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trans problems

Featured Replies

1992 legacy L fwd automatic. I was driving down the highway and it down shifted to 3rd. now all i have is 3rd and reverse. pulling the shifter back to 1st and the car wont move like it is in reverse and forward. no 2nd or 4th gear. any ideas?

Opinions I have read on this forum over many years, is that it is far
better, and a lot easier, and less expensive to replace the tranny with a
good used one from a wrecking yard. Rebuilding a 92 tranny at a shop
would be labor intensive and therefore expensive.

Could it be in limp mode- loss of power or ground to the trans?

1. Is the AT light blinking 16 times @ startup? Yes? There's a code stored in the TCU - trans computer. Search on here.

2. Check your ATF level. The difference between L and F on the dipstick is about 1/2 Qt, so doesn't take much.

3. Is the CEL light on? Check the Codes. Search on here.

4. Trans may be dead....it's acting like the ones I've had/seen that failed.

5. Due the "3 Drain ATF/Refill/Drive thru all gears" cycle. May get lucky.

 

GL,

TD

  • Author

the cel light has been on for years. trans light not blinking and the fluid has a burned smell, so thinking the trans is trash.

the cel light has been on for years. trans light not blinking and the fluid has a burned smell, so thinking the trans is trash.

Agree that trans is prolly trash. Being a 92, I guess you will have to make a choice of replacing the tranny, or sending car to a wrecking yard. If you are like most Subie owners, that will be a difficult emotional choice.

 

I did look around on the internet to see what a used tranny may cost from a wrecking yard. Looks like in the $200+ area. Even so, used trannys from the 92 era have a ton of miles on them. I would question the reliability on high millage trannys. Still worth a look at

Car-Part.com

Keep us posted on what you are going to do. The best to you!

  • Author

it is my wifes first car, and I would get divorced if I scrapped it. I put it in the barn till I decide if I'm going to chance a used trans or rebuild this one myself.

Is 3rd and R only what limp mode is like? That is, what the trans does when it loses all electrical power?

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