Rooster2

Loose rim lug nuts can cause vibration problem, as well as the tires out of balance.

I always use anti-seize when installing new plugs, and even on road wheel studs, when installing rims. Just don't allow anti-seize to get on the tip of the spark plug, but I am sure you already know that. Can't understand why NGK would recommend a dry install.

I would question how well the fuel pump is working. Seems like your problems could be fuel related. Install that fuel pump that you have. See if that helps.

My 08 Outback developed idle and drive ability problems. Turned out the EGR valve was bad. Dealer said this is a typical problem on the 08 model.

When motor begins to over heat, open hood, keep the engine running. Check the radiator over flow container for bubbles coming up from the liquid. If you see bubbles, that is a strong indicator of a bad head gasket. I hope you see no bubbles.

Thanks Texan!

have 95 Subie with 2.2 motor. Engine quit 3 weeks ago, won't restart. Engine made no noise upon shut down. Suspect either jumped timing, or valve is bad. I know this motor is non interference. Timing belt in place, and seems good. Sounds like one cylinder has lost compression upon cranking engine. Seek to hire someone to check timing marks, and advise if reasonably fixable. I don't want to attempt doing this myself. Car located on north side of Indy. Will pay someone for their help. Thanks!!

will do.

I first postedFIXED!! Trany delayed forward engagement back in 2008. Gee that is 11 years ago. I am still driving the same 99 OBW with same tranny. I prolly have put 75K miles on the car during that time. I have to reapply Trans X about once per year, as the delayed engagement returns. Each time Trans X fixes the problem for another year. Car now has 253K on the odo, and running strong. Subies run for a long time. I always use the 15 oz bottle, don't remember color of the bottle.

Thanks guys for the advise. I appreciate it. Will check timing.

Wife's 98 OBW with '95 2.2 motor just quit suddenly while driving slow at 20 mph. Motor was not over heating, or low on oil. Made no strange noises, when motor died. The motor cranks with an odd lope, suggesting compression down on one or two cylinders. Timing belt is in place, and turns when motor cranked. Occasionally, motor will back fire once when being cranked. Am wondering if something is wrong with the valves?? Anyone any thoughts or suggestions...........Thanks!!

I had similar problem with my 08 Outback. My car would not give me a code to tell me what the problem was. I changed the fuel pump, knock sensor, plugs and wires, and coil pack, and my car still ran like crap. I finally gave up and went to a Subie dealer. The problem was fixed by replacing the PCV valve. Hope this info helps.

Thanks gbhrps for the reply. I can tell by the work description, that the installation would be difficult. I have a Tom Tom, and cell phone directions app, so guess I will stick with those two devices.

Does anyone know if a GPS touch screen navigation unit from an 05-09 is a plug and play install in my 08 Outback? It sure would be nice to add this to my car. If so, I think a unit could be scored from a wrecking yard. Wonder what cost would be?? Thanks!!

Well after replacing the fuel pump, plugs & wires, and ignition coil, my car still ran like crap. I finally took it to a dealer. It turned out to be a bad EGR valve. Apparently, this is somewhat common on 05-09 Legacy/ Outbacks. I hope this info helps someone in the future.

Any chance a bad coil pack would be the cause of my problem??

I added the E-85 because of high alcohol content. If I had gotten gas with water, the alcohol would have helped get rid of the water. Have had this work in the past. Will pull a spark plug to check condition. Bought as a used car, so don't know condition of the plugs. Thanks for the good advise.

You don't say that you had the wheels balanced. Had a vibration on my 08 Outback recently. a wheel balance fixed the vibration.

I don't think you can get a two door coupe door to replace a door on a 4 door car. Get a coupe door, so you will know that it will fit properly.

Problem started last September on normally aspirated 2.5 motor, when all of a sudden car idled and ran poorly. CEL came on along with blinking cruise control light, and brake antilock dash light indicator. I thought it may be bad gas, so added 8 gallons of E-85. This fixed the problem entirely within about 50 miles, so thought all is well. The same problem came back just before Christmas. I pulled codes, but only said spark plug miss-fire. I cleared codes, and no codes appeared. So, replaced the knock sensor, and fuel pump and fuel filter unit. Upon start up ran fine for a few seconds, then miss fires started again. Expected a new fuel pump to fix the problem, but not so; but it seems to be a fuel problem, as sometimes it takes additional throttle to start engine. It won't necessarily start by just turning the key with no extra accelerator assistance. Got me stumped on how to fix with no CEL to give direction. Doesn't seem like spark plug trouble, as motor can run so well, then instantaneously run so poorly. Maybe a bad computer?? Any advise really appreciated.

am guessing that the relay is bad. During that 30 second delay, touch the relays with your fingers. The one that you feel and clicks, and turns everything on is likely your problem child. Replace that relay, and you should be good to go.

No, the engine computer management system is totally different.

I too, have a 98 Outback, recently changed the ATF. What I did is to drain and fill three times, with short drives between drains. Doing this gives a good drain, as only about half the ATF will not drain from the system. I am happy with the results.

I considered doing this some time back. However, after checking available space in front of the radiator, I gave up on that idea, just not enough room, and just too awkward to install. It made a lot more sense to install a new radiator, as I figured the rest of my old radiator wasn't worth saving. Seemed it cost about $100, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. It was super easy to install. It was then, that I realized that a new radiator was the best and easiest solution. I bought mine on line, Chinese manufactured, never have had a problem with it.

Thanks, advise much appreciated.........Rooster2