston rod, was blown. Dealer suggests short block or total engine replacement. 60,900 MILES, OUT OF WARRANTY. Can I get any warranty relief. Should i replace whole engine, or go shopping for new car?

#18013 of 19283 Re: blown engine [blueschaser220] by saedave

Feb 24, 2009 (11:30 am)

Replying to: blueschaser220 (Feb 24, 2009 9:56 am)
Presuming it is a Subaru dealer, why not ask them what it would be worth in a trade for a new Impreza? Especially if the dealer should happen to have a left over 2008 that is costing them money on the floor plan. The new Impreza is about the same interior room as your Outback. They might use their cost for the engine repairs in making an offer....better than the repair price you would otherwise pay.

Messages Page 1802 of 1929

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