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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 648 of 1929

#6466 of 19283 Re: '99 Forester L won't go into DRIVE [jchang] by galligt

Mar 31, 2006 (11:18 am)

Replying to: jchang (Feb 07, 2006 11:09 am)
I also have a 2001 Forester L and have exactly the same problem. I took it to the dealer and they said the tranny was disintegrating bevcuase the fluid had debris such as metal filings in it. they helpfully suggested I pay them $3750 CAD for a new one.
I would love to hear any info on the problem. (transmission losing gear at a stop, slipping into neutral, sometimes regaining it, if switched into third gear, sometimes if engine revved and then the car lurches forward, never a problem with reversing...)
Please help!
This looks like it could be the end of the road for Subaru and me.

#6467 of 19283 Re: '99 Forester L won't go into DRIVE [galligt] by locke2c

Mar 31, 2006 (11:59 am)

Replying to: galligt (Mar 31, 2006 11:18 am)
Take it to a transmission specialist. If you get on automatic transmission problems early, they often can be fixed without a complete overhaul let alone a whole new transmission.
 
Unfortunately, a lot of people don't do this and by the time they take it in the transmission has pretty serious damage.
 
~Colin

#6468 of 19283 Forester Piston Slap by b10609

Apr 04, 2006 (9:17 am)

My wife's Forester has 31,000 km and dealer is proposing to replace 2 cylinders/pistons It's 41 months old now and I note other folks appear to have a short block installed as a solution - anyone out there who can advise of the success of either type of warranty repair ? Comments please. -Waterloo

#6469 of 19283 Re: Forester Piston Slap [b10609] by cathmac

Apr 04, 2006 (9:56 am)

Replying to: b10609 (Apr 04, 2006 9:17 am)
Am I correct in inferring that you have the Subaru backed extended warranty "Assurance Plan"? I ask because the vehicle is 41 months old.
 
There has been a lot of discussion on Subaru piston slap in general in these pages recently. To find those posts go to the top or bottom of this page where it says "search this discussion". If my impression is accurate, there are mixed results on the success of piston replacement.
 
Sometimes the problem developes again. I think that's because the problem slap isn't necessarily merely due to the pistons themselves but also how they are situated and how they interact with the components around them.
 
If you search this site I think you'll find a description of that, which may or may not make sense to you depending upon how much you know about Subaru engines. In any case, you are probably stuck with the piston replacement but you certainly want to be watching for signs that the problem is recurring, keeping the expiration date of your warranty in mind.
  
Good luck, ~Cath

#6470 of 19283 Re: Forester Piston Slap [b10609] by zman3

Apr 04, 2006 (10:10 am)

Replying to: b10609 (Apr 04, 2006 9:17 am)
I had my short block replaced on my 98 OB at about the same months of service as yours. My piston slap came back within about a year. I traded it in after 7.5 years and 105K and the piston slap never got any worse. With the block replacement I am guessing that it is the luck of the draw as to whether the new block has issues or not. Personally, I would go with the newer pistons with the longer skirts. It seems like more of a true fix to me. That's just one persons opinion however.
 
Karl

#6471 of 19283 Re: '99 Forester L won't go into DRIVE [locke2c] by galligt

Apr 04, 2006 (10:27 am)

Replying to: locke2c (Mar 31, 2006 11:59 am)
Unfortunately, there really was no warning until very recently and the transmission needs a complete overhaul to the tune of $3200+ CAD. the problem is that the cooling system for the transmission was inadequate. It sounds a lot like a design or manufacturing defect, but the guy at Mr. Transmission wont say so in definitive terms.

#6472 of 19283 Re: Forester Piston Slap [b10609] by lfdal

Apr 04, 2006 (12:16 pm)

Replying to: b10609 (Apr 04, 2006 9:17 am)
The dealer just did the driver's side pistons in my wife's 03 OBW at about 38000 miles. Piston slap had been an issue in that car almost from the time we purchased it new.
 
Looking at the slip, it looks like they ordered all 4 pistons, but only replaced the driver's side pistons since only the cylinder head gasket on the driver's side was replaced. I'm assuming they decided those were the only ones it needed. That was certainly the side the noise was coming from.
 
It's been 3000 miles since the job and the car hasn't sounded this good in 2+ years.
 
It's funny - for all the fight some of the dealers put up doing it, the warranty bill was only $1760.00 USD. Car was out of service for just one day.
 
HTH
 
Larry

#6473 of 19283 Security Alarm Problem by krenaue

Apr 04, 2006 (2:35 pm)

Last night at 2 am in the morning my 2002 Forester started beeping. Beeped a couple of times and then was silent for 30 minutes before it started beeping again. Very intermitent. I tried the remote a few times. Doors locked and unlocked but I notice that the parking lights are not flashing anymore. Thought it might be in valet mode so went through that process to disengage but no change. The secuity icon on the dash is lit steadily - though very dimly - but not flashing. Ended up disconnecting the battery so I could get some sleep. The manual doesn't alk about the icon remaining lit without flashing. Could I have a short in the system somewhere? Any ideas in possibly resetting the entire security system. Car starts fine even though it is the orignal battery. Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions before I turn it over to the dealer to fix.

#6474 of 19283 Re: Forester Piston Slap [b10609] by kens

Apr 04, 2006 (8:23 pm)

Replying to: b10609 (Apr 04, 2006 9:17 am)
From what I know, dealers used to replace the entire short block prior to Subaru issuing the countermeasure pistons. The problem with swapping the entire short block is that not only is it expensive, there's no guarantee that the new one won't have the problem.
 
I had the pistons swapped in my 98 Forester and it fixed the slap for good.
 
Ken

#6475 of 19283 piston slap - '03 Forester by b10609

Apr 05, 2006 (10:04 am)

Thanks Ken, I'm happy they aren't going the short block route if they're successful with the two piston cure. I didn't realize that 98's like yours were having the problems, too. Our old '95 2.2 Legacy ran without a hitch for 10 years. My daughter had it for the last 5 years and just traded it last fall for a new Impreza 2.5 RS so we're hoping she doesn't see the same slap problem with hers. - Waterloo

Messages Page 648 of 1929

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