goof_ball

Am looking for a mechanic in the Pittsfield area. Just moved here and am having a problem with my 96 outback. Any recommendations or even warnings on a place to avoid? Car is not starting so would need to tow it and dont want to be bringing it to multiple places. Thanks.

Had to unexpectedly replace all four tires today. Drove about 175 miles, pulled over to take a break and double check the lug nuts. Turns out three tires are one model of firestone tire and the fourth is another firestone tire. They are all the same size at 205 70r 15.. Any thoughts on the severity of this? This is on a 96 outback with 5 speed transmission and 203K miles. I have to call the shop back tomorrow to see what I can do about it but am concerned about the miamatched tires even if I get new ones. They are all season tires according to tire rack but the different on has a m+s rating on the sidewall too. I guess I can measure the diameters. I'm just kind of annoyed right now.

I prefer the Outback trim and was fortunate to find a 96 with the 2.2. Don't know if it's the "best", but that's my take.

The autozone I went to a few times just gave me the scan tool and let me do it myself in the parking lot. Write down the code(s) then clear them all to see if they come back. I had a cel come on after replacing some items. I cleared the code and the light never came back on. Just a weird glitch I guess.

Tank capacity is 15.9 gallons. I get 375 miles/tank on the highway in a 96 5 speed. Fill ups take just over 12.5 to 14 gallons.

My driver side rear quarter window on a 96 obw broke while I was out of town for Thanksgiving. I don't know what hit it, but I heard a pop and looked in the rear view mirror to see something weird. I wasn't going to drive 5 hours home on the NY thru way with a busted out window so I had to find a place quick. Went with a company called Payless Auto Glass. It cost $241.50 tax included. They came to the house and did it in the driveway. I still find glass bits in nooks and crannies, but there doesn't seem to be any leaks.

My service manual says 14 psi or more at 800 rpm and 43 psi or more at 5,000rpm and I don't see any comments on engine temperature in the oil pressure measurement directions.

oops, didn't notice it was a 5 year old post...

Cool. I was reading the recent atf thread and the point about the fluid draining down the fill tube made by fairtax seems like what happened in my case. I will check the level periodically to make sure everything stays where it is. I guess with each dipstick pull, I'm bringing the fluid down just a little bit closer to the full line. The transmission feels much better shifting now with the fresh fluid though.

Apparently transmission fluid is a popular topic today. I had the opportunity to change the transmission fluid for the first time after 2.5 years of ownership in my 96 5 speed. I put in fluid to get to just below the Full line so I buttoned everything up and took a test drive running through all the gears. I pulled the dipstick and found the level up at the F letter. I checked again several hours later and it is still at the elevated level. I searched the forum and found a discussion about overfilled auto transmissions and it was helpful, but since I have a manual, is the level as critical? I even thought about a syringe and some rubber tubing to pull some out through the fill tube rather than pulling the drain plug, but maybe it's not a big deal. Thanks for any input.

Is it not possible to have a trusted friend or family member take the car to use while you are gone? Are you going to keep the car insured? I know my carrier offers storage insurance. Good luck.

Anyone know what this and whether it should be connected at both ends? Out of view there's a 90 degree bend and it is hooked up. This is from a 96 outback wagon under the glove box. I did some searches on line but didn't find anything. Thanks.

I'm not familiar with that brand of meter and Cougar has offered good suggestions, but I would also double check the leads are plugged in at the right channels on the meter. Some meters have multiple inputs for the red lead depending on what you are trying to measure. Good luck w/ your repair.

Miles per gallon x gallons per tank = miles per tank

I have a Thule rack for a 96 Outback. I use the LB 50 bars and foot pack 1054. I bought the feet second hand so not sure if that is the current model #. I leave the factory cross bars on because the Thule rack fits around them and I can't see taking them off to then have to store them somewhere. I don't know if the 2000 model roof is radically different, but maybe this helps. I found the Thule site fine. My rack came from another vehicle that I had used the gutter feet for. Traded in the gutter pack for my current set up.

Maybe a friend can be a proxy and get the correct engine. The yard doesn't figure out it is for you and you get what you want if you can't find another motor.

There's this place too. No personal experience though. http://www.oxygensensors.com

The PS reservoir on my 96 Outback says Use Dexron right next to the cap. I'm no car expert, but I figure you can't get too off track using what the mfg says to. I think one of the many previous owners used something else, but it was practically empty so I just put the Dexron in until it was at the right point on the dip stick. Plus, it was super cold and snowing and I didn't want to be outside any longer than necessary.

It is the belt that drives the alternator. I will check out the battery. I'm happy the car starts better after the belt was adjusted. Thanks.

I adjusted my power steering accessory belt. The horrible squeal went away. Let's hope for good. But what I wasn't expecting was that a stumble/rpm drop at every cold start would go away too. It would hit about 1800 rpm then drop low, almost stall, and come back all without me hitting the gas. No problems when starting a warm engine. Anyone care to explain? Just curious. 96 Outback 5 speed with 188,000 miles. I replaced fuel/air filters a couple weeks ago but the rpm change wasn't noticed until the belt adjustment. I don't claim to be a savvy car guy so apologies if this is basic engine operation. Did some online searching but nothing turned up.

The EPA says the mpg is the same for a manual vs auto transmission for a 95 Legacy. I understand preferring one type over another, but it doesn't seem like gas mileage is any different all things being equal. I've found my 15 year old Outbback gets pretty much what the EPA says it should. Good luck with your project.

I searched via google and here, but didn't find much. I replaced my air and fuel filter then the cel came on after I started the car up the first time. I pulled the plug to the fuel pump and backed the gas cap off as I've never done a fuel filter before and wanted to follow the Haynes manual just to be safe. I didn't disconnect the battery though. Maybe that's the issue...anyway, I went to advanced auto, the guy gave me a scan tool, and I went back to the car, got the code, cleared it, and drove around for awhile. No more cel. Being curious, I thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas. Hopefully the light stays off. The car ran fine before I did the work and runs fine now. No gas leaking at the fittings, rubber fuel lines look good, smooth idle, no other discernible issues. 96 Outback, 187,000 miles, 5 speed.

Not much to add, but try to anticipate the situation and see if you can keep some forward momentum to ease the start up. I found it easier to learn driving a stick way back when by paying attention to what the car was doing and the noises it was making so no stereo and no chatty passengers. Otherwise, don't use the clutch pedal as a foot rest and don't use the shift knob as a hand rest. It's all timing and takes practice, but good suggestions are posted. Be patient and good luck.

I don't want to run afoul of the rules as I've never switched out stalks, but you can buy intermittent wiper kits online or any reputable electronics store. You solder the parts together and install it in a case of your choice. Has variable delay settings. Should be about $15 or $20 I would think. Guy I used to work with bought one for his Outback though not sure how it turned out since he moved on to another company. I thought about doing it and mounting it in the blank next to my fog light switch.