Okay so the CEL is on in the 1997, and the code is this:

 

Torque converter solenoid open

Torque converter solenoid-electrical

 

 

Any ideas on what this means and how I can fix it?

 

Thanks

Your torque converter is not locking up. Check the tranny fluid, see if it is clean and is up to level with the car at operating temp and on level ground.  Could also be an electrical issue, or a faulty torque converter clutch solenoid valve.

It's torque converter clutch solenoid electrical. Do I need to take it to a transmission specialist to have it serviced, or after checking the fluid, is there something further that I can do myself?

 

Thank you.

the shift and other solenoids are accessible through the transmission pan - but i don't know about the TC solenoid, not that i know of.

 

if you're wanting to dive into this i'd look for an FSM. i just pulled up my 97 Legacy FSM but ironically the trans section was missing..>?

http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/--Articles--/--Endwrench--/

 

I couldn't figure out how to just send the one article so here are all of them, just scroll down to 4EAT.pdf.

How about posting the exact code? (P0XXX) then we can look at Subarus service manual definition for that code and make sure were chasing the right goose.