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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19285 messages,  Last post on Jun 03, 2013 at 10:22 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 1825 of 1930

#18233 of 19285 chronic detachment of weatherstrip by tubbs14

Jul 19, 2009 (7:16 pm)

We have a 2007 Outback with 25,000 miles. Starting at 10,000 miles, the rear driver side weatherstripping came detached (about six inches of it where it bends in direction). Since then, we've had it fixed three times for the same problem. It was finally replaced completely two days ago, and lo and behold today we see it is coming apart again. Is this a common problem on Subarus, and if not, does anyone have suggestions as to what to do next? I'm concerned that this is going to become a problem beyond the warranty period and am exasperated with the dealership. Thanks!

#18234 of 19285 AC/Fan Problem? by sloanesq

Jul 20, 2009 (7:19 am)

Hi all,
 
I hope someone out there may have some insight into the problem I am experiencing with my 2006 Legacy SE.
 
I recently had my compressor replaced. Since then, I have had problems with the cooling fan. Apparently, the A/C won't go on unless the cooling fan goes on. When I first start driving, this is never a problem. However, if I start going slowly (like in stop & go traffic) or idling, the A/C and the fan (not sure which comes first - like the chicken or the egg) shut off.
 
The problem, aside from the lack of A/C, is that the cooling fan is no longer cooling the engine and my car starts to overheat. The problem solves itself once I start going faster again - the A/C (and the fan presumably) come back on and the temperature gauge returns to normal. However, if I am in slow moving traffic for more than a few minutes, I need to pull over and let the engine cool off.
 
Any ideas what is causing this and how to solve it?

#18235 of 19285 Re: lurching/bucking Forester [tim3] by colin_l

Jul 20, 2009 (11:27 am)

Replying to: tim3 (Jul 13, 2009 11:10 am)
If it's lurching and bucking now, unrelated to fill-ups, I would check / replace the following:
 
- Fuel filter-- used to be a very easy-to-reach silver canister under the hood, don't know about your 2004
- Fuel injectors - buy a bottle of Chevron fuel injector cleaner, Techron is the best product on the market
- Ignition: changing plugs is a relatively easy DIY job, ignition coil(s) are on top of the intake manifold, plug wires are easy to change as well.
- Fuel pump -- it's in the tank and possible to change yourself, but by this point you probably want/need a mechanic to be involved.
 
After all that's done, you've either fixed it or you've created a very short of list of what else could possibly be wrong.
 
Evaporative systems will cause a check engine light (P0452 & P0453) but I don't think they can cause any driveability problems.. that I know of.
 
Hope this helps,
~Colin

#18236 of 19285 Re: AC/Fan Problem? [sloanesq] by colin_l

Jul 20, 2009 (11:42 am)

Replying to: sloanesq (Jul 20, 2009 7:19 am)
Sloanesq,
 
The first thing to check would be that the fans are actually plugged in. There are two fans behind the radiator and they have wiring plugs on the lower side. If you have a slim build, you *might* be able to slide under your Legacy for a look. (Put a piece of cardboard on the ground first.) Otherwise, you will have to jack up the front of the car or use ramps.
 
~Colin
 
P.S. I am actually pained to admit that I once forgot to plug in the fans after working on my '99 Impreza RS. If you are overheating enough to have the car pulled over, that's not good. From my personal experience, it didn't seem like the all-alloy Subaru motor was too durable for stuff like that.

#18237 of 19285 Re: AC/Fan Problem? [colin_l] by sloanesq

Jul 20, 2009 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: colin_l (Jul 20, 2009 11:42 am)
The fans definitely go on. I can see them spinning. The problem is, they shut off when they shouldn't - when engine speed is low for more than a few minutes.

#18238 of 19285 Re: AC/Fan Problem? [sloanesq] by colin_l

Jul 20, 2009 (1:32 pm)

Replying to: sloanesq (Jul 20, 2009 1:11 pm)
That's rather odd. Are you completely certain that your AC condenser fan isn't cycling on and off? It makes quite a bit of noise.
 
If the main radiator fans come on at all, ever, then it could be a sensor, relay, loose / burnt wiring, etc. But it would really strange.
 
~Colin

#18239 of 19285 Re: AC/Fan Problem? [colin_l] by sloanesq

Jul 20, 2009 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: colin_l (Jul 20, 2009 1:32 pm)
I'm pretty sure that it is the radiator fans that are going off - that wold explain the overheating. Also, my mechanic looked at it, said the fans weren't going on, and "solved" the problem by whacking the housing with a hammer. It actually seemed like it was fixed for a while.

#18240 of 19285 Re: Misfire [girlcarbuilder] by phil2000

Jul 20, 2009 (8:34 pm)

Replying to: girlcarbuilder (Jul 05, 2009 6:10 am)
I get static on my car radio (AM stations only) that changes with speed and is more evident when the blower motor is on. Is this an indication of something tied to the misfire?
 
Also, the garage that inspected the car says that I am allowed one not ready. I think I am going to focus on the P0420 code. I replaced the upstream O2 sensor. Next payday, I will do the downstream.

#18241 of 19285 Re: Misfire [phil2000] by hammerhead

Jul 20, 2009 (8:57 pm)

Replying to: phil2000 (Jul 20, 2009 8:34 pm)
You're hearing alternator whine and static that varies depending on blower motor speed?
 
Bad ground on the radio. Has nothing to do with the misfire.
 
Cheers!
Paul

#18242 of 19285 Re: Misfire [phil2000] by colin_l

Jul 21, 2009 (6:20 am)

Replying to: phil2000 (Jul 20, 2009 8:34 pm)
Phil, I glanced at your profile and saw a 2000 Forester and what looks like high mileage per year.
 
P0420 is catalyst efficiency. That's caused by the rear o2 sensor only, never the front, so your front o2 sensor was a waste I'm afraid.
 
It's also likely the catalyst itself and not the sensor, if you have a lot of miles. Call some muffler shops and find out how much they want for a new catalyst and installation. Should be around $250-300.

Messages Page 1825 of 1930

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