Ask the Car People.SM


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


Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153
 
Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 666 of 1929

#6648 of 19283 Engine gets hot, cooling fan runs while driving by subdriver1

May 30, 2006 (5:57 pm)

I have a 1998 Subaru Forester, with 101,800 miles, automatic, AWD . It runs great until recently I notice it gets really warm inside the cabin when I'm driving. It gets worse especially when I have to make multiple stops while out running errands in town. It also happens when I've been driving for about 30-40 minutes on highway. The temperature gauge looks normal at mid range, never gets high or into the red zone. No steam ever comes out from radiator or under the hood. I do notice that the cooling fan is running when I pull into parking lot. I can hear it and think it might be on while I'm driving (as the engine gets hotter). I also notice my car seems to drink more gas than usual!!! Any ideas what's wrong with my car? Thanks in advance for all the suggestions.

#6649 of 19283 Re: Engine gets hot, cooling fan runs while driving [subdriver1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 31, 2006 (8:46 am)

Replying to: subdriver1 (May 30, 2006 5:57 pm)
You might check for a clogged catalytic converter first off...if it is clogged it overheats and throws off tremendous heat. A muffler shop or regular Subaru shop can install a bypass pipe. Have you noticed a loss of power at all?
 
If no power loss, then I'm probably wrong unless your exhaust system has shifted and is now too close to the floorboards (or perhaps a heat shield has fallen off?) and I guess next thing I'd check for is a sticking heater valve. If you feel no heat coming out of the vents with the heater off, then I'd check for engine overheating with a numerical heat gauge or radiator thermometer. Your gauge could be wrong.

#6650 of 19283 Re: Engine gets hot, cooling fan runs while driving [subdriver1] by ateixeira

May 31, 2006 (8:56 am)

Replying to: subdriver1 (May 30, 2006 5:57 pm)
Something is up with the cooling system. I'd have the radiator pressure tested, and maybe have the temp sensor looked at, too.
 
Are you losing coolant? Look there first, that would be a "have it towed to your mechanic" type of problem - the dreaded head gasket leak.
 
-juice

#6651 of 19283 Re: Engine gets hot, cooling fan runs while driving [ateixeira] by subdriver1

May 31, 2006 (10:36 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 31, 2006 8:56 am)
When the engine is hot (after coming home from work), I notice the coolant level inside the coolant reservoir is very full, almost up to the top, but no sign of leaking coolant anywhere. When the engine is cold (early next morning), I open the radiator cap to check, coolant level looks normal. And the coolant level inside the reservoir goes down a little, but still way above the FULL mark.
 
I had a complete radiator heating/cooling service done last October, with radiator pressure tested, flushed, hose, belt tensioner replaced, etc. Just had timing belt and water pump replaced a couple weeks ago.

#6652 of 19283 Re: Engine gets hot, cooling fan runs while driving [subdriver1] by ateixeira

May 31, 2006 (11:57 am)

Replying to: subdriver1 (May 31, 2006 10:36 am)
Sigh of relief.
 
OK, that sounds normal. As it gets hot, the coolant expands in the radiator, and some of it travels to the overflow tank. Then it comes back when it cools. Perfectly normal.
 
-juice

#6653 of 19283 a puzzler by ladywclass

Jun 01, 2006 (7:14 pm)

at least for me ..
 
I have a 2001 Outback base wagon with about79,000 miles on it .. recently the ABS light came on and then would go off at times ...
 
I began to notice that the ABS light would come on when the lights were on, but when I turned the lights off, the ABS light would eventually go out. IF I turn the lights on, the ABS light comes on shortly afterward ..
 
since this started, we have replaced the battery ... it still does this ..
 
I also have since noticed, that when I drive with just DRL's, and put the brakes on, that the dash lights all 'dim' when I apply the brakes, and brighten again when I release the brakes. I never noticed this before, but then I usually just left the headlights on at all times.
 
OK, it's been awhile since I've read this thread so if any of this is explained earlier I'm sorry ..
 
Brenda

#6654 of 19283 Re: a puzzler [ladywclass] by saedave

Jun 02, 2006 (6:03 am)

Replying to: ladywclass (Jun 01, 2006 7:14 pm)
I presume the battery cables are free of corrosion since the battery has been replaced.......or are they?
 
Also check both ends of the cables to be sure they are not loose.
 
The symptoms suggest high resistance in either + or- common connections to the battery/ground.

#6655 of 19283 2002 Impreza WRX by jimmynut

Jun 02, 2006 (6:39 am)

Over the last week or so I've been hearing what sounds to be knocking coming from my rear passenger wheel well, but there is nothing wedged or obstructing the wheel. Then it started coming from the front drivers side wheel. A loud knocking sound, and as I shifted and accelerated it got louder and I could feel almost banging from under my feet.
I hear the noises when the clutch is engaged or not engaged. On turns I hear it more prominent?
 
Does this sound like a CV Boot issue?
 
So, the knocking and banging is getting worse and I'm taking it in to be diagnosed- what would you guess this is.

#6656 of 19283 ABS light by ateixeira

Jun 02, 2006 (10:12 am)

Also have the alternator checked (accessory belt tension, too). Sounds like there's not enough electrical juice for all the accessories.
 
-juice

#6657 of 19283 Re: 2002 Impreza WRX [jimmynut] by ateixeira

Jun 02, 2006 (10:14 am)

Replying to: jimmynut (Jun 02, 2006 6:39 am)
Tell us more - is it speed dependent? Does the pitch change as you speed up and slow down? Is it all the time or only over bumps?
 
I suspect the wheel bearings, actually. Have them inspected soon.
 
-juice

Messages Page 666 of 1929

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement