stirnex

My 98 outback AT temp light flashes 16 times on every startup. When stopped and idling in "drive", forward creep seems very strong...must brake firmly to remain stationary. When I turn off the key in either "park" or "neutral" the vehicle lurches. In reverse, it acts as if brakes were on and will stop unless considerable accelerator is applied. What is going on?

I had a similar problem on my 98 outback. I thought the transmission was doomed. The intermittent symptoms defeated several ace mechanics, but we finally found the problem...the sensor wiring harness connector, located below and behind the air intake cleaner. The fix is to use contact cleaner/lube available at Radio Shack. Not the spray can, but a small tube of goop that contains stuff to clear out oxidation and to leave behind a seal that prevents future oxidation. I had this problem for a couple of years, but since using this, have been completely free of this trouble. All you need to do is separate the connector, apply the goop, and work the connector off and on repeatedly to clean the contacts, then plug in and forget it. This same connector corrosion problem could be at the root of many mysterious troubles, as ALL the sensors are wired through it. Now, if I can just find the reason my AT temp light flashes 16 times every startup.....