nelje03

Hello and thanks for having me on this Forum. I'm a first time poster I’m a Subaru owner, having a 06 Outback wagon LL Bean edition 3.0R. I've got 114K miles on it and it’s been a great car with only the typical maintenance and upkeep work done over the lifetime of the car. I typically but not always have services done at the dealer except simple oil changes. Recently, I have had an issue with my automatic transmission. It started off shifting very heavy with a thud when being moderately stressed. Then I noticed noises coming from the undercarriage, first there was a ticking or thumping that corresponded with the speed of the car. Then I noticed a whining noise that resembled pressure being released coming from what I would think would be the area where the transmission is housed. When I stop and put the car in Park it does not lock the wheels in place, the car rolls if not on a flat surface while in park. I can put the transmission in all gears, forward, reverse etc. and they work. However, driving is noisy and its definitely not shifting like before. So I’m assuming this is a transmission problem. I do not have any warning or engine lights on. I see no leaking or visible damage while looking under the car. I can drive it; however, I’m a bit nervous as I don’t want to create more damage. I’m unsure of the best approach to have this diagnosed and serviced. I live on Long Island and don’t have a good independent mechanic that I can rely upon. I’m not sure this is something I wish to bring to the dealer as they seem to charge quite a bit for their major services. Can anyone recommend a trustworthy mechanic on Long Island, and or does someone recognize these symptoms and have an idea what my best course of action is. My biggest question is do I take it to the dealer, someone like an AAMCO or a local independent mechanic that I do not know or trust. Thanks,