gtparky

Thanks again everyone. Going to have it looked at tomorrow. There is also a burning rubber smell when I floor it going up the pass as well; even without having the AC on. They'll be checking that also of course. I Checked all the fluids, all look as they should, including the trans fluid being pink. Not sure if has ever been flushed. Will only drain when schedule is due. Coolant res is perfect as well. Interesting part though is after a tune-up, mostly changing the spark plugs I'm sure, my mileage has increased by 5 mpg, and that includes going up 2 passes and back. That at least put a grin on my face. I'll post what I find out.

Thanks for the responses. How much can I expect to pay for this replacement?

I believe I do notice the fans turning on when going up the hill. I definitely hear/fell them when driving around town and idling. No coolant loss and reserve is at full level. I've ONLY noticed it when going over passes. Never before traveling, driving to work (30 miles mostly highway) all in 90+ degrees. Love this Subaru, but maybe the XT is too touchy for the mountain trips. Temp guage just doesn't increase when driving normal.

I took my 2005 Subaru Outback XT into the dealership the other day and brought this concern to their attention, among others things, and they said everything appeared to be ok. Well, I went up to the mountains again this weekend and as soon as I started climbing in elevation with the AC on, my temp guage climbed as well, until I would turn it off. Once turned off, it wouldn't climb anymore and as soon as there was a decrease in elevation (going down hill a bit), the temp guage would go back to normal. I also need to note that the smell of burning rubber comes with the increase in the car's temp guage. Does anyone know what this might be? Water pump, defective thermometer, radiator? I have no clue and I hate that going into a auto repair shop not knowing. Thanks