martinm Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 What a great resource this is!!! So here's to my situation. I just bought a used 96 Legacy Outback 2.5L DOHC automatic. I took it to my mechanic and he fixed some problems however some still linger: (1) The keyless entry doesn't work (the remote control that is). Also, when unlocking/locking the driver's side door with a key or from the inside, not all the doors unlock/lock. I know they should and I can hear a sound as if they are trying but no luck. Is there a fuse or something that I should look to change? Any way to diagnose the problem? (2)The car idles a little high after running for a while. When stationary, the car idles a little rough at around 6-800 RPM when i first get in it. However, the longer i drive it, the higher it idles. If it's in drive, it never idles more then 1k RPM. However, if I stop and put it in park or neutral, it usually idles at 1.5k RPM. The mechanic said there is air getting into a valve so fixing it would mean reconstructing the engine. He said it's not a problem and something I'll just have to get used to. Any thoughts? (3)Finally, the past two days i've noticed that when i'm not moving or moving very slowly, my temperature gauge goes up to a very high level. However, when I start driving faster, it goes back down to normal (1/3 from the lowest setting). I've read that this is probably a sticking thermostat so I plan on replacing that myself. Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance for the help, it's really appreciated!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 What a great resource this is!!! So here's to my situation. I just bought a used 96 Legacy Outback 2.5L DOHC automatic. I took it to my mechanic and he fixed some problems however some still linger: (1) The keyless entry doesn't work (the remote control that is). Also, when unlocking/locking the driver's side door with a key or from the inside, not all the doors unlock/lock. I know they should and I can hear a sound as if they are trying but no luck. Is there a fuse or something that I should look to change? Any way to diagnose the problem? Know issue, I have a fix on my web site. http://www.rweddysolutions.com/Subaru96fix (3)Finally, the past two days i've noticed that when i'm not moving or moving very slowly, my temperature gauge goes up to a very high level. However, when I start driving faster, it goes back down to normal (1/3 from the lowest setting). I've read that this is probably a sticking thermostat so I plan on replacing that myself. Any other thoughts? Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your HG are going. Does this happen when you go up hills? The 2.5 has HG issues, so keep an eye on it because it is going to be worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 If you're lucky, among other things, the overheating could be caused by a failed radiator fan. Do a "search" on 2.5L DOHC Phase I engines. Your car may, or may not, have blown head gaskets, BUT you should be aware of the symptoms. Also READ and understand the owner's manual. Overall Subarus are good cars, bur it is easy to do a lot of expensive damge through ignorance or neglect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
later, Peter Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 What a great resource this is!!! So here's to my situation. I just bought a used 96 Legacy Outback 2.5L DOHC automatic. I took it to my mechanic and he fixed some problems however some still linger: (1) The keyless entry doesn't work (the remote control that is). Also, when unlocking/locking the driver's side door with a key or from the inside, not all the doors unlock/lock. I know they should and I can hear a sound as if they are trying but no luck. Is there a fuse or something that I should look to change? Any way to diagnose the problem? (2)The car idles a little high after running for a while. When stationary, the car idles a little rough at around 6-800 RPM when i first get in it. However, the longer i drive it, the higher it idles. If it's in drive, it never idles more then 1k RPM. However, if I stop and put it in park or neutral, it usually idles at 1.5k RPM. The mechanic said there is air getting into a valve so fixing it would mean reconstructing the engine. He said it's not a problem and something I'll just have to get used to. Any thoughts? (3)Finally, the past two days i've noticed that when i'm not moving or moving very slowly, my temperature gauge goes up to a very high level. However, when I start driving faster, it goes back down to normal (1/3 from the lowest setting). I've read that this is probably a sticking thermostat so I plan on replacing that myself. Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance for the help, it's really appreciated!!! I bought a '96 OBW last week.1. I had the same issue: I reset/reprogrammed the remote switch (email me if you need directions... quite easy) BUT I also think there's a relation to the key you use. The original key is no problem but the newly cut key (from the original) acts more like the "valet" key. 2. This could also be a vacuum leak... check the hoses. listen for the whooshing of leak... 3. Headgasket failure is the theory of fear of all overheating Subarus (especially Phase I) not to say it isn't BUT (especially if the temp guage returns to normal at faster speeds): fan, radiator, coolant leak, bad timing (which could also cause the funny idle), thermostat, AIR IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM (very dangerous to the system but can be "burped" out) are other causes for overheating.... Perhaps you need a new mechanic or just a second opinion (any good radiator shops near you, better yet, any GOOD Subaru specialists (not dealers)??? Take care of the overheating issue first, then the idle. Later, Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDB24 Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 3. Had the same problem with my '97 OBW for months and months; no one could figure out the problem. Replaced thermostat, radiator, tested water pump, fans, everything. Finally, took apart the engine, found out that the head was warped. Why? The latest theory is that the cat was clogged. So, planning on replacing the cat, though I'm not sure what caused it to clog up. If you take it to a dealer/mechanic, make sure you mention the cat idea to him so you don't end up wasting loads of money on them not fixing anything. Good luck! (p.s.: discountconverters.com is the best place i've found so far for replacement cats.