1 Lucky Texan

Any codes stored? I'd thow in intermittent MAF if so equipped. Carl

I wish my wife's '03 OBW was a tad louder. I think the previous year(s) had the signal routed through the horns, and folks complained it was TOO loud. Then they go to the seperate alarm and it's a little too soft. I think it's also a legitimate question because there MAY be a 'trick' (like the seatbelt chime disable 'maneuver') that allows some adjustment. maybe someone working for a dealership can find out? Carl

I don't recall if its been suggested in this thread, but you could TRY to make sure your dealership doesn't charge you more than www.subarugenuineparts.com would for the parts. just a thought Carl

Good point. If the CEL begins FLASHING, or the CEL is on AND there is noticeable problems with operating the car or rough idling, etc. Immediate attention is needed. Carl

Have him tighten the gas cap mutiple clicks (a dozen or more can't hurt). At 72K it's possible the front O2 sensor is just starting to get lazy. If he has the service ticket, or can call it up at www.my.subaru.com , find the code they read and let us know. Your dad sounds like a great guy, let's keep him enjoying his wheels! Carl

Make sure the gas cap is tight, double check the bottom/backside of the airbox has its 'tabs' properly inserted (easy to not clip the intake box back correctly after a filter change). Then, disconnect the neg. batt. terminal, step on the brake pedal, reconn. the batt. after 30 minutes or so. That should clear the light. If the CEL comes back immediately, you likely need to get the code read. Autozone and perhaps other places can read them. If you have a 'gearhead' co-worker he might loan you a reader. You can buy decent ones for $100-$150 . Carl

If you actually use the car in a high performance capacity, I think 'semi-race' pads and slotted rotors might be a fair way to beef up the braking system. Stainless lines will (so i've read) give you a different feel but I dunno about an actual braking performance improvement. Carl

being several inches higher off the road can seem like going slower I guess. I dunno If you suspect there is a problem with the Forester, that could be an issue I guess. Make sure to run the fuel specified and if lower octane fuel has been in it, reset the ECU so the timing advances to suit the higher octane. Carl

how much do each vehicle WEIGH? You might just dig around over at www.nasioc.com . But, unless you wanna put in lighter flywheel/crank pulleys or start removing seats, there may not be much to drastically improve acceleration/HP . There ARE suspension bits they will help stick it to the road and cut a little body roll. Carl

at present, no Subaru vehicle is on the list of E85 approved vehicles. http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php Carl

sorry, I just don't. sounds like you got the bases covered though. good luck

Maybe someone else can tell us if it fits, but I have a near new (less that 350 miles) '06 WRX stock muffler take off. Cheap, but I don't wanna try to ship it. Know anyone from D/FW area headed your way? Carl

If it's new, probably just send it back for exchange? Anyway, if no experienced help shows up here, try posting this (or just searching) at http://www.nasioc.com Carl

good post ! Carl

that makes sense. I dunno Carl

The advice you got, as presented, seems to be odd. Why would they advise you to try a fluid change since the VC is sealed? I guess the torque bind is properly diagnosed? Was the car purchased used? perhaps the previous owner did some damage? Carl

not sure, but a '95 soob is probably still OBDII and if so is gonna 'bracket' the cat with sensors to measure its function. That why some people mistakenly change converters when actually the O2 (lambda) sensore is getting lazy or has gone bad. The front one gets the most heat and corrosive gases. A 4 wire MAY have an internal heater - not certain on that. so the rear may need it and the front heats up quite well from exhaust temps I guess - lol! Carl

definitely clear and watch how quickly ANY code returns. I don't recall you saying how many miles on the car - but I'd 'guess' you need a front O2 sensor. (bank 1 is the reference for all 4 cylinder cars, as most are inline, they number them that way so it can also be used for one side of a V8) Carl

Well, if you don't feel jerky motion in tight, slow turns/figure eights on pavement, I vote for something more like a torn CV boot or wheel bearing or something. However, you do need to confirm the tires are close (most say 1/4") to the same cirumference. It MAY be possible to reduce the likely hood of torque bind by running them (the larger tires ) with slightly less air pressure too. Carl

well, 2 questions come to my mind that MAY affect these guidelines; 1. The STi has that weird DCCD (or other?, new ones have Torsen? IIRC) center diff. I dunno for CERTAIN it can be towed 4 down. 2. I THINK towing with the rear 2 down might be a problem with rear LSD. Not sure though - anyone? Carl

oops - just saw the distance. I'd be tempted to go slowly and maybe stop 2-3 times to let stuff cool off. should be OK 4 down though Carl

didn't say how far he had to tow it. In THEORY, towing a stick AWD soob (dunno about the STi) should be no different than coasting down a hill. Now autos need the pumps turning and the solenoid engaged. do a search, check the manual. Carl edit; from this page; http://www.cars101.com/subwarr.html >>>>> Towing a Subaru behind a motorhome or a tow-truck The following is from Subaru "Helpline Update, 2/97" There has been a change to the policy regarding towing of Subaru vehicles behind motorhomes. The following applies to 1990 through present model year Legacy (Including Outback), 1993 through present year Impreza (incl. Outback Sport), and 1992 through present year SVX. (Note: should also include 1998 through present year Forester. Joe) Manual Transmission: All Wheel Drive vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground or with all four wheels off the ground on a trailer but towing an AWD vehicle must never be attempted with only two wheels on the ground or two wheels on a dolly. Front Wheel Drive vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground in neutral or with the two front wheels off the ground. Automatic Transmission AWD vehicles cannot be towed with any wheels on the ground. The vehicle can only be towed on a trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground and the transmission in park. Note: always inspect and check your car: radiator, coolant, all hoses, all fluids, brakes, towing equipment, lights etc<<<<<

If you ever notice that it always gets warmer at a stop light or parked, but is always OK when moving, that is diagnostic for the secondary raditor fan in most cases. Carl

It's another way the 'system' is controlled to cycle more frequently for solar loading. That is, if its 90 degrees at night, the system may not need to cycle the comp. as often as 90 degrees at noon - cause that's like sitting in a greenhouse. I THINK there is a mod for the cabin temp sensor on some Foresters floating around the net somewhere to improve A/C operation. Carl

wait - MANUAL tranny? might tow with all 4 on the ground.(assuming all other factors positive - tires the same circumference, brand, wear, etc.) if you have rear LSD, might be a problem 2 up with the DS removed anyway. I dunno Carl