sillybilly

The car is a 96 sub outback with 5spd manual transmission. I've found a leak that appears to be coming from the location where the shift linkage bar connects to the transmission. This is right below where the rear drive shaft connects to the transmission as well but it looks like the oil is not getting caught on the drive shaft and thrown around. It's leaking slowly and drips down to the heat protection shield above the catalytic converter and then drips onto the cat itself. Not enough to leave a cloud of smoke everywhere, just enough to smell it at a stop sign. Is this seal easy to replace? Are there other seals in this area that I should check? Plese let me know. Thanks, Billy

Have you had any luck on this one yet? If I were you I would contact the dealer and ask them for all the external seals on the manual transmission. I was at the dealership yesterday and they have exploded view drawings of everything so it's pretty easy to find parts for them...i just bought a 96 outback manual and found a transmission fluid leak that seems to be near the shifter linkage area. I am trying to figure out what will need to be replaced. Cheers, Billy

OK - Thanks for the input. I was playing with things because I just got the car and curiousity leads to tinkering. Thanks, Billy

Hi, Thanks for the link for the Palm Application. I'm still trying to get an answer on if the single connector (blue color I think now) under the dash on the right hand side should be connector or not. When I connect mine the Check Engine Light flashes repeatedly. I've read in another forum that this connector for OBD 1 equiped cars should only be connected when doing a diagnostic check. I am wondering if this is the same for OBD 2 cars. Also, I checked another 96 outback and checked if the connector was connected and it was NOT and on this car the check engine light was on. Please let me know. Thanks, Billy

Hello, I am a new subaru owner. Just bought a 96 subaru OB / 5spd manual / 2.2L. I was looking underneath the dash and found a connector just to the passenger side of the steering column that was disconnected. When I connected it I turned the car back on and the Check Engine Light began to Flash a steady Flash. Prior to this the check engine light was not on. I've read in other forums for a OBD1: "The black connector is the ECU check connector. When it's connected The check engine light will blink with the codes stored in the ECU, or if no codes are present, it will flash in a steady interval." Well this is a Blue Connnector (I think) and and OBD2. My questions is: 1. Should this connector be connected only during a diagnostic check? If so, Does a steady check engine light indicate no codes have been triggered or stored? 2. Any recommendations on a good Home Mechanics OBD2 reader? I saw some on ebay for about $50 or so. Please let me know, Silly Billy 2.

I can't find the detailed write up of this article. Anyone have a suggestion on DIY AC compressor replacement? THanks, BIlly

Did you ever figure out how to fix this problem? I just bought a 96 5spd outback that has the same problem. The clutch was recently replaced and I don't know if it was good before that...Please let me know. Thanks, Billy