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Subaru Legacy/Outback Transmission Problems

580 messages,  Last post on May 14, 2013 at 12:13 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Transmission, Sedan, Wagon


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Messages Page 19 of 58

#181 of 580 Re: transmission problem? [shabe1] by marc_il

Feb 25, 2008 (5:08 pm)

Replying to: shabe1 (Jan 24, 2008 1:19 pm)
Hi Shabe1, I bought a 2005 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon with automatic and sport shift transmission in July 2007 with about 26,000 miles. I've put 12,000 miles on it. This winter (my first winter owning it) it started downshifting very hard when cold and approaching a stop sign. The transmission also slips sometimes going from third to second (around a corner for example). I took it to a reputable transmission shop. They said a complete rebuild would be around 3,000 and they wouldn't recommend it, just wait and see. Yesterday, the check engine light came on and the Cruise light is flashing so it is going back in tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens. I'm thinking of trading it back in at the dealer where I bought it. I love the car and it does everything else great, but the transmission makes me very nervous.

#182 of 580 Re: '08 Subaru Outback 2.5XT Hard shift [corriewolfe] by bondryan

Feb 25, 2008 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: corriewolfe (Feb 25, 2008 6:26 am)
That is unbelievable! It sounds like we have the same issue. I have brought my 08 2.5 XT Outback in 4 times now and I was referred to a Subaru "Field Representative" and he told me the same stuff about that it is a "learned behavior". I was very upset with his conclusion, so I wrote Subaru Corp. and got a response from someone who read my letter. I am now being presented with two options: (1) an extended warranty (7 years or 100K miles on Power train) or a possible trade-in with "financing help" from Subaru Corp. I am going to bring up the fact that other customers are experiencing the same thing with the field service guy I met with. I agree that it is a software issue and I tried to explain that to them but they were not listening. There definitely seems to be something wrong with the S/W code. Let me know if you find anything else out and I will do the same.

#183 of 580 Re: transmission problem? [marc_il] by snowbelter

Feb 25, 2008 (7:16 pm)

Replying to: marc_il (Feb 25, 2008 5:08 pm)
Downshifting hard when cold is a "known" problem. There's a Technical Service Bulletin out. If your transmission is slipping when cold, it may be related.
 
Ask your dealer about TSB 16-69-07.

#184 of 580 Help! Clutch or Transmission? by cmccart

Feb 29, 2008 (5:13 am)

1995 Subaru Legacy Wagon with 156k miles has always had problems shifting into reverse. On and off over several weeks have been smelling a burnt plastic smell, but had a garbage sack fly under the car and thought it was bits of the bag although never could find evidence of it. Two days ago could not put in R unless engine was off and started having difficulty shifting up/down in 1st and 3rd. Adjusted the clutch and had no problems for a couple days, but now has gotten to the point that it will barely shift at all. Do you think this is a clutch or a transmission problem? Need to get an idea of cost to eval options for fixing or retiring our Subie for a newer vehicle.
 
Thanks!

#185 of 580 Re: Help! Clutch or Transmission? [cmccart] by paisan

Feb 29, 2008 (7:07 am)

Replying to: cmccart (Feb 29, 2008 5:13 am)
hmm, burning plastic could have been the reverse gear, IIRC they use plastic gears for R.
 
When did you have the clutch last replaced? If it's original at 156k miles I'd say it may be the clutch.
 
Also have you drained/filld the transmission to see if there is any evidence of metal etc in there?
 
-mike

#186 of 580 Re: Help! Clutch or Transmission? [paisan] by cmccart

Mar 04, 2008 (2:41 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Feb 29, 2008 7:07 am)
Clutch is not original...had a lemon that SOA covered under warranty just a few months after we got it brand new. Clutch replaced again at about 90k miles and our mechanic said shaft/plate was dinged up from first replacement.
 
We haven't drained/filled the transmission. Hubby says that he has no doubt there will be metal in there due to the grind we've always had with R gear and the little bit of grinding from the recent issue prior to parking it. We haven't moved it since.
 
-cindy

#187 of 580 Heater A/C Fan by cmccart

Mar 04, 2008 (3:18 pm)

The fan that blows heat/air inside our 1995 Subaru Legacy only runs on high. It just quits blowing when the knob is turned to low or medium.
 
Is this fan under the dash or under the hood? I would like to replace it because I have lived with the high setting for almost a year and cannot take it any longer.

#188 of 580 Re: Help! Clutch or Transmission? [cmccart] by paisan

Mar 10, 2008 (7:29 pm)

Replying to: cmccart (Mar 04, 2008 2:41 pm)
Fluid should be changed every 30-60k miles and certainly by the milage you have on it now should have been changed several times!
 
Are you at a complete stop when putting it into R? R sometimes needs you to put it in 1 and then R to get into R because it's a straight cut gear.
 
I wouldn't be suprised if you need a trans replacement, luckily they are about $500-600.
 
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host

#189 of 580 Re: Help! Clutch or Transmission? [paisan] by cmccart

Mar 11, 2008 (2:28 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Mar 10, 2008 7:29 pm)
Husband says the trans fluid has been changed.
 
We have always had problems with R...even when it was brand new. Must be at a complete stop and shifts into R easiest if engine is off. Now recently have had a hard time shifting into 1st unless motor is off and VERY hard shifting into other gears over a week ago when I quit driving it.
 
The mechanic who replaced our clutch last time...about 8 years ago believes it is the clutch again and husband does not want to attempt to change it out, so we are taking it in to a shop tomorrow. This mechanic said that part of the clutch mechanism...pressure plate or shaft got dinged up when SOA replaced the original clutch under warranty less than a year after we bought it new.
 
We will ask the shop we are taking it to to check out the trans prior to replacing the clutch.
 
Thanks for the reply.
 
Do you know anything about the fan that blows A/C and heat into the car? Is this under the dash or the hood with the engine?

#190 of 580 Re: Help! Clutch or Transmission? [cmccart] by paisan

Mar 11, 2008 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: cmccart (Mar 11, 2008 2:28 pm)
8 years and how many miles since the clutch was replaced? They only last about 80k miles so it may be due anyway. Whenever we do a clutch we do the whole "kit" which is the clutch plate, pressure plate, pilot and throwout bearings.
 
Reverse you always have to be at a stop to engage, on any stick subaru. 1st gear you also need to be stopped as well to engage it smoothly.
 
I believe the blower is under the dash for the HVAC.
 
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host

Messages Page 19 of 58

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