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


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

#414 of 580 Correct Transmission for 1999 Subaru Legacy? by sparker3

Jun 17, 2010 (10:31 pm)

I have a 1999 Legacy outback 2.5L DOHC. Recently needed to replace the transmission and bought a used one, supposedly from Japan, from the supplier my mechanic recommended. The part number off the new transmission is TZ1A2ZAEAA-WX. It doesn't work after installation, and my mechanic says it acts like it is not able to communicate with the computer, suggesting maybe it is the wrong transmission. Original transmission number ended with JEBA. Supplier says it is the right transmission - numbers are different in Japan. I'm thinking of small claims court, assuming that it could be documented that it is not the right transmission for my car. Can anyone point me to a source where I can find out what it really fits? Help much appreciated, since I'm out a whole lot of money.

#415 of 580 98 Subaru Legacy - Wheels binding in turns by jbjjc9

Jun 19, 2010 (6:21 am)

I have a 98 Subaru Legacy with 100,000 miles and the rear wheels are binding in turns. Through research, I found this to be the clutch packs and solenoid. I would like to know how to repair it myself or disengage the rear wheels. The FWD fuse under the hood does not disengage it. The AT oil temp light blinks on start-up indicating an electrical failure, the last time the car was run. Any help someone could give me would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you

#416 of 580 Re: 98 Subaru Legacy - Wheels binding in turns [jbjjc9] by xwesx

Jun 21, 2010 (9:56 am)

Replying to: jbjjc9 (Jun 19, 2010 6:21 am)
The clutch packs are located in the housing for the transaxle (combination of the transmission, front differential, and center differential), so it is a laborious and complicated task to repair.
 
To "disengage" the rear wheels, if the fuse is not doing the trick, you could disengage the hard link. That would simply involve removing the driveshaft linking the rear differential to the center differential and is a simple, quick job.

#417 of 580 Re: 98 Subaru Legacy - Wheels binding in turns [xwesx] by jbjjc9

Jun 23, 2010 (8:14 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jun 21, 2010 9:56 am)
thanks xwesx, I thought about that but if I pull the yoke out of the tranny the fliud will leak out, at least thats what would happen in an older car. I'm thinking about trying to change clutch packs and duty soleniod "c". it don't look to tough just drop the drive shaft, unbolt rear part of tranny case but I have to make some calls to find where to but the mpt clutch and solenoid. thanks for your help.

#418 of 580 1992 Subaru Legacy FWD Automatic Transaxel Leak by pupparent

Jun 24, 2010 (3:10 pm)

My transmission is leaking really, really bad. I have had it towed to two different transmission repair shops.
1ST shop told me they would need to drop the trans. in order to make a diagnosis.
They also told me that my car would not go into first gear.
When the guy told me this my response was " you didn't drive it without transmission fluid in it did you, remember that is why I had it TOWED, because it is leaking really, really bad?"
His reply was a pause.
I got scared and told him to hold off and I would call him back in a few minutes.
So the next day I called the 2ND shop to try to compare prices using the info from shop #1.
Shop #2 made me feel more confident in them so I had car towed from shop 1 to shop 2.
Shop 2 told me well no wonder shop 1 said it wouldn't go into 1ST gear, it was four quarts low in fluid. Shop 2 put fluid in and it shifts fine.
But...
my transmission would not leak for shop 2.
They tried but couldn't get it to leak, so I picked it up and drove it home and there was no leak.
Now about 100 miles later it is leaking like it was before.
It appears to only be leaking when it is turned on.
A constant drip.
The trail going down the road into my driveway has the drops spaced about 3/4 of an inch apart.
The filter and pan gasket had been replaced but that didn't change anything.
Any help/suggestions/ideas/comments are appreciated.

#419 of 580 Re: 1992 Subaru Legacy FWD Automatic Transaxel Leak [pupparent] by xwesx

Jun 24, 2010 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: pupparent (Jun 24, 2010 3:10 pm)
Can you tell from what area of the housing the leak is coming? That might tell us something. If the transmission is otherwise working fine, then it is likely a housing seal or gasket that has given out. The problem is that there are several of them....

#420 of 580 Re: 1992 Subaru Legacy FWD Automatic Transaxel Leak [xwesx] by pupparent

Jun 26, 2010 (12:29 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jun 24, 2010 5:07 pm)
The drips are dripping off of the two bolts at the lower rear area of the differential where the differential and trans. meet together. Right in the front center of the trans. oil pan.
The two bolts are tight so I think the leak is coming from somewhere up above them.
I'm not sure what is up there that would leak and my Haynes manual doesn't show any pics.
I don't think that the gasket between the diff. and the trans. is leaking unless it is doing so from the top where I can't see it.
If it is this gasket, appx. how much is too much to pay to have it replaced?
Is this kind of gasket replacement something that can be done at home or is it best left to a trans. repair shop?
I mentioned before that it appears to only leak when the vehicle is running, I just want to add to this that it starts dripping as soon as the car starts. It doesn't need any time to warm up or anything.

#421 of 580 Re: 1992 Subaru Legacy FWD Automatic Transaxel Leak [pupparent] by xwesx

Jun 28, 2010 (11:54 am)

Replying to: pupparent (Jun 26, 2010 12:29 am)
I just want to add to this that it starts dripping as soon as the car starts. It doesn't need any time to warm up or anything.
 
That is not too surprising, given that an automatic transmission works through hydraulic pressure. As soon as the engine is running, the system pressurizes. I would have to be more familiar with the way that housing is put together to be of any more use to you. If it is coming from the gasket area, that means the center/front differential is a sealed unit with the transmission housing attaching to the back of i, with automatic transmission fluid being in direct contact with the gasket area. If it is a single gasket, replacing it would involve fully separating the two units, probably after removing the entire transaxle from the car.
 
The leak may be varying in its intensity as result of small debris in the lubricant partially blocking it from time to time. Again, I am only speculating.
 
A member with the handle "girlcarbuilder" may be able to provide you with good advice on this one.

#422 of 580 Re: 98 Subaru Legacy - Wheels binding in turns [xwesx] by pj43

Jul 03, 2010 (5:24 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jun 21, 2010 9:56 am)
Re: I have a 97 and the light blinks 16 times, and binds in reverse a full turn.
its not affected in forward. A mechanic told me its the sellanoids, there is 3 in the valve body, electrical problem, not uncommon. Can fix by pulling the pan down.
Your input is greatly appreciated.

#423 of 580 Re: 98 Subaru Legacy - Wheels binding in turns [pj43] by jbjjc9

Jul 03, 2010 (7:57 am)

Replying to: pj43 (Jul 03, 2010 5:24 am)
Hi, I found the binding is the clutch packs located in the extension housing at the rear of the tranny and the blinking light is telling you an electrical fault occurred the last time you ran the car. That is probably the duty C solenoid which operates the clutch pack and is located in the extension housing as well, not at the tranny pan. I just had mine replaced 2 days ago for $550 and the car works fine. Check out these photos and you will see the clutch pack lying down and the solenoid mounted just to the right with wires coming out. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/All_talk/Subaru/4EAT/Image007.jpg I hope this helps.
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