mzsubaru

Thanks for the info.

I'm thinking of using synthetic oil in my 2000 Outback. I've hear of the various urban legends that I shouldn't do this because it will screw up the seals in the engine, etc. Someone, please give me the real story, no BS, just the facts.

If I can't get SOA to do the work within the warranty, I am planning to go your route. I take it that your trans X fix ended up being a permanent fix for your hesitation problem. How's your soob running these days?

Hey guys and gals: Talked to my local (lancaster county (pa) motors) subaru service writer today about my problems with my auto tranny. Told him i did some research on the internet and referenced the "ultimate subaru message board" as my source for many apparent problems that i noticed in threads (documented by yourselves) with their auto trans (my issue is with a hesitation to go forward when i go from reverse to drive and and also when I stop on the hill, say at a traffice light or a stop sign). He claimed that you all were just a bunch of disgruntled subaru owners (probably a corporate comeback line they're supposed to use). Does that sound familiar? Private industry whistle blowers are commonly referred to as "former disgruntled employees." Shades of Matt Damon in "Good Will Hunting." How do you like them apples? Needless to say, I did not get anywhere with him. Anyway, I'm pursuing this to the end. I'm not paying 2 grand to fix a tranny that has only 76K on it! I'll go to corporate in Cherry Hill, NJ, if I have to. I'm going to call my local dealer's sales manager on monday. Hopefully he/she can make the "boys in the backroom" realize that their jobs depend on the sales staff selling subarus that they'll be fixing some day. I'll keep you all informed as to my progress. Boy, is this bulletin board is therapeutic! mzsubaru

When should I replace the spin-on A/T filter on my 2000 outback transmission? The owner of a car dealer/repairer who works only on subarus suggested that the A/T filter on the newer trans is the same as the oil filter that was used on the old Justys. He says that he uses them all the time for his customers. What do you all think out there?

I have a 2000 Subaru Outback Limited sedan with 76,000 miles and an auto trans. It is primarily driven daily by my wife but we also use it for longer trips. Needless to say we are both careful drivers and are not hard on it. Lately, we've noticed a hesitation when moving forward from reverse (backing out of our driveway) and periodically after a stop at a traffic light or stop sign. Our Subaru dealer told us that we need to quote "replace malfunctioning valves and clutches in trans." The estimate was $1830.00. When I asked the service desk what kind of diagnostics were performed, I was told that that the tech who checked it out has 20 years of experience and he knows his stuff. In other words we're sticking with his diagnosis. I was incredulous. I would have expected a thorough diagnostic assessment, such as pressure checks and possibly a computer diagnosis to back up his assertion for all of this work. I can't imagine that a 2000 Outback with only 76K and 8 years of careful driving would require transmission work to soon. Possibly after 150K, but not at 76K. I had my transmission flushed by this dealer in January this year. How do other 2000 Outbacks with this mileage hold up? What are my options? I haven't approached Subarau corporate yet; can I count on any help from them? Anyone else out there experienced this problem?