nickb21

This is a half generic, half Subaru related question.. I did some internet searching a few weeks back to better understand how the CEL gets turned on and off. I assumed that it was the same process for any code that could be set in any OBD-II make/model. I didn't dig very deep, but I found that it takes a fault to be present for 3 drive cycles before the CEL is turned on. I also saw mention that it took 40 drive cycles to turn off the CEL. The definition of a drive cycle was from cold-start to full operating temperature. My reason for writing this, is that I'm questioning the "generic" information that I found. My CEL came on yesterday (haven't check what it's for yet). And went out just this afternoon. I've only driven the car 3 or 4 times in between, and didn't stop for gas at all. How is it possible for the light to go on and off in such a short time? Are there different drive cycle/thresholds for different error codes?

I have a Craftsman 1/2" "click-type" wrench. I believe it's like 30-150lbs. It only sees pretty light duty use but I don't have any complaints. Feels solid, weighs a good amount. The only thing that could be nicer is the handle, which is a bit of cheapy plastic.

I've seen this used before in trucks.. not sure of the particular brand though. http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0005584220667a.shtml Just make sure that they are fastened in there good, kinda hurts when a rifle falls on your head!

I've used NGK V-power (copper) and G-power (plat) on my '02 OBW and they seem to do just fine. The G-powers are only a buck more a plug, but I couldn't tell you if it was worth it or not. Should be a bit easier than your '97 since these are SOHC and the plug hole is slightly angled up. I've been able to replace them with just pulling the washer fluid resevoir and the air intake.

You might try this place if you don't get any better hits. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=46818 "Broadway Automotive, on Route 57 in Broadway, NJ, about 2 miles west of Washington in Warren County. Phone 908-686-2226"

Thanks for the reply cookie. I've got the 'slave' on order, apparently they didn't have any in stock.. nice. When I asked about replacing the master cylinder, the parts guy pretty much said that "these never go bad". I'm all for replacing stuff before it fails, what is the opinion on the master? Worth to do so I don't have to worry about it for 100k? Looks like this weekend should be fun!

Sounds like what happened to me last friday. Although mine started sticking a bit when pushed in. Check out this thread if you haven't already. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=75325

Wow.. what a coincidence. Similar thing happened to my 02 outback friday. I previously bled the clutch around 75k (85k on it now). It was about 90 degrees here on friday and my clutch seemed to get slowly worse. It started that I could push an inch, then two inches, then 3 inches down on it before engaging. At the point that i had to bury my foot into the carpet to get it to engage it began to stick and pop back up. No leaks, full of fluid. I'll have to go see if my VIN matches the TSB. Works fine now. I'm gonna bleed it first and see what happens. The 'slave' looks easy to replace. Is the master difficult to change out? What is the 'intake chamber' (and is it hard to get at)?

'02 OBW, ~82k. Within the last few thousand miles I have noticed that my fuel pump seems to be getting a bit louder when it first 'primes' the system on a cold start. It's a deep whirring, almost grinding noise. Once it's warm it does the standard few second whistle. Happens on full and empty tank, although it seems to be a bit louder on an empty tank (as i would expect). Fuel filter replaced about 20k ago, I suppose I'll try replacing it again to see if that helps. Any other thoughts, is my pump heading south? Thanks!

I've spoken with these guys in person on a few occasions, very nice and easy to talk to. They haven't done any work for me because they haven't been able to find the 'problem' (not necessarily a bad thing). http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=46818

One of the other members here (hklaine) put 16" WRX rims on his 96 (I think). And it looks nice. But since you mention putting Outback Struts on I'm guessing you're looking for more of an off-road fit. So 15's would allow for a higher profile tire. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=5227&ppuser=554

Yup, had the same thing happen to me... surprisingly enough, mine still works even though the bulb is exposed to the elements. I plan on putting some HELLA 500's in once they finally burn out. http://www.rallylights.com/ Not sure if there is an adapter for using the stock wiring harness, so I'm guessing you would have to cut and splice the wires.

Minor note... 15" rims will fit on at least the 00 legacy L (maybe 00 OBW?). Brakes got bigger in '01.

Not that I have a chance of ever finding one.. but... if you happen to see an 00-04 Outback with the tanish/brownish bumper, wanna grab the tow hook cover for me? It's on the pass. side... (If you don't mind the request.) I'd say it's worth 20 bucks...

Crash Test link, with links to the NHTSA site. http://www.crashtest.com/subaru/index.htm

Nice. I picked up some Valeo Ultimates from amazon.com a month or so ago, they had a $20 off deal when you bought like $50 or more worth of automotive stuff. Regularly they're $18 i think. Funny, just last night I saw a commercial for RainX's version of these wiper blades... Will be putting mine on this evening, the wipers I've had on there for who knows how long have decided that they've had enough!

Cool pics. I have no idea what the answer is, but am interested. Are the WRX diff's similiar to my 02 OBW's diff? I've never opened one up, but am told it is a vLSD. If they are the same, where is the 'viscous' part?

There should be a 'wheel' visible through that access hole, it adjusts the parking brake shoes. Make sure it's loosened (made as short as possible).

Like nipper said, out here in West Jersey we got 3 or so inches of snow and about 2 or so inches of sleet. That in and of itself wasn't a problem. Yesterday morning when i went to leave, the wonderful plow truck had pushed a couple big blocks of ice right into the driveway. The one in the middle was about 3' by 3'! Can't quite drive through that!!

Not sure if anyone has been keeping up with this, but some cool announcements. Diesel: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/08/subaru-diesel-boxer-to-debut-in-geneva/ --- PIC They say the new Impreza will be announced at the NY Auto Show. I'll definitely be heading in to see that! http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/08/more-on-the-subaru-imprezas-new-look/ http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/205057/subaru_impreza.html

I'm interested in the outcome of this thread... I have a similar issue with my '02 OBW (only 78k though). Really noticed it this past weekend driving through the monster grooves on I-295 near Trenton. Any chance this could be ball-joint related?

http://www.cars101.com/ Has gobs of Years/Makes/Models information. Personally I like the look of the 95-99 Legacy GT's much better than the 00-04 GT's... The 00-04's are definitely heavier both in weight and appearance (I have an '02 OBW). I'm sure volume wise they're similar... Best way is to find one and go for a ride! Even if it's just an L or Outback, it'll give you a pretty good idea of what you're in for. Good Luck!

Beat me to it Ron . They haven't done any work for me yet, but the people there seem good. Went for a free 'test drive' with me when I had some concerns about my steering. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=46818

I rotate my tires every-other oil change. I usually do oil changes every 4000 (+/- 500 miles). Easier to remember, at least for me.

Eeek, 600 bucks to replace rear pads and rotors?!?! That's high for sure. Same for the wires and valve cover gaskets. Time to look for an independent Subaru person...