BlueSubes Posted October 25, 2004 Share Posted October 25, 2004 Hello all. I have a 97 OB Auto. w/105,000 that binds when parking and a flashing AT Oil Temp when car starts. I’ve tried to do my research and follow the many threads here on “torque binding”, “duty solenoid C”, and “transfer clutch” but my auto comprehension is limited and I just don’t know what to do. Can anyone help…I really used to love this car! 3 mechanics have checked it out. First diagnosis was from a Subaru dealer who said transfer clutch needed to be overhauled (est. $1460 b/c of rusted studs). My trustworthy family mechanic wouldn’t touch the car—all his tranny contacts said it’s a dealer problem. Third mechanic, my Subaru dealer, retrieved fault code #24 in memory (no opens found) and said problem could be EITHER the intermittent failure of transfer clutch solenoid (est. $350) OR transmission control module (est. at least $500), but neither one would DEFINATELY fix problem. Seemed too vague, so I got a tranny flush and my 150,000 mileage service but the problem hasn't gone away. I’ve read in many related threads that this problem is difficult to precisely diagnose and I should be careful regarding expensive dealers’ quotes. I’ve also read about inserting the fuse, changing the diff oil, measuring the tires (new Michelin tires 11/20/01), etc. but since fault code #24 was identified, can’t I assume that the problem is the duty solenoid C and not the TCM, according to this Diagnostic Chart w/Trouble Codes (http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1335)? I'm under the impression my dealer is not being honest w/me--he said it would be fine to keep driving it, however I've read this can prematurely wear out tires and drive train parts. I don't want to be a sucker just because I am automotively-challenged...any advice? Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted October 26, 2004 Share Posted October 26, 2004 Stick a fuse in the FWD fuse holder. If the binding goes away, I'd say the duty c solenoid is still good, and it's probably the clutch pack. If the binding does not go away with the fuse in there, the duty c solenoid is probably bad. If the fuse method cures the binding, I'd suggest changing the transmission fluid. If it's real bad looking, drive it for a while, and change it again to get the nasty stuff out. Also there is an additive you can add that has helped others. I don't remember the specifics however on the additive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSubes Posted October 27, 2004 Author Share Posted October 27, 2004 Thank you! I will give the FWD fuse a try, but is this difficult to do for someone who doesn't know alot about cars? I did have the transmission fluid changed a month ago but it didn't seem to alleviate the binding. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rottenhead Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 Thank you! I will give the FWD fuse a try, but is this difficult to do for someone who doesn't know alot about cars? I did have the transmission fluid changed a month ago but it didn't seem to alleviate the binding. Laura Putting in the FWD fuse is very easy. Take a look in your owner's manual under Towing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitz Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 If the fuse cures the symptom, suspect a possible out-of-spec variance in tire circumference as another possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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