Hi All,

I am new here but could not find this...

I live in the BVI and recently got a 2003 Subaru Forester XT 2.0 Turbo imported from Japan.

Yesterday not sure why the 'ECO' light started flashing and the car stopped switching gears. Mechanic checked today and looks like it is stuck on 3rd gear so he asked me to buy (we can't get the parts here) 5 transmission solenoids...

First of all... is it correct? There are 5 Solenoids? Are all of them the same? Where can I get parts that will fit my Japanese import? 

As you can see I am not really one that understands about cars (would love to though) and have no clue what exactly to buy...

Thanks in advance,

Sergio 

sdantasbvi,

 

The link below is to the factory service manuals for every year and model Subaru. Find your model, click to find the year, then click to download the entire Factory Service Manual for your car (15 minutes or so to download). Then search the Transmission section for Diagnostics and diagrams to show the solenoids.

 

         http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/

 

You can put 12 volts across each solenoid to hear them click, the one that doesn't is the culprit. Replace it and then replace the tranny pan gasket, filter and pan and fill with new tranny fluid as per FSM instructions.

 

Used and possibly new solenoids can show up on eBay, after you identify the part number you need, or try these sites:

http://www.importdrivetrain.com/subaru_id.htm

http://www.importperformancetrans.com/subaruauto.shtml

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/transmissions_automatics/subaru_overhaul_kit.html

I have no personal experience with any of this, but after 10 minutes of online searching, I believe this would be a good place for you to start.

 

If you have a friend in a larger city in the USA, they may be able to find a used solenoid from a wrecking yard, or even find new ones from an auto supply shop. Good Luck!

sounds like it is in 'limp' mode which can be something as simple as a disconnected O2 sensor or MAF sensor.

 

seems VERY unlikely you need 5 shift solenoids - maybe try a different mechanic?

 

any damage or work done before the problem? is the pan dented on the transmission?

 

hope you get some other replies.

Thanks for the manual link... trying to find the parts number there but a bit lost...

 

Agree it is strange to change all... unfortunately mechanics here are not great and the only authorized dealer charges an arm and a leg as you can imagine...

 

No damage or work done previously... 

 

I am trying these parts website but not really easy to navigate... but thanks anyway guys... I will probably write to them!

 

Cheers,

Ok, managed to scan it. Shows 

 

P0731 - Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio

P0732 - Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio

 

Can it still be a disconnected O2 sensor or MAF sensor? If not does this give any clue on which solenoid needs changing?

 

Thanks again!

Seems like It's stuck in limp mode. This could be just a loose connection at the main wire harness connector for the transmission. Or Could be damaged wiring or a bad ground.

Having two ratio codes might suggest that one of the transmission speed sensors has failed or is sending a false/incorrect signal.

 

Very unlikely for 5 solenoids to fail all at once.