Hey folks, trying to diagnose a problem with my wifes 2006 Outback Legacy Wagon.  

 

When starting from a stop, I apply gas & let clutch out.  There is a 3 or 4 second delay before the car starts moving.  If i rev the throttle before letting go of the clutch it seems to react quickly (as expected).  When starting at a stop light on a steep hill (I'm on one every day) this problem is much more obvious as I get the gas pedal to the floor before the car wakes up.

 

Bonus symptom: the car smells like transmission fluid (or something stinky that I think is tf) after you drive it for a while.

 

Any suggestions where to start?

 

Thanks!

how many mile of the clutch? sounds worn-out. usual test is on the freeway in 5th - punch it and revs go WAY up faster than car accerlrates.

 

smell could be burning compound/metal from clutch slippage.

 

split axle boot slinging grease on exhaust also good possibility.

Simple answer. If you have the clutch out, and its revving. The clutch is slipping.

 

Wether its the clutch, or the master/slave cylinders (hydraulic) or cable. Thats what you need to determine.