Voluptuary5

I need help, How in the #@&$-ing world do I remove the rear carpeted window panel in a 95 legacy sedan? I'd like to take it out to clean off all the dead bugs and ex-girlfriends' hair I can't reach with a vacuum way up under the corner of the rear window. I'm also thinking about changing out the speakers while I was in there. If I didn't know better, it seems like the easiest way is just going to be to remove the rear windshield. I successfully removed the third brake light in the window, saw the pop fasteners towards the rear, but cannot for the life of me figure out how to remove the rear headrests to get the panel the rest of the way out of the window (the panel is tucked under the headrests). I removed the fold-down portion of the rear seats, the brackets holding those on, and the molding where the seats sit when folded up. And from there I got stuck. I yanked, pulled, pried, cried, cursed, swore, kicked the dog, kicked the other dog (twice) and still couldn't figure it out. Long story short, I put it all back together and admitted defeat. Then I saw a strand of brunette and remembered my original motivation. So now I'm sitting here pissed and faced with the reality of being a quiter. Does anyone know how I can get that rear panel out of there? If not, I'm going to go with plan "B"--an 8-pound, wooden-handled rear window removal tool. Heck, I don't think the rear defroster works anyway and it'll probably just be faster and cheaper in the long run. I knew I should have bought the wagon... Thanks for your help USMB, -V5

John, no need to apologize for the technical terms. I understood exactly what you meant. I might be mistaken but if my memory serves me, the last transmission fluid (slippery stuff) change was after I noticed the AWD was out. Again, I might be making all of this up but I seem to remember telling them about the AWD and to pay special attention to the transmission fluid. They said every thing look perfect (color, level, viscosity, and no metal). When these plates go bad is it just a lack of tension or has something been stipped? Shouldn't I have seen metal in the fluid? -V5

Nipper, that was originally why I put the fuse in in the first place. I just left it in after the dealer said it wouldn't hurt anything as it is primarily a front wheel drive car anyway and others had even reported getting slightly better fuel mileage in FWD mode. I also left it in as a reminder to myselft that I no longer had AWD so I wouldn't do anything stupid. And unfortunately (albeit in my more simple way of thinking), I came up with the same conclusion as you. I've just been in denial. So, it is likely some where between the solenoid and the rear wheels; ie, the transmission. Darn it... -V5

Caboobaroo, John and Phil's is exactly where I go. I've been very happy with them so far. Plus they are about 5 blocks from my house so it is very easy to drop off and pick up my car. Thanks for the Continental Transmission tip. I'll look 'em up if I decide to fix it. I'm still not sure if I want to put $1000 into it just to have AWD a few times a year when I need it. According to KBB and Edmund's.com my car is only worth between $2000-$4000 (although it's worth a lot more to me than that). I may just have to buck-up and finally use those chains I've been carrying around for years and years but never needed. 91Loyale, you're absolutely right, no need to fix something that isn't broken. But I am certain it is dead. I was just up skiing and tried it again--nothing! I keep hoping it will fix itself so I periodically try it. No luck yet but I'm still hoping for the best. But that is a good point about the one front tire and one rear tire spinning when you're really stuck (I did a lot of 4-wheelin' as a kid and learned that lesson the hard way). Maybe I'm trying it on too slick of a surface. I'll go try it out on my neighbor's front lawn and let you know how it goes... Nipper, the FWD light is on when I have the fuse in and not on when I have the fuse removed. Everything seems to be working fine in that respect. I'm curious though, why do you ask? Hey, thanks again all! You've all been a tremendous help. Thanks for the warm welcome to your forum. -V5

Thank you nipper!!! Again, that is what I was afraid of--internal mechanical damage. I do plan on keeping this car. I absolutely love it and will drive it until it dies a noble death. It has been the most trouble-free car I have ever owned. I like this car so much I vowed to ALWAYS own a Subaru. Other than schedule maintenance, I have less than $1000 into this car (after ~12 years). I know what you mean about the dealer doing repairs. Half of that $1000 was a timing belt I had an independent mechanic install for me because it was so much cheaper on a recommendation from a friend. On a long road trip to California, it slipped because it was improperly installed and adjusted. This was the only time this car has ever been undriveable (they had a good laugh at my expense at the dealer I got towed to). I know there are very good independent mechanics out there (I have had one in the past) but I have been moving around a lot lately and haven't had time to develop a good relationship with one. Sure it costs more at the dealer but you can't put a price on being stranded in the "middle-of-no-where" Northern California not to mention having to pay to have the timing belt installed twice... If you don't mind me asking, nipper, how much did it cost you to have your AWD rebuilt by the dealer? Thanks again for your insights, -V5

Thanks for the "homework" OB99W! Looks like I got some reading to do! -V5

Thank you as well, John. There are 148,000 miles on her. I have changed the tranny fluid within the last year or two. I'd have to double-check my records to give you an exact date. But definitely within the recommended schedules. And no binding. The rear wheels just aren't turning. I unfortunately realized this on a ski trip. I pulled into a snowy driveway I would never have thought twice about. When I tried to leave in the morning, instead of just pulling right out, I just sat there spinning. I stuck my head out the window, thought I only saw the front wheel spinning. Got a buddy to watch and he confirmed it for me. Then I made him push... That was just the first time I noticed it. I can't tell you how long it had been out for sure. Nothing happened that ever made me suspect there was a problem--just noticed it was out when I lost my winter traction. There were never any indicator lights on the dash that came on, no "pops" or "grinding", and never any binding that I can remember. I've had the mechanic hook her up to the computer at least twice since it has happened and nothing came up but I wasn't really expecting it to. Thanks for the "marketplace" tip. But how can I be sure a used tranny still has its AWD capabilities? Is there any way to check for sure? I assume not without tearing it apart or just installing it with my fingers crossed. Thanks again, -V5

Thank you for your quick reply, Cookie! This is what I was afraid of--an internal mechanical problem. I was just hoping to flip the switch from "broken" to "fixed" and go from there but I can't seem to find the switch... Not sure why the mechanics didn't know about this. I'll try 'em again--maybe this time armed with a little more information. I'll try the search with "duty solenoid". Sorry for the redundancy--I didn't even think to try it. Thanks again, -V5

Hey all, I just joined this forum today with the hopes of finding the answer some problems I’ve been having with my 1995 Subaru legacy. I apologize in advance is this is a redundant post but I tried the search feature and nothing come up in regards to losing AWD. I lost the AWD in my Legacy last winter but now I want it back as winter is here again and almost getting stuck a couple of times--something completely unheard of previously. I’d also like to get back up to the mountains without having to worry. I called the dealer and asked if they had any suggestions and unfortunately they had no ideas since they had never heard of it happening. In an attempt to minimize any damage that might occur if it was a transmission issue, I immediately put the FWD fuse in and have been driving it this way since. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the problem and if this can be easily fixed by me or is this a dealer issue? My guess is that it is electrical because I never heard anything break or any grinding. One more piece that may help. It rains ALL THE TIME here in Western Oregon. Not long after my AWD went out, I had an electrical problem. Had everything tested and nothing came up. Afterwards, I simply removed and cleaned all the major electrical wires and contacts which completely fixed all of my problems. Might there be an electrical contact to the AWD solenoid that may be a problem? Where exactly are the electrical controls for the AWD? Anyway, sorry to be so long-winded but thank you in advance to anyone that can help! Happy New Year! -V5