I own a 2002 Subaru Outback VDC and love it. Up till now I have had no problems with the car. I just found this message board in an attempt to figure out what is wrong with this great car. I think message boards are a great concept for these situations.
I recently took my Outback for its 30K dealership check-up with tie odometer at about 32K. I now am up to 33.5K after an 850 mi round trip between NJ & PA. On that trip I noticed some smoke coming up primarily from the rear of the hood near the windshield. After opening the hood it appears to come from bewtween the firewall and the engine. I checked the belt in front of the engine and it looked fine. The smoke doesn't smell sweet, and it isn't very dark. I noticed the smoke and the odd smell when I got off the Interstate. If I had been driving faster (80+ mph or so) the smoke was worse. If I let the car idle after pulling off the interstate or if I had to go slow for a while after taking an exit, there was barely any smoke once I turned off the engine.
A friend of mine thought the cause may have been a plastic bag on the catalytic converter. He thought it was more a plasitc smell although the car wouldn't smoke after idling for 10 minutes and quick drive around the block to heat it up for my friend to inspect. I wonder if the dealership overfilled the motor or transmission oils and it may bubble up. Or there may a small leak somewhere perhaps from a loose seal or plug.
Another curious thing since the dealership vist. Three times in the 1,500 miles since the visit the steering wheel has briefly pulled counterclockwise in a pulsating fashion. This lasts briefly and then disappears. After the pulling episode, I heard a clicking noise from underneath the car. I think it is right under me or a little behind me, but not certain. This clicking goes faster as I accelerate but seems to go away when I hit cruising speed. This clicking also does not last a long time. For full disclosure, the dealership advised me that I should change my brakes at 36 K.
I don't want to sound paranoid but I have had a three years of trouble free driving with the car. In addition, I am not really mechanically inclinded nor a great trouble shooter when it comes to cars. I am also planning another 850 mi trip this weekend and want to know if I can travel worry free.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
J_Subaru
