lhrocker Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I bought a 2002 Legacy GT w/65k miles on the car in July. From the service records that I got to see before the sale, the previous owner took immaculate care of the car in terms of regular maintenance. They even changed the headgaskets, which was a big reason in me buying the car. Now I put almost 15K on the car in 6 months, but I have changed the oil every 5K w/mobil 1. A few weeks ago, the car stated to have issues shifting - mainly when I'm accellerating while making a turn and when I slow down and then speed up. I had the transmission fluid changed over the weekend, as it's the cheapest first solution, and it may have helped a little bit, but I still get that jumping when shifting gears. i've read that maybe I could reset the computer and that may help. Otherwise, I'll bring it to a dedicated tranny shop. I've never had this issue with any of my 2.2 Legacys. I used to have a 2003 Legacy which kind of had this feel when going uphill mainly. Does this sound like it is something major? Hate to get a new "to me" car and have to put more $$$ into it. Maybe a full tuneup next, or what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Does the car feel like it's short on power at all? Idle low, or feel a little sluggish off the line? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhrocker Posted January 10, 2011 Author Share Posted January 10, 2011 Only when accelerating after slowing down or uphill on/off ramps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 A tuneup may be a good start. I've seen plenty of hard shifting problems turn out to be engine related, when people were convinced it was a transmission problem. Start with simple stuff. An air filter can do wonders if it hasn't been changed recently. Not sure if the P/O ever had the spark plugs changed. If not, a new set of OE Subaru or NGK plug wires to go with NGK plugs should do some good. You probably know what all else to do so I won't preach about what to change on a tune-up, but plugs and wires these cars seem to be very picky about. Before you change the plugs, try running a half bottle of Seafoam in the intake to clean it out. This has a tendency to foul the plugs if the intake is really gunked up. But if you're changing plugs anyway it's the the perfect time for an intake cleaning. Dump the other half bottle in the fuel tank on top of about 1/4 - 1/2 tank of gas to act as a fuel system cleaner. Also be sure to check under the hood for any loose/split vacuum hoses. Make sure the intake ductwork is clamped tight where it's supposed to be. All of the breather hoses are tight and where they should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94Loyale Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Before you even bother to change the plugs. You have a phase II 2.5, pull the plug wires out and see if they are oil soaked, that's the number one cause of a misfire on these motors. The plug well seals start to leak and fill up the wells with oil. So if they are leaking, change your valve cover gaskets as well. A lot of times you can get away with cleaning the plug wires up with brake cleaner and reusing them, rather than buying new ones. Just something to look for if you plan on doing a tune-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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