Just bought a 93 legacy to go with my 92 legacy and second gear has gone out... Any ideas where to start??

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by AboutThatLife

Auto or manual?

Auto

look for ANY signs the trans pan is dented.

 

does the dash light flash when you start the car?

 

does the fluid look bad? correct level (must be checked while idling)

No dents, no flashing lights, almost acts like it's slipping but fails to catch again un less I left off but have to keep it at 2k rpm

my daughters 05 legacy is doing something similar, it is an auto, but when starting out or accelarating after coasting, the engine revs and then the transmission engages. It is like having the clutch pedal depressed on a manual and letting it out, it will grab, but not quickly and has to be over 2k rpm. Is there a vaccum line that could be malfunctioning? Or does it sound like something worse/

There are no vaccume controls on the 4eat (the transmission that is in both of your cars), the 05, you may have a different issue. For the o.p. it sounds as if you are experiencing a mechanical failure in your transmission, but it is hard to tell as you describe it. Does it act the same way if you manuely shift it?

how's the fluid level and condition? (level must be checked while idling)

 

some folks have good luck after some fresh fluid - even 3 drain/fills with some driving in between.

 

or, after fresh fluid, Trans-X has helped with 'delayed engagement' .