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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 45 of 58

#441 of 580 1999 Automatic cant Upshift into Overdrive by outback99

Oct 16, 2010 (5:55 am)

1999 Subaru Legacy 2.5 Automatic 180,00 miles
 
I can force into overdrive by: 1) Manually shifting into Neutral 2) Then, manually shift into 3 gear (which is the gear the trans is actual in) 3) And then manually shift into Overdrive. But, transmission will shift down out of OD as soon as any load is applied to the engine.
 
Replaced: All Valve Body with Solenoids, TCM, TPS, and O.H, Kit. Still will won't up shift into OD.
 
No codes or any other problems.

#442 of 580 Outback transmission harness leak by slyvest1

Oct 21, 2010 (8:24 am)

Our 2000 wagon with 80,000 miles has a trans harness o ring leak. Dealer's fix is to seal the leak for $200 rather than replace as was recommended in posting #361. Any comments on this fix?
Also, my Outback 2006 wagon is scheduled for its first transmission fluid replacement and the dealer told me that Subaru does not recommend a flush; just a drain and fill. Any comments on why not to flush?

#443 of 580 92 legacy transmission by markoneill33

Oct 29, 2010 (3:03 pm)

have 92 legacy awd 4 speed auto 135000 miles shifts hard from 1st to 2nd .not as bad in other gears fluid level seems ok

#444 of 580 Re: Outback 2011 Transmission issue [redrose1] by marzelv

Jan 10, 2011 (9:59 pm)

Replying to: redrose1 (Aug 27, 2010 3:28 pm)
Well.. My car is 13 years old (1997 Legacy Gt 2.5L) with 81,000 miles on it and it does that exact same thing. Not that it has much comparison other than the same type of car just a few years difference.

#445 of 580 Re: 1999 Automatic cant Upshift into Overdrive [outback99] by outback99

Jan 11, 2011 (7:27 am)

Replying to: outback99 (Oct 16, 2010 5:55 am)
*Also replaced: ECM, MAP sensor, and MAF sensor - NO EFFECT.
 
**In addition to above problem: Transmission will Shift fine if using Cruise Control.
 
So logically the problem has to do with the wiring - possibly a new Wiring Harness is needed, OR possibly there is a bad Ground (there are several).
 
I dont know enough about the circuitry between: how the transmission works using Cruise Control VS not using using Cruise Control.

#446 of 580 Re: Outback 2011 Transmission issue [redrose1] by rhinca

Jan 12, 2011 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: redrose1 (Aug 27, 2010 3:28 pm)
I am yet another frustrated Subaru owner experiencing the same transmission problem. I have a 2008 Outback automatic... for the last few months it has been lurching when it changes gears, especially when I let off the accelerator slightly. Sometimes it makes such a loud noise that everyone in the car jumps! Of course it does this intermittently (cant figure out a temperature correlation) and under different circumstances. I've taken it to the dealer 3 times (its there right now) Each time, they check it with the computer, make some adjustment, and the problem subsides for about 2 weeks. Today, they've told me that once again they've "fixed" the problem according to the computer, and that the print out reads everything is "normal." I put in a ticket with the Subaru headquarters, and am waiting for various managers to talk to other managers. I was delighted to find this thread (very validating). My 2008 Outback has never done this, and there is no way it is "normal." I will post an outcome if I get something tangible!

#447 of 580 Re: Outback 2011 Transmission issue [majbriggs] by tlawler

Jan 20, 2011 (8:43 pm)

Replying to: majbriggs (Oct 05, 2010 12:40 pm)
I used to love Subaru's but, .....My wife bought a new Outback 2011 with the 3.6 engine and immediately experienced the same "clunking" transmission issue. Major intermittent hard shifting when slowing down and then accelerating, usually at a light that turns green or when rounding a corner. Very annoying and potentially a safety issue if someone's close in front of you and it bucks badly. Since it's intermittent, it can really surprise you.
 
I tried to get her to return it immediately but we had a road trip vacation planned and she thought the dealer would take care of it. She's taken it in 3 times and they acknowledge the problem but claim it's normal with "this new transmission." Service Manager says the clutch pack locks up when it downshifts to protect the transmission?? and that causes the hard shift. Field Service Engineer says it's "normal." I've had 2 other 3.6 Outbacks and never experienced the issue. It's hard to believe Subaru would let this kind of driver experience out the door and then call it normal. I'm making a call to Customer Dealer Services about the issue tomorrow. You can reach them at 800-782-2873. Hopefully, someone at the corporate level will recognize this as the potential class action suit it could become and get this fixed before it metastasises and damages their enviable reputation.

#448 of 580 Re: Outback 2011 Transmission issue [rhinca] by outbackinnc

Jan 26, 2011 (6:31 am)

Replying to: rhinca (Jan 12, 2011 7:55 pm)
Thanks for the post...I am having an identical problem with my 2008 Outback automatic as well. I was starting to think that I was imagining things or that this was normal...but there is NO WAY this is normal. I had mine in and service said there was a TSB for a computer "refresh" for a transmission shifting problem, but after getting it back, there was no difference. I don't have the loud noise you mention (yet) but it lurches when trying to shift at relatively low speeds and RPMs, mostly between 25 - 25 mph and around 1500 - 2200 rpms. Going from between 1st and 2nd it's clunky, and then races up to 3rd, then downshifts to 2nd again. Also when coming to a stop it seems to hold onto 2nd gear before it downshifts to 1st, not exactly safe.
 
Ya know, one of the reasons I bought the Subaru because it was rated off the charts on CR, and a safe car..I hope this can be fixed and that I don't regret this decision.

#449 of 580 Re: Outback 2011 Transmission issue [tlawler] by outbackinnc

Jan 26, 2011 (6:36 am)

Replying to: tlawler (Jan 20, 2011 8:43 pm)
I just replied to rhinca to say that I am having a very similar problem, and also wanted to let you know you also describe the issue we're seeing with a clunking transmission in our 2008 Outback automatic. The transmission sounds like it's not been re-engineered since between 2008 and 2011. : (
 
I'm interested to know if you got a response from Customer Dealer Services or not. I may try the same tack and have put in a request to schedule to have the Outback looked at again because this is simply not acceptable. I'll try +18007822873 as well. Thanks for the post.

#450 of 580 Re: Outback 2011 Transmission issue [outbackinnc] by xwesx

Jan 26, 2011 (9:50 am)

Replying to: outbackinnc (Jan 26, 2011 6:36 am)
Your car and the 2011 have different transmissions. I have owned two Subaru Outbacks with the 4EAT that is in your car (one of which was also a 2008), and they were fairly smooth, so there is certainly nothing normal about the symptoms you describe.
 
I suspect the issue is with the electronic control, but I would also inspect the transmission fluid to see whether there are signs of physical wear in the unit, such as a browning of the fluid (should be bright red). Either way, Subaru ought to see it fixed.
 
Has the car done this since new? Have you driven any others to compare "normal" to the experience you have with your car? While the Outback and Legacy no longer use the 4EAT, the Forester and Impreza do.

Messages Page 45 of 58

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