So basically what's happening is the car will be cruising just fine and will even shift into 4th once my speed is fast enough and cruise below 2500rpm's. However, after a few seconds, the car downshifts itself back into 3rd and the rpms shoot up to 3000. To maintain freeway speeds (65mph) the RPMS are pushing into the 4000's. My speedometer does "click" and wobble a little bit but is still very much accurate with my speed so I could see that as being a probable cause. Although I couldn't see the car shifting into 4th if that was the problem.

I've read a few things from: the car being in limp mode, perhaps the cable adjustment is a little off, or the 4th gear is pretty much shot.

 

Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated.

A faulty knock sensor can cause shifting issues by retarding the timing too much and triggering the trans to downshift to compensate.

Do you know if the car would throw a CEL? Or perhaps the tranny would throw a code for this?

You need to pull the TCU codes. Search on this board for how it's done for your model.

 

GD

Agree with GD.

 

I had a similar problem with my 4EAT (going into and out of Torque Converter Lock Up at cruise). I eventually got a Check Engine Light and a P0710 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit fault code.

 

I had the internal wire harness (and all the attached sensors) replaced and it fixed the problem.

Year?

Model?

Mileage?

codes/flashing AT light?

 

and have you checked the fluid level at all??

that is the FIRST thing I would check...

is the level correct?

does the fluid look & smell clean?

or does it look/smell burnt?

When you start the car does the AT oil temp light flash about 10 times? If so, a code is stored.

 

You didn't mention a year or model of Subaru in your post that i see.

Ya it did flash ten times and I checked it and it was code 32. The vss sensor #1. Car is a 90 ls wagon fwd. Ive heard the vss is located in the actual cluster but have yet to locate it

on cable driven speedos the VSS is located in the speedo. just replace it. adjusting the odo to your current mileage is pretty easy. not that it matters much on a 20 year old car. or if you care.