jon38iowa

Early 8os Toyota drive trains are regarded by many as the best(would easily outlast their bodies), most reliable ever produced by anyone anywhere. Many well respected mechanics state this and further say Toyota has fallen off a bit, though still are extremely well made.

Good News! I replaced the rheostat today and the all the lights are lit up!~ It was indeed located up and behind the right side of glove box,moreover, it hides behind a stalk of two other electrical components that look very simillar to it. Thanks again for everyones help! Now I won't have to guess at night time speed. John

I forgot to mention, I have had no ill effects from this product whatsoever- Heater works perfect, etc, and so far no leaks at 133000K. It was a little odd adding this dirty appearing liquid to my nice freshly changed coolant.

Since replacing the struts, I don't think my springs are at all soft( I wish they were); Recently I put quite a bit weight in the back, car leveled right out and rode even better. John

The product Subaru sent me for my '99 Forester ( something conditioner) is not goopy at all, however it is strange in color. It looks kinda like very rusty antifreeze to me. John

No the radio is not affected by the dimmer switch- It stays one brightness. I it installed and think this reputable technician did a good job, at least from the looks of things. John

You Might need to consider new struts; I replaced all four of mine('99 S model) last year with KYB brand, and it did stiffen the suspension a bit, however there is still a little more body roll then I prefer.I am told shorter springs (STI) can be installed which supposedly will reduce this tendency. John

Simple is not a word I use for late model Subaru.LOL, I am assuming this is the right kick panel above and in front of the door; Indeed there is a lot back there. I found that out when I replaced the carpet. Thanks Cookie John

Thank You for providing the link to endwrench, however I was unable to access it despite trying both of my browsers. Can I ask what side of " kick plate" is the rheostat on driver side or passenger? Here's the scoop on the illumination: 1) Fog light switch lights fine. 2) The hazard button has never lit up, at least since Iv'e owned this used car. 3) Rear defogger, I will have to get back with you on. 4) Cruise control has also never lit up for me. 5) CD/ Radio works and shines brightly as before ( this is an expensive after market unit). 6)'Same as Above I am going to replace the rheostat regardless because: I have it, is not returnable, and it eliminates yet one more possible problem. Seperate and from the lighting issue, I will be replacing the heater control unit; This, as on mine the buttons are working a little loosely, moreover, I got a great deal (ebay)on a like new unit- $30.00! This price included ashtray, surround bezel, and power port. John

You've hit the nail on the head; Not all locals can afford to use the same product, moreover, here in central Iowa they use a pretty bland Mix. If however, you moved to eastern Iowa it entirely different ball game (same weather). The cars show it and are much more obviously rusted by it. John

OB99W: Thank You for advice! Here's the story: I atempted to replace the shift lever light bulb with one from Radio Shack, however within a few seconds of installing I smelled smoke! Quickly I removed the offender, but it was too late. I now have no dash lights, shifter light and heater/ Air control light; All the other lights work fine,radio is perfect, and the hazards work. I took the car to my local mechanic, morever he said, "it looks like the instrument Light Rheostat," and " likely it is connected to the turn signal stalk." I would have had this fellow fix this but he said to, " go to Subaru." To be honest I would rather replace half the dash board myself then go to my local dealer. So far I have installed a new turn signal assembly ( the entire unit) and checked the fuses ( inside and under hood). I have now this new $81.00 Rheostat part # 83023 FA000. It is a 1-2' Inch boxed shapped device and has a connection port to one end and steel holding plate on the other. This Satuday I guess I will be once again tackling this project; Thanks again for your response- The kicker in the saga, Subaru gave me a free bulb for the shifter.

Thanks Cookie: Unfortunately though, mine is not near the turn knob; I have taken the steering collumn all apart, no Rheostat. John

I am going to horn in on your thread because it dove tails with my predicament; The instrument lights no longer work on my Forester (Fuses are fine) and the issue was my mistake for installing an improper light bulb. At any rate my Mechanic recomended I replace the instrument light rheostat ( it looks kind a like a 1/4' sqaure Fuse), moreover I got one from a Dealer, but I can't seem to find anything that resembles it and certainly nothing on the steering collumn as I was told by the non Subaru mechanic. I guess I will have to take the lower dash, but if anyone knows the precise location of this instrument light Rheostat I would be very grateful. Note I replaced the turn signal stalk and it made no difference. John

I agree Nipper, Harry Trumann was right. I wouln't replace the gaskets unless there is an obvious problem; I add the Subaru stop Leak to my '99 Forester and so far no head gasket problem, 133000 K and still going. John

Indeed I usually have 5-6 gallons left, though the trusty gage says 1/4 tank. John

Can I ask why you label the B9 Tribeca a disaster? John

From the looks of it, value wise it is definately worth every penny of what their asking. My two cents. John

Sounds like your mileage is right on the money; At 3/4 tank 190 miles is exactly where my Forester normaly would be. John

I am no mechanic, but my guess is the cold water cracked the block, though it took a little time for it to blow apart. John

Hot engine- deep cold water, this is not good!

Hi Bruce: I am currious to know how many miles are on your buggy? Sorry about your luck, but now you will have a tight new engine! John

Hi Kevin: Yea that price is way out of line based on its condition, moreover, I think I would keep looking... I am sure you could find a really nice ( grandma drove it) '99 Subaru for this price range. Good Luck, John

I went to a Auto glass shop, and it cost me about $ 40.00. John

I agree nipper; Moreover, sometimes a particular tire is just not all that good in some areas. I had a set of Goodyears quite a number of years ago, anyhow ( and I like Goodyear) they were like greese on a banana peel in only slightest dusting of snow, and it was rather scarry. I noticed not long after I got rid of them, Goodyear discontinued them. John

I think I would consider new tires. John