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Subaru Outback: Slips from Drive to Manual/1st gear on its own

24 messages,  Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 1:47 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

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

Messages Page 2 of 3

#7 of 24 Re: Subaru Outback: Slips from Drive to Manual/1st gear on its own [vtara16] by kryptoc

Jul 14, 2012 (12:23 pm)

Replying to: vtara16 (Mar 28, 2012 11:09 am)
Here's how this happened to me. A new 3.6R with 100mi. I was going 60 in the left lane up a steep, long hill in Colorado; cars all around. I tapped the left paddle for the first time to test the downshifting. The car IMMEDIATELY dropped into 1st gear! Revs through the roof; tapped the upshift--nothing. Very near serious accident as the car suddenly slowed, likely with no brake lights. Pulled over with lots of dashboard lights, including the flashing brake light. Towed in. Dealer mechanics hadn't heard of this before. Anyone have input on this?

#8 of 24 Re: Subaru Outback: Slips from Drive to Manual/1st gear on its own [kryptoc] by coloradomom2

Sep 06, 2012 (7:12 am)

Replying to: kryptoc (Jul 14, 2012 12:23 pm)
I have an automatic (CVT) Outback Premium 2012. Yesterday I was driving at 40mph, no acceleration or deceleration, going straight. The car just stopped, as if I went into first and hit the brakes. Almost got rear ended. When I pressed the gas, the car would not go and I noticed the drive gear was in manual. Called Subaru and they said I had probably accidentally moved gear shift. How could I have done that if I was not moving around in the car? They offered to look at it but since they had no idea what happened, it seems a waste of time. I'll see what happens.

#9 of 24 Re: Subaru Outback: Slips from Drive to Manual/1st gear on its own [coloradomom2] by ateixeira

Sep 06, 2012 (11:02 am)

Replying to: coloradomom2 (Sep 06, 2012 7:12 am)
Scary. Let them run their full diagnostics to see if they flag anything.

#10 of 24 Re: Subaru Outback: Slips from Drive to Manual/1st gear on its own [ateixeira] by mcarver82

Jan 29, 2013 (7:02 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 06, 2012 11:02 am)
Mine has done this exact thing twice in the past 2 days. First time thought I had accidentally knocked something, second time I knew. have owned for 9 months. PZEV version 2011 2.5. outback. Please post if you have a solution, scares me for being such a new car.

#11 of 24 Lemon law or go thru SOA? by reallysoa

Jan 30, 2013 (9:11 pm)

Same downshifting problem here. Dealer will deny it and so will SOA. Which is better option-lemon law or repurchase/replace via SOA?

#12 of 24 Re: Lemon law or go thru SOA? [reallysoa] by ateixeira

Jan 31, 2013 (7:48 am)

Replying to: reallysoa (Jan 30, 2013 9:11 pm)
Are you able to duplicate the problem in front of a tech?
 
I troubleshoot for a living and it's really tough when a customer has a problem but I'm not able to observe it, makes it much tougher.
 
If you can duplicate the conditions where the problem occurs and the dealer can see it, that helps them fix it.

#13 of 24 Re: Lemon law or go thru SOA? [ateixeira] by acr2011

Mar 02, 2013 (3:17 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 31, 2013 7:48 am)
Good news, MYSTERY SOLVED!!! I was the original poster, and should have posted this long ago... my apologies.
 
I don't live far from SOA HQ, so one of their lead tech guys got involved to help figure this out. He came out to meet me one day over the summer for a test drive and to watch my driving position, technique (without telling me he was doing so). Super guy, very genuine in his wanting to figure this out. Kudos to Subaru of America.
 
Long story short, here was his theory: I drive with my left leg at a near-90-degree-angle, and so without realizing it, occassionally when I would turn, the paddle shifters brushed my leg with enough force to kick them into gear, but not for me to really take note of the sensation against my leg. It happened even more during the winter with a heavier coat, when I really wouldn't feel it at all.
 
I am relieved to share that ever since my test drive/discussion about his theory, I have NOT had the issue at all. As a side note, we just welcomed our first child, and I have no hesitations about having her in that car.
 
SOA had received a handful of complaints about this same issue (side note: the Dealers' handling of this is another story -- they all seem to have had the same approach: deny anyone else has the issue and make it our fault...ugh.) Coincidentally, all were from women drivers; and it seems that women drivers drive with more of an upright left leg, which triggers the issue.
 
...I know this may sound a bit odd. But try it for a while - notice your leg position the next time in your car, and make a conscience effort to make sure it is not anywhere near the bottom of your steering wheel.

#14 of 24 Re: Lemon law or go thru SOA? [acr2011] by dcm61

Mar 02, 2013 (8:08 pm)

Replying to: acr2011 (Mar 02, 2013 3:17 pm)
Glad to hear that the mystery was solved.
 
Hmmm, the very first reply to your original post (from me ) ...
 
Is it possible that you are accidentally hitting the paddle shifter on the steering wheel?
 
 

#15 of 24 Re: Lemon law or go thru SOA? [dcm61] by ateixeira

Mar 03, 2013 (8:01 am)

Replying to: dcm61 (Mar 02, 2013 8:08 pm)
Good catch.
 
Maybe a more visible display when the paddles are used?
 
Interesting that the "shift" is smooth enough that it isn't felt.

#16 of 24 Re: Lemon law or go thru SOA? [ateixeira] by dcm61

Mar 03, 2013 (10:11 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Mar 03, 2013 8:01 am)
Maybe a more visible display when the paddles are used?
 
The in dash display changes from D to a number (1 to 6).

Messages Page 2 of 3

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