Friends 99 Forester needs an AUTO trans. She's had the DFE problem since she bought it. Couple years ago I put trans X in it and that took care of it for about a year then an ex of hers decided he would work on it and did something that caused a leak. I fixed the leak, transX again and she was good to go for another year or so. But now trans X isn't cutting it anymore, and it's been slipping on occasion.

 

To avoid getting one with the DFE problem, I think I should be looking for an 01-03 from a Forester or Legacy Outback... right?

 

It's been a while since I've looked into this stuff, so just want to make sure before I start checkig around for prices.

That's my guess 01-03, 01's are suspect for that issue too though.

I haven't commited Phase II autos to memory, Phase II, 1 sensor verses 2 speed sensors, Duty C changes in 2003...forester/legacy differences...gets confusing in my eyes.

I usually just google it and try to find one person that's done the exact years i'm looking at....but obviously you're trying to start with what you can search for.

 

I think you can use even later trans...03-04 with the reversed Duty C if you address the signal reversal - CNYDave knows that issue...

I remember reading about Daves 03-04 C duty solenoid debacle. Id like to avoid having to make modifications to make this work.

 

I wasn't aware that the 01+ transmissions had the DFE as well. Thought that was just a 99-00 thing. If that's the case I may convince her to just let me rebuild it.

Just watch the gear ratios, auto legacy's have 4.11, outbacks 4.44's, 04 donor trans needs a few swapped parts in the tail section.

Forester should be 4.44 right?

 

Car-part.com lists 99-01 as interchanable. Safe enough to think 01-03 should be fine.