J A Blazer

In my 2000 OBW it was right where the previous poster said it was. Yes, it was hard to find, but its there. Perhaps what is deceptive is that the pigtail is wrapped as if its intended to remain permanently wrapped, rather than simply being tied to keep it from rattling around or getting pinched.

Why don't you use an OEM filter?

Anybody in or around Northern Virginia that has or knows of an available affordable umblemished front bumper skin that would fit my 2000 OBW? TIA.

What is the most likely explanation for a check engine light that comes on for a few days, then goes off for a few days, then back on, all with no intervention on my part? Plugs/wires are new. O2 sensor? 2000 4-cyl OBW, 105K.

Hi: 2000 4-cyl. OBW, 102K; I need an independent mechanic in Northern Virginia that I can trust to replace the timing belt; can't afford the dealers. TIA.

Hi: I need recommendations for an independent mechanic in Northern Virginia that regularly works on Subarus; can't afford the dealers.

Here's my recent experience on a 4-cylinder 2000 OBW. Passenger side quite easy after removal of air intake plastic plumbing. Driver's side somewhat harder. First, drain windshield washer reservoir. Remove battery, then remove the reservoir; reservoir removal can be done without removing the battery but is much easier with it out of the way. No problem with plug wires on either side. Only difficulties I encountered were getting enough room to use my torque wrench, and my spark plug socket would get left behind in the plug well when I removed the ratchet and extension; friction between the socket rubber insert and the plug was, for me, greater than the friction between the socket and the extension. Solution, for me at least, seems to require two plug sockets; one with the rubber insert to capture the plug on removal, and another without the rubber insert to be used for installing the plugs, although it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the porcelain part of the plug.

Progress report: Changed the fuel filter and the PCV valve first, but no change in condition. Then changed plugs and wires and problem completely went away. And, after 2 or 3 starts the check engine light went out and has stayed out. Mission accomplished.

I'm doing the plugs and wires tonight. Should I use anti-seize on the plugs? Torque setting? TIA.

What are the symptoms of a bad knock sensor? Mine was replaced by the previous owner about 60K or so ago. I made one interesting observation - the first time this problem occurred several days ago, after a particularly noticeable 'pop' from the engine compartment, I noticed that the center clip on the air filter box had sprung open. Related, or mere coincidence?

Thanks for the quick responses. Happens when car is warm. Intermittent. Wires appear to be original; plugs probably haven't been changed since 30K; fuel filter probably hasn't been changed since 30K; check engine light flickered the first time this happened several days ago and is now on steadily but I haven't pulled any codes yet. Do I have to relieve any pressure in the fuel system before changing the fuel filter? How hard is it to change the plugs?

Relatively new-to-me 2000 4-cyl OBW w/ 101K. I had been postponing the 90K service (other than oil & filter, transmission fluid & filter, air filter, all which I have done) hoping to combine it with the 105K timing belt service, but car is now not running right - it frequently bogs down and sounds like a mis-fire. What would most likely explanation be? Plugs, wires, fuel filter, valve adjustment, something else? I'm going to start by changing the fuel filter; any special precautions I need to take? Would also appreciate name of competent independent Subaru mechanic in Northern Virginia; I can't afford what the dealers want to charge. TIA.

I think that the $1,400 is a comprehensive price - tensioners, idlers, seals, etc., not just the belt and water pump. But what bothers me is that 4-6 months ago they quoted me $950 for the same job. No explanation for the dramatic increase.

2000 OBW, 100K. Dealer quoted $1,400 to replace timing belt and water pump; $600 to replace valve cover gaskets and plug wires; $600 to replace rear pads and rotors. Seems high. Thoughts? Located in Northern Virginia.

I received OEM rotors from 1stSubaru. Do they need to be cleansed of any machine oil residue? If so, how? On my Lexus several years ago the new rotors required elaborate cleansing.

Tomorrow I will be replacing the front rotors on my 2000 OBW. Does anyone know the specs for the bolts that you can thread through the rotor hat in order to free it from the hub? TIA

I don't know why someone thinks $500 is high for this service; my dealer quoted $900 for my 2000 SOHC 2.5 OBW.

I just installed a Draw-Tite hitch on my 2000 OBW and it was a piece of cake; however, my installation involved fishing carriage bolts in through existing holes in the 'frame rails' (for lack of a better term), rather than screwing them into 'welded' nuts.

When I take my 2000 OBW H-4 in for a timing belt replacement, will it be necessary for the dealer to replace the coolant?

2007 Outbacks are "XM Capable" according to the window sticker, whatever that means.

The window stickers on two new Imprezas that I saw at the dealer today indicate the assembly plant to be Newport News, VA on one, Baltimore, MD on the other. Are these plants open for tours? Has anyone toured the Indiana plant?

Its quite easy. Gently pry off the faux wood console trim piece, starting at the top. I think that the shifter has to be in "D" or lower in order to accomplish this. Once that is off you will see the screws that need to be removed in order to remove the radio/cd changer from the dash. Once the screws are removed pull the assembly out far enough to reach around and remove the various wiring harnesses.

My guess is that since you are in Maryland, and it rained a lot last week, rust accumulated on the rotor which can take some time to disappear. Unless the sound reappears I wouldn't worry about it.

Hi; I just installed a trailer hitch on my 2000 OBW. I have found the wiring pig-tail behind the right side tail light assembly, and will be getting the model 18370 trailer wiring converter. However, where do I route the wires from the inside to the outside? TIA; pictures will help immeasurably.

Mine is a 2000, with external filter. Even with a change of filter I don't think that more than 4 1/2 quarts came out.