There's a history here to this saga, so let me try to go in chronological order:

 

1.) Last March or so, I notice 2nd gear in my 2007 Outback H4 non-turbo slips in second gear. Sometimes the engine rpms flare a little, sometimes it seems like it does not engage fully, and other times it seems to be OK.

 

2.) I have the Subaru extended warranty (good until 12/31/11), so I bring it to a dealership, and they tell me I need a trans fluid flush, even though the trans and whole car has been fully serviced by them (except oil changes/etc, I do that stuff myself), the last service being 20k ago. So I do this fluid flush, and the issue is still there.

 

3.) I drive like this for some time, and about a month ago I get tired of it, so I bring it to another dealership, this one the place where I purchased it. They finally acknowledge the issue, open it up, replace seals, etc, then replace the valve body, and the issue is still there. They do acknowledge that 2nd gear still "holds", but that is BS. The issue is still apparent.

 

One thing to know is that it does NOT slip when in sport mode, that is when you change gears "manually" through the shifter. This leads me to believe it is an ECU/electrical issue.

 

Any ideas?

Welcome to the USMB.

 

My recommendation is you contact Subaru directly through their customer service department phone number. Since your extended warranty is coming up, I would push Subaru to resolve the issue, even if it goes past your warranty expiration since you have records indicating the problem occurred previously and was not fully rectified.

Welcome to the USMB.

 

My recommendation is you contact Subaru directly through their customer service department phone number. Since your extended warranty is coming up, I would push Subaru to resolve the issue, even if it goes past your warranty expiration since you have records indicating the problem occurred previously and was not fully rectified.

 

12/31/11 is coming up fast, especially with all the holiday activities. You need to get this fixed right away, so dealer or Subaru doesn't try to wiggle out of repair coverage. It is never good trying to get something fixed under warranty, after time has expired. Agree you should contact Subaru directly. I would contact the Subaru Zone Manager, and submit your problem, as you have had 2 dealerships not fix the problem. If it were me, I would push for a replacement transmission. Time is short, act now.

12/31/11 is coming up fast, especially with all the holiday activities. You need to get this fixed right away, so dealer or Subaru doesn't try to wiggle out of repair coverage. It is never good trying to get something fixed under warranty, after time has expired. Agree you should contact Subaru directly. I would contact the Subaru Zone Manager, and submit your problem, as you have had 2 dealerships not fix the problem. If it were me, I would push for a replacement transmission. Time is short, act now.

 

And, keep a record of whom you talked to, what was agreed to, etc,. This can help you later if follow up is needed; you might also try the salesman that actually sold you the car- maybe a long-shot, but sometimes they actually do want your business and will go above and beyond.

Edited November 22, 201114 yr by john40iowa