[A couple issues with 96 Legacy Outback]

The weird part is that it's not happenning all the time. yesterday I drove for 2 hours without any problems...

[A couple issues with 96 Legacy Outback]

I bought a '96 OBW last week.

1. I had the same issue: I reset/reprogrammed the remote switch (email me if you need directions... quite easy) BUT I also think there's a relation to the key you use. The original key is no problem but the newly cut key (from the original) acts more like the "valet" key.

2. This could also be a vacuum leak... check the hoses. listen for the whooshing of leak...

3. Headgasket failure is the theory of fear of all overheating Subarus (especially Phase I) not to say it isn't BUT (especially if the temp guage returns to normal at faster speeds): fan, radiator, coolant leak, bad timing (which could also cause the funny idle), thermostat, AIR IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM (very dangerous to the system but can be "burped" out) are other causes for overheating....

Perhaps you need a new mechanic or just a second opinion (any good radiator shops near you, better yet, any GOOD Subaru specialists (not dealers)??? Take care of the overheating issue first, then the idle.

Later,

Peter

PM sent about the programming. I tried finding some Subaru specialist around me but no luck. To update on the overheating thing, I replaced the coolant today and noticed that the inside of the reserve had some black greasey looking slim in it. Not a lot, just some coating the sides. Didn't clean it because i don't know how. However, after driving to campus, nothing out of the ordinary happened, temperature stayed the same throughout. However, on the way back though after about 20 mins, started going up and down again. Not nearly as bad as before though and didn't stay up for very long. Even just cruising really slow sometimes brought the temp back to normal. Might it just be air in the line? Or is it really the radiator. Man I wish i know how to fix things...

 

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

[A couple issues with 96 Legacy Outback]

What a great resource this is!!! So here's to my situation. I just bought a used 96 Legacy Outback 2.5L DOHC automatic.

I took it to my mechanic and he fixed some problems however some still linger:

 

(1) The keyless entry doesn't work (the remote control that is). Also, when unlocking/locking the driver's side door with a key or from the inside, not all the doors unlock/lock. I know they should and I can hear a sound as if they are trying but no luck. Is there a fuse or something that I should look to change? Any way to diagnose the problem?

 

(2)The car idles a little high after running for a while. When stationary, the car idles a little rough at around 6-800 RPM when i first get in it. However, the longer i drive it, the higher it idles. If it's in drive, it never idles more then 1k RPM. However, if I stop and put it in park or neutral, it usually idles at 1.5k RPM. The mechanic said there is air getting into a valve so fixing it would mean reconstructing the engine. He said it's not a problem and something I'll just have to get used to. Any thoughts?

 

(3)Finally, the past two days i've noticed that when i'm not moving or moving very slowly, my temperature gauge goes up to a very high level. However, when I start driving faster, it goes back down to normal (1/3 from the lowest setting). I've read that this is probably a sticking thermostat so I plan on replacing that myself. Any other thoughts?

 

Thanks in advance for the help, it's really appreciated!!!