brus brother

US News and World Reports: Subaru Outback Subarus have a reputation of being yuppie grocery getters, but the Outback manages to prove that stereotype wrong by being one of the top ten most ticketed cars. Apparently, the Outback is the car of choice for people who need to get to Whole Foods in a hurry, and maybe park illegally once they're there.

Thanks Cougar. As I suspected, I am told by a tech that this is one of those items that SOA is quietly ignoring while replacing many units under warranty if necessary but as in my case after 2 years of use, the unit is acting up again, it's on the customer's bill. Unfortunately the HVAC/radio unit is all-in-one and while I could do without a radio, having a reliable defroster/heater seems more of a safety concern.:-\

Just checked my service records and the entire unit was replaced under warranty 2 years ago. I understand that there may be a problem within the radio unit that affects power to the rest of the console electronics. Anyone else experiencing similar problem?

This morning my 05 OB had an electrical failure of the middle console. The Fan/AC radio and instrument cluster (mpg/outside temp) had no power. Upon restart, it seems to be working again. Any thoughts appreciated. I think I recall that there was a tsb involving this issue and a connector buried somewhere behind the console??

I love happy endings.

When?

Don't you ever get tired of being right?

Thanks Nipper. No couldn't reproduce sound with tech in car but today isolated it to a connector coming out from the harness BELOW the ABS unit that was rattling against the chassis. A real Doh moment. I can't see what this connector is for (other than driving me nuts) as there isn't anything else in the area where it might or should be connected. So I used a zip tie and now life is good, my sanity restored.

My 2008 has an intermittent rattle when going over bumps. It was tough to isolate but I finally figured out that it was coming from the ABS manifold/actuator in front of the passenger strut tower. If I tap on the black actuator in front of the manifold there is an audible rattle. I checked another 08 in the showroom and it doesn't make the sound. The tech was unable to reproduce the rattle on test drive but hears the difference between mine and the dealer's 08 and it is now in the record. They are very helpful in getting to the bottom of problems. What is inside this unit that could be rattling around?? Safety issue??

Thanks for the hard work in getting the site back up but hmmm... back in black? The new goth subaru website... my old eyes will eventually adjust.

Vehicles: Impreza 2.5 RS Sport Pkg from his profile and assume 2005 from original post. ... and now back to Gnuman for the advice.

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=80226 Here's another link where Cookie describes some talented wrenchers getting the job done.

To repeat: Common things happen commonly. In problem solving 101, I was taught that if you hear something clipping and clopping down the road, chances are that it is a horse and not a zebra! (unless you live in Africa) Try premium gas and disconnect belts as instructed. Save the freaking out for special occasions.

The General makes some interesting observations. Since common things happen commonly, I would try running a few tanks of premium grade gasoline if you aren't sure the sound is ping or knock.

Most of the 2008s are running without the diaper. There is one exception but I can't remember which model still has the shield.

"ignition key warmer" Maybe I got the DeeLux version. Anyway, I've noticed it before in passing but tonight paid attention to it and the lock cylinder and the steering column is hotter than the surrounding dash after a 15 minute drive. I don't recall this on our 05 OB but will compare it tomorrow.

As rthe title says, after I've been driving about 15 minutes and remove the key from the ignition, the metal part of the key and the lock cylinder are more than warm. Is this normal?

Me too! They were able to get the rings, head gaskets and bottom engine gasket in 2 days. I still could use a piston for a second rebuild if anyone happens to have one lying around. Note: 360 Subaru gets 66mpg:banana:... that is, once it gets on the road .

Quote: Originally Posted by Spiffy why would you want to free Hat McCullough from prison? he murdered twenty-three babies & toddlers! --Spiffy Phew... I am getting old. I didn't get the reference and was beginning to think that I should edit the title to protect the innocent! This is a nice hat not a bad Hat.

Just got back from Dan Perkins Subaru. Their on-line parts division is SubaruPartsForYou.com. I ordered replacement parts for a rebuild of a Subaru 1968 360 engine and they threw in a FREE Subaru World Rally Team hat! It's the one on their website under hats blue with gold lettering for $14. I have used them for years and they are very competitve with online dealers plus I can walk in right here in Ct. and get what I need. Parts manager Anthony had ten hats left and said he would throw one in for any order over $100. Just specify free hat in the special box in the order or call him and mention USMB site.

Gotta get me one and re add it.... my glove box is rattling.

Also called the battery "kill" switch by Subaru techs as it will surely kill your battery if left on long enough... good for business...

2008 Outback automatic. Occasionally, in the AM after the car has sat overnight, I turn the key and nothing happens. Instrument panel is lit but car doesn't start. The car is in park in a level garage. All I have to do is push the automatic shifter the slightest bit forward and the car will then start. I brought it to the dealer checked the shifter and said that the "hole" was lined up and they were at a loss. It was suggested I leave the car overnight. Aside from inconveniencing me, I'm not sure what this will prove. Once they try to start the car and IF it happens to occur and verify my solution of pushing the selector forward, what will this prove? Any thoughts?

Anyone have a problem with surface peeling on the interior door handle area of their Outback? The 05s and up have a matt black finish on the handle that started to degrade as a slight bubbling and then could be rubbed right off. Now the same thing is happening at certain areas on the silverish trim in the same area. No cleansers have been used on the area and since it is the face surface of the handle, it's not even where your hand would rest when closing the door.

You may be interested in the above link to a friend's project car(s). Good luck with the new car. The size looks much more in place in Denmark than here in the US where others drive assault vehicles. ps what is the estimated mpg and what is your current price of gas?