howards11

One final question: I was rear ended the day after Thanksgiving. The woman wiped out my exhaust system (tailpipe, muffler and trim piece). Her car slid under mine ! Could have this accident caused ONE or BOTH sensors to malfunction without having a CEL appear ? ~Howard

990bw: Thanks for your help. I'm going to call my mechanic on Monday and setup an appointment. ~Howard

99OBW: Is this the one called the FRONT O2 sensor ? ~Howard

99obw: Just let me make sure I understand. Replace BOTH sensors (the after catayst and the before catayst) ? I am thinking of buying Bosch brand for both. ~Howard

Subeman90: Replace the 02 sensor even if i'm not getting a CEL ? Like I said I'm going for a tuneup first. I forgot to mention I'm using the oxygeniated winter fuel plus I'm using Auto RX (in the cleaning phase) to see if there any junk in the engine. ~Howard

I had the front oxy sensor replaced once by the dealer under a recall. Let me add that this Forester is an AUTOMATIC. ~Howard

It needs a 4 wheel alignment. Tire pressure is kept about 35 PSI. ~Howard

I purchased a used 2000 Forester L back in May, 2003. While I'm happy with car car itself I am very unhappy with the MPG that I've been getting. I am getting about 14 MPG in city driving. At my last oil change at about 30,000 miles I replaced the fuel filter among other things. In few weeks I am going in for a tune-up, air filter change and PVC replacement. Can anyone come up with some other ideas to improve the MPG ? ~Howard

The CEL can come on (and does come on) if the gas cap was loose or not properly tightened. It can take several trips for it to clear once the problem has been resolved. QUESTION: Did you check the gas cap ? Take it off and put it back on again. ~Howard

Any comments on Valvoline syth 5W30 ? ~Howard

Any comments about Valvolene synth ? The REAL 100% synth not their blend. ~Howard

I have a 2000 Forester. Just how simple is this mod ? I would like to do this to my Forester as it's one thing that it can really use. Can you post detailed instructions ? ~Howard

Answering my own question. Here is a site to obtain the correct bulb numbers for any vehicle: http://www.sylvania.com/auto/carapp/ ~Howard

Can someone please tell me the number of the bulb for the light in the cargo area in a 2000 Forester ? I want to replace the bulb and all the book says is 8 watt, 12 V. It's the SAME bulb in the dome light in the passenger area. Thanks ! ~Howard

I'd try some silicone spray or teflon spray. I never had much luck with the graphite stuff. WD40 would be OK too. ~Howard

I'm using Bridgestone Turanzas on my 2000 Forester (P205/70R15). So far in the snow we have been having they seem OK. ~Howard

To top off I started using a 50/50 premix. Makes things easier. ~Howard

On my 2000 Forester the original battery was Panasonic. I thought that was odd because I never knew that they made car batteries. ~Howard

I once got six years out of a J C Penny five year maintance free battery. I think that was an all time record for me. Sorry to say Penny's has been out of the auto repair business for years. ~Howard

Periodically I see a guy on eBay selling a new in box Subaru leather shift for a Forester automatic. I've been afraid of bidding on it because I don't know how simple a job it is to replace the original shift. Plus the gentleman selling it does not have any instructions with it. My question: How do you replace the shift on a Forester automatic? ~Howard

Forget the idea of denatured alcohol. It's a LOT more expensive than Heet. Check out the paint department at Home Depot or Lowes. ~Howard

I've been toying with the idea of upgrading the front speakers in my 2000 Forester L. How simple is this upgrade ? I'm considering purchasing them from Crutchfield. I understand that the rear speakers are tough to find and also hard to do. ~Howard

Does this apply to the 2000 Forester or just Outbacks ? ~Howard

Car was purchased in May, 2003 with about 25,000 miles. Tire rotation: Tires were replaced around Xmas. The 4 wheel alignment is being done because on the Friday after Thanksgiving I was rear ended @ about 20-25 mi. The Pontiac Bonneville that hit me slid under the Forester and wiped out the exhaust system along with some body damage to the hatch and bumper. My body shop guy told me that the wheel alignment was off a tad but the insurance company would not pay for it. This is the first opportunity I have had to take the car in for it. 90% of the driving I do is city driving. ~Howard

I need some suggestions on a 30,000 mile checkup on my 2000 Forester L. Here's what I'm going to have done: 1. Oil change (5W30 dino), lube, filter. 2. 4 wheel alignment 3. Change antifreeze 4. Replace fuel filter 5. Check all fluids and hoses (esp. the differental fluids) 6. Check timing belt I believe Subaru suggests a change of brake fluid. Should this really be done ? Are there any other items I'm missing ? Thanks for your help ! ~Howard