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDB24 Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 p.p.s. btw there are two cats: a front one and a rear one. I'm not sure if you can get away with replacing only one or have to do both. Anyone else know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike1969 Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 What a great resource this is!!! So here's to my situation. I just bought a used 96 Legacy Outback 2.5L DOHC automatic. I took it to my mechanic and he fixed some problems however some still linger: (1) The keyless entry doesn't work (the remote control that is). Also, when unlocking/locking the driver's side door with a key or from the inside, not all the doors unlock/lock. I know they should and I can hear a sound as if they are trying but no luck. Is there a fuse or something that I should look to change? Any way to diagnose the problem? (2)The car idles a little high after running for a while. When stationary, the car idles a little rough at around 6-800 RPM when i first get in it. However, the longer i drive it, the higher it idles. If it's in drive, it never idles more then 1k RPM. However, if I stop and put it in park or neutral, it usually idles at 1.5k RPM. The mechanic said there is air getting into a valve so fixing it would mean reconstructing the engine. He said it's not a problem and something I'll just have to get used to. Any thoughts? (3)Finally, the past two days i've noticed that when i'm not moving or moving very slowly, my temperature gauge goes up to a very high level. However, when I start driving faster, it goes back down to normal (1/3 from the lowest setting). I've read that this is probably a sticking thermostat so I plan on replacing that myself. Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance for the help, it's really appreciated!!! I have had similar problems with door locks. #1 if you hear it trying it’s not a fuse! not to mention the all lock's are on the same fuse...Mine was that the arm assembly inside the doors need greased from time to time(Use wheel baring grease NOT WD-40 unless you like doing it again in a month) . Or a peace of the plastic liner got caught on the bar of the lock arm. Just take off the door cover and hit the button and see what’s stopping it from moving…:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinm Posted February 3, 2005 Author Share Posted February 3, 2005 I bought a '96 OBW last week. 1. I had the same issue: I reset/reprogrammed the remote switch (email me if you need directions... quite easy) BUT I also think there's a relation to the key you use. The original key is no problem but the newly cut key (from the original) acts more like the "valet" key. 2. This could also be a vacuum leak... check the hoses. listen for the whooshing of leak... 3. Headgasket failure is the theory of fear of all overheating Subarus (especially Phase I) not to say it isn't BUT (especially if the temp guage returns to normal at faster speeds): fan, radiator, coolant leak, bad timing (which could also cause the funny idle), thermostat, AIR IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM (very dangerous to the system but can be "burped" out) are other causes for overheating.... Perhaps you need a new mechanic or just a second opinion (any good radiator shops near you, better yet, any GOOD Subaru specialists (not dealers)??? Take care of the overheating issue first, then the idle. Later, Peter PM sent about the programming. I tried finding some Subaru specialist around me but no luck. To update on the overheating thing, I replaced the coolant today and noticed that the inside of the reserve had some black greasey looking slim in it. Not a lot, just some coating the sides. Didn't clean it because i don't know how. However, after driving to campus, nothing out of the ordinary happened, temperature stayed the same throughout. However, on the way back though after about 20 mins, started going up and down again. Not nearly as bad as before though and didn't stay up for very long. Even just cruising really slow sometimes brought the temp back to normal. Might it just be air in the line? Or is it really the radiator. Man I wish i know how to fix things... Thanks again to everyone for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnuman Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 PM sent about the programming. I tried finding some Subaru specialist around me but no luck. To update on the overheating thing, I replaced the coolant today and noticed that the inside of the reserve had some black greasey looking slim in it. Not a lot, just some coating the sides. Didn't clean it because i don't know how. However, after driving to campus, nothing out of the ordinary happened, temperature stayed the same throughout. However, on the way back though after about 20 mins, started going up and down again. Not nearly as bad as before though and didn't stay up for very long. Even just cruising really slow sometimes brought the temp back to normal. Might it just be air in the line? Or is it really the radiator. Man I wish i know how to fix things... Thanks again to everyone for the help. What part of California are you in? If you are anywhere near the Bay Area or Delta, then PM me, and I'll have a look at it. ("anywhere near" means within about 100 miles or so. . .) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearbalu Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 If your car overheats only at stop or slow speeds, it sounds like something related to fan. Next time car seems to overheat, pull over and check if fans are working. If they are not, it is definitely a fan problem... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
later, Peter Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 PM sent about the programming. Thanks again to everyone for the help. PM back at ya...GOOD LUCK! later, Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomson1355 Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 The black gooey slimy stuff in your coolant reservoir indicates you have blown head gaskets. After you turn your car off, watch for little bubbles coming up through the coolant in the reservoir, another indicator. Lastly, watch the level of fluid in your reservoir. If it gets a little higher every day (hey! where did all that coolant come from?), that also says head gaskets. As the reservoir gets fuller, the cooling system gets less full, and the guage reads higher. Eventually the coolant will splurt out of the reservoir and make a mess in your engine compartment. Let us know what you find. Tom Murphy Earlville, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinm Posted February 4, 2005 Author Share Posted February 4, 2005 The weird part is that it's not happenning all the time. yesterday I drove for 2 hours without any problems... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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