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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 693 of 1929

#6917 of 19283 Legacy Wagon experiencing shock shifting by mtyler1

Aug 15, 2006 (7:43 pm)

I am getting desparate to find an answer to a problem I am experiencing with my 1999 Subaru Legacy wagon. For the last 2 years I have experienced an intermittent problem (getting much worse lately). Very often the car will upshift very roughly from 2nd to 3rd, and 3rd to 4th gears. By 'rough' I mean it will go to 3000 or 4000 rpms before it 'slams' into the next gear. Also, when cruising on the highway in 4th gear at 60 mph the car will suddenly downshift to 3rd gear (almost sending me thru the windshield)!
Some facts are: The problem first appeared after an accident in which I was broadsided on the driver-side front door. Also, I used to be able to make the problem go away by shutting off the ignition and re-starting the vehicle. That does not seem to work any more. Also, this problem is always preceded by the A/T Temperature light blinking on the dashboard. The dealer does not seem to be able to diagnose the problem. I took the vehicle to an independant transmission shop and they confirm that there is nothing mechanically wrong with the transmission. They feel that it is a 'computer problem".
Anybody have any ideas???

#6918 of 19283 Re: Cooling system problem [scoutaz] by jfl

Aug 15, 2006 (8:05 pm)

Replying to: scoutaz (Aug 15, 2006 2:33 pm)
Check the seat of the radiator where the rubber part of the radiator cap sits. If it's not smooth, it draws air instead of coolant. This is also means there is no overpressure so the boiling coolant flows into the overflow tank. Lastly, it means you need a new radiator.
 
HTH,
 
Jim
 
Yes, I've been there...

#6919 of 19283 Re: Legacy Wagon experiencing shock shifting [mtyler1] by jfl

Aug 15, 2006 (8:09 pm)

Replying to: mtyler1 (Aug 15, 2006 7:43 pm)
Grasping at straws here...
 
Disconnect the battery for a few hours to reset the computer???
 
Jim

#6920 of 19283 Re: 2001 Forester - Running Hot [jfl] by xwesx

Aug 15, 2006 (11:31 pm)

Replying to: jfl (Aug 14, 2006 9:34 pm)
Good point, Jim. The heads can be milled true if they are only slightly warped, but they have a fairly low tolerance. The key is to make sure they are true (flat) before reinstalling! If you have a shop perform the work, there should be a warranty period on the work so make sure you put it through the gauntlet during that time frame.

#6921 of 19283 Re: Legacy Wagon experiencing shock shifting [jfl] by xwesx

Aug 15, 2006 (11:36 pm)

Replying to: jfl (Aug 15, 2006 8:09 pm)
Yeah, that is a tough one. I second the "computer problem" suggestion. Anyone know what systems interact with the transmission? Unfortunately, the "A/T Temp" light will come on for multiple reasons, not just lubricant temperature, but perhaps have the transmission flushed and a new filter. It is really tough to ferret out those electrical gremlins when the diagnostic readers do not offer any leads.
 
I wonder if there is a vacuum-controlled sensor that is malfunctioning. Vacuum does control the shift points on these cars, does it not?

#6922 of 19283 Re: 94 Legacy bucks while driving, also suspicious clicking noise [u_r_a_bu by locke2c

Aug 16, 2006 (6:36 am)

Replying to: u_r_a_bus (Aug 15, 2006 11:13 am)
bucking is often either fuel delivery or spark. someone else covered the spark part, but I'd check the fuel delivery as well:
 
- has the fuel filter been replaced recently? Subaru has literally the best location / easiest service I have ever seen. it is in the engine bay and easily replaced.
 
- when was the last time the fuel pump was replaced? if it is original, or even just >100k miles (208k!) it could be the culprit
 
and of course, spark. good luck!
~Colin

#6923 of 19283 Re: 2001 Forester - Running Hot [jfl] by starrman

Aug 16, 2006 (8:08 am)

Replying to: jfl (Aug 14, 2006 9:34 pm)
Thank you all for your support. When I called the Subaru dealer yesterday and explained the information that I had as a result of the forum the service advisor said that she had never heard of or see the headgasket problem before. She said that she would call the Subaru regional technical support for answers. Should I hold my breath waiting for an answer?
Yup - I am the stuckie in this situation.

#6924 of 19283 Re: 2001 Forester - Running Hot [starrman] by xwesx

Aug 16, 2006 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: starrman (Aug 16, 2006 8:08 am)
Hahahaha.... wow. She must be a new employee. I got my laugh for the day. Hopefully, though, it is not on you.

#6925 of 19283 Re: Legacy Wagon experiencing shock shifting [xwesx] by dsain

Aug 16, 2006 (6:50 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Aug 15, 2006 11:36 pm)
Yes, that sounds like a tough one. The 4EAT Phase 2 trans was introduced in 99my.
 
I was experiencing shift shock sometimes, but only between 2nd and 3rd. I did a fluid change (the car had 90K, I'd purchased it at 84K and don't think it'd ever been done). I changed the filter, but since have found out the filter needs no scheduled maintenance; it's a spin on/canister filter. From Subaru it's something like $45. A match can be found at Carquest for about $9. Subaru No is 38325AA032, Carquest Number is 85365. Service writer told me that I didn't have to change it at all. It's designed to last the life of the car. There is no replacement filter for the one in the pan. If you feel like getting into it, use RTV sealant for the pan, and wash the screen out with an appropriate solvent.
 
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery 30 minutes later will cause the computers to lose their programming, and they will build new tables during the first approximately 300 miles driven afterwards. This might work. I know it works for the ECU, but I'm kind of skeptical about the trans. I'd hazard a guess that the target shift points are fixed. Might be a problem with the 2-4 brake, which is common in shifts from 2-3, 3-4 & 4-3. Fluid change is where'd I'd start. Maybe the TCU has a problem.
 
David

#6926 of 19283 Re: 2001 Forester - Running Hot [starrman] by dsain

Aug 16, 2006 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: starrman (Aug 16, 2006 8:08 am)
Your "service advisor" must be new to Subaru. '00-'02 headgasket problems aren't unusual. I'm dealing w/Subaru right now with leaking left gasket. I'd rather fix this than sell it, and if Subaru will help me they are golden in my eyes, but I think there should have been a replacement recall. Head gaskets should last more than 104,000 miles in my case. My leak is internal. The recall and extended warranty (if recall is performed) covers external leaks to 100,000 miles.
 
Best of luck to you!
 
David

Messages Page 693 of 1929

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