Dr. Rock

A few months ago I had The Subaru Dealership install a new switch for the rear defroster unit. After said switch was installed my air conditioning automatically comes on when the front windshield defroster is turned to the position where air is directed both the the floor and windshield. Where previously the air conditioning did not come on in this situation. SOA says it is because the switch is made to do this. Is this true? I have a 01 OBW. My question is this? Could this be a simple crossed wire or is the unit itself defective? Should I believe what dealership told me that there are two different units (A and . Each one a bit different. Please advise.....

I just flipped 80K on the vehicle. No it has not been in for its tune as I wanted to save some money and have been doing most of the work myself except for the belts. Those I had replaced a recently by a shop. When I was taking the plugs out yesterday I did notice some oil on the wires, but none on the plugs themselves. And I too am consistenly getting about 230-240 miles per tank (city driving). I always got around 300 before the light went on before. Perhaps some of this can be attributed to gas but I definitely think there are other things going on.

In my case I feel that my mileage has slowly been dropping since about mid July. At that time I did my spark plug/fuel filter/air filter work. And also had the additive added at that time. I live in seattle and I am wondering if we even get "hurricane affected" gas. But then again standards were dropped across the country so maybe our gas is refined the same at this time. I took out all plugs today. They were fine. I think I have ruled out the plugs and now will look at the plug wires. d

So......When I initially changed my plugs two months ago I noticed one plug was fouled (the tip was covered with oil). All other plugs looked great. At the time I thought changing the plug would rectify this problem, however now I am beginning to think that there might be other isssues. How should I approach getting to the root problem? Any advice wold help. Thanks

I think I will try the wires and then if there is no improvement look at the plugs. How can you tell a plug is bad? Thanks for all the info. I am relieved that the additive is not the culprit.

NGK plugs from Subaru dealership.

Has anyone experienced a decline in gas mileage after SOA coolant additive was added to their engine? I recently replaced spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, on a 2001 OB and have experienced a dramatic (2-3 MPG) loss in fuel efficiency. Please advise.

Thanks everyone for the step by step.....I'll let you know how it goes.

I know this topic has been covered but I am wondering how much time it should take for changing brake pads. I am familiar with everything until I get to loosening bolts of the calipers. As much as I've read on this board just sliding the pads out and replacing clips is the most difficult part of the process, except for pushing the piston back with a c-clamp. I know not to touch the new pads with greasy fingers, but is it imperitive to bleed the breaks at the same time? Also, I understand that pumping the break pedal before lowering the car is necessary as well. Anything else? I live on a hill so braking will be imperitive after replacing. any other suggestions before I change my break pads? I just need to really know if this is going to consume my whole day or only half.

First time posting but been lurking for a while. I have a 2001 OB (70K) with an issue more annoying than critical. I thought some might have an answer here. My Rear Defroster button is broken and has no resistence when trying to push it. Consequently the heating coils on the glass will not heat up. Living in the NW without a functioning defroster is challenging. I have looked at the fuses, and no problems there. Is there an easy way to figure out the problem without taking the car to the shop? Or should I just wait until I take it in for 70K check-up?