[2003 2.5 Outback Auto Trans Acting Up]

Inserting the fuse did NOT work . Will try to trace the wiring this weekend and post what I find. THNX!

[2003 2.5 Outback Auto Trans Acting Up]

Thnx! Will be this weekend before I can search the wiring. Meantime can I install the fuse in the FWD and stop the trans from being in AWD to eleminate the binding when turning? Not sure about a Subie being in AWD all the time on dry roads with all tires pulling constantly but it is not good for most pickup trucks.

[2003 2.5 Outback Auto Trans Acting Up]

Did the search and came up with code number 79 Transfer duty solenoid. Detects open or shorted output signal circuit. Checked the trans pan and it looks straight. Son did jack up the trans by the pan but put a 2 x 4 across the pan so as not to dent it. I hope this did not do the damage. Not sure where to go or if the Transfer duty solenoid is even accessible. If it is on the bottom of the trans just inside the pan would taking off the pan and straighting out the pan, if dented, fix the problem? Again THNX for the help!

[2003 2.5 Outback Auto Trans Acting Up]

Thnx! I will search here first.

[2003 2.5 Outback Auto Trans Acting Up]

Sorry about the long delay in getting back to my thread but have been real busy lately. Please advise to where FWD fuse is located. Yes the transmission was jacked up by the pan and I will check to see if is dented. Trans light seems to blink constantly after starting so did not try counting. Tried to have the trans code read but no auto parts stores could read it. One said maybe O2 sensor but was not sure. May have to take it to Subaru dealer to have read.

[2003 2.5 Outback Auto Trans Acting Up]

Short discription of how and why I am asking for help. 2003 Outback 2.5 with auto tranny. Busted timing belt lead to 14 of 16 bent valves. Engine removed. Heads removed and reworked with all new valves. New tinimng belt, water pump, rollers and tensioner. New timimg belt covers. Valves adjusted. Reintalled engine and it fires 1st time and runs better than it ever has. Now AT Oil Temp blinking fast and steady. Drives and shifts great in drive but only going straight. When turning is like driving a large 4 wheel drive truck that is in low range and in 4 wheel drive. It skips when turning. In reverse it is fine backing up straight when turning it skips and almost like it is winding up tighter the further back you go. It is like the clutches in the differential are not engaging for the tires to turn freely as needed. When shifted into Park it like the tranny is still in gear as when you turn off the engine it releases the tension. Have undone all electrical connections and plugged back in. No help.I am sure it probably is a sensor that got missed or went bad or is shorted out but not sure where to look. Frustrated to the point of pulling engine out and starting over but really don't want to.  Please help.

[Engine Swap Advise Needed]

 

Thank you all very much for the info!

 

Over the past 25 years I have owned 5 or 6 other soobies and one..1991 Legacy went to 325K before I
sold it... still running great. I have only owned this one..2003 Outback.. for 1 month and the
car fax said all regular maintenance had been done by the dealer. It gave dates
and mileage of scheduled maintenance including oil changes approx every 3000
miles. Needless to say the high mileage did not worry me. Upon seeing the shape
of the timing belt I would venture to say it was original to the car, as was
the water pump, roller pullies and gears. The timing belt was very brittle and
cracked. It shredded into multiple pieces. My bad for assuming. I had always
done the timing belts and other maintenance on past soobies and I guess that
Carfax convinced me everything was fine. Lesson Learned the hard way. So much for technology.

 

I will probably purchase the JDM EJ20 for the 2003 Legacy Outback just because of the
low mileage and use the 2.5 for future parts. I will use the new timing belt,
rollers, tensioner and gears from the 2.5 and all should be good for a long
time! I will definitely check the gallery cover and main seal while it is
accessable. Again thank you all for your imput.

 

I will try to update the post when all is done.

 

[Engine Swap Advise Needed]

My 2003 Outback with an EJ25 broke the timing belt and it surely has at least one bent valve and even more damage is probable. The motor has 203,000 on it. Since I was going to be into with the heads off I decided a complete rebuild would be in line. With the rebuild kit and machine shop labor I would be into to it for about $1000 to $1500 with me doing most of the tear down and reassemble.

 

I spotted complete engines for sale by JDM, who imports them from Japan with less than 50K on them, for a price of about $1100 with shipping included.The motors are listed as "JDM SUBARU LEGACY IMPREZA EJ20 2000cc SOHC NON TURBO EGR ENGINE EJ25 Replacement". Question are:

 

1. Will a EJ20 have enough power for the Outback?

2. Will it bolt up to the current auto tranny?

3. Will the wiring harness and ECU work?

4. Other parts interchangeable such as Alt, AC, Intake and so forth.

 

Link to JDM here:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-SUBARU-LEGACY-IMPREZA-EJ20-2000cc-SOHC-NON-TURBO-EGR-ENGINE-EJ25-Replacement-/261830781993

 

Seems like a no brainer just to swap engines and have lots of spare parts than to go into all the time and lagbor fora complete rebuild.

 

Any advise would be Greatly appreciated!

[Hello from Homfixr]

I have owned quite a few Subarus since my first one which was a 1970 Wagon. Great go anywere in any weather last forever cars! Subaru is Love... . Nice to meet all of you and looking forward to learning a lot here.