Hi and Help with AT Problems

[mrfc3s]

Hi, Im new to subaru and i dont know much about them, so if i say somthing wrong, please correct me... Here goes,

 

I just got my very first Subaru Legacy LS(only traded it for a PentiumII PC, hehehe) the body doesn't look too bad and the engine runs like new. The reason I got the car for so cheap was that 1. It has no title, that I can fix. 2. Busted out Taillights, also an easy fix, but mainly there is a major problem with the automatic transmission.

 

When starting from a dead stop, I give a little gas and she goes fine, with the exception of the ocasional slip. As i climb through the RPMs she hesatates shifting into 2nd gear. I can sometimes make her shift into 2nd by letting off of the throttle a bit, but it doesn't always work. Sometimes she shifts, sometimes not. when "Manual Shifting" it does the same thing. 1st & 3rd work fine(im not in an area that i can get above 40mph to test 4th)

 

Out of the Information that i've gone through, i've discovered that the TCU is displaying a code#15(Shift Solenoid #1) Im thinkig that may be the problem, but not 100% sure. I wanted to try fixing that before rebuilding the entire tranny(as it is costly) I'm planing to mod the car asap, but right now, i just want to get her running right.

 

I dont know where the solenoid is on the tranny or where i can buy another solenoid. If you guys could help me with this, it would be very much apreaciated. Any information would help me.

 

Thanks,

Tim

[williamhilow]

Do you have any pictures?

 

 

 

Bill

[mrfc3s]

Pictures of what? The tranny or the car?

I dont have any pictures but I'm trying to get some.

[williamhilow]

Pictures of what? The tranny or the car?

I dont have any pictures but I'm trying to get some.

Yes,

 

Of your new car. Just curious about how it looks.

 

 

Bill

[mrfc3s]

no problem, when I get some ill post them(I'm proud of my broken Legacylol) like I said, with the execption of a few dings and scratches, she's like new:)

[SevenSisters]

The shift solenoids are on the valve body. You need to take off the pan and remove the valve body. Never did it but it looks like an on the car repair.

 

Check to see if Josh has the transmission section scanned in. You can check components before you take anything apart. May be as simple as a bad ground or as bad as a new TCU.

[williamhilow]

Cool,

 

I would like to see the car. If you are interested in posting pictures on this site pics must be less than or equal to 320x200.

If you are planning to post pictures. I recommend using:

irfanview (This is image conversion software).

Go to www.tucows.com

search for irfanview.

 

If you are using dialup, no problem. File size is < 1m and downloads in 5 mins.

after you install irfanview:

1) open the desired image (WARNING: make a back up of your original as irfanware will permanently alter your image)

2) open "image" from the pull down menu.

3) select "resize or resample" and experiment with the different sizes avail. to achieve the size that is acceptable. rename and save as.

 

Have fun.

Bill

 

 

no problem, when I get some ill post them(I'm proud of my broken Legacylol) like I said, with the execption of a few dings and scratches, she's like new:)

[mrfc3s]

Thanks for the information SevenSisters

 

one other question though, Is the TCU code displayed right after you start the engine as well? or is it only after you do all that other stuff on Josh's page?

 

I just did that stuff and the TCU gave me a 24 (Duty C Solenoid,) I don't really know what the hell is going on with this tranny, I just know I don’t want to rebuild or replace it.

 

I really don’t know anyone on this forum so I appreciate your information.

 

- and ill post some pics as soon as i can find someone with a Digicam:)

[SevenSisters]

I've never had to troubleshoot the transmission, so I'm not sure. There must be somebody on the board that has done (fixed) this and can help more. If you clear the codes and start over, I'd guess you'll get the right codes.

Most people with tranny problems seem to flush and change the fluid first and see what happens.

Some codes are dependent on other parts functioning properly so you usually start with the lowest numeric code and work up. Remember a code doesn't always mean the part is bad. It could be a bad connection or bad input from something else.

[idosubaru]

i wouldn't use the term *rebuild* so fast. forget that idea unless you like spending lots of money, then tear it up.

 

if it has a Duty solenoid C then it's an AWD transmission. was it towed improperly (call the previous owners and ask) and do the tires match? if the tires don't match, make them match ASAP. mismatching tires don't do good things to AWD transmissions. it shouldn't set a TCU code though, but get this straight anyway you'll want the tires matching for the future. i've seen AWD subaru's towed on tow dolly's and suffer no damage (though everyone claims it's dreadful) but i have seen mismatching tires on more than one occassion cause strange problems with shifting and locking of the transfer clutch (operated by Duty solenoid C). putting a new set of matching tires on fixed the problems in those cases.

 

after the tires are sorted out, i'd install an aftermarket transmission cooler immediately. i wouldn't expect this to fix your problem, but they are wise investments anyway. it's almost irresponsible not to pay 30 dollars for one in my oppinion. unless you like higher risks just to save 30 dollars.

 

i would guess this thing has major problems, auto trans generally don't get better, though sometimes you get lucky like the tire change fixes mentioned earlier. here are some things to check:

 

first - check the fluid. how is it? have it flushed or at least drain it yourself. install some high quality fluid. i'll let you debate what that is with everyone else on another thread. just get the old stuff out and get some good stuff in.

 

second - check the transmission pan and make sure the pan is not dented in such a way that it could restrict fluid flow to the filter. the intake side of the filters on some soobs are very close to the bottom of the pan, if the pan gets dented and pushed up, this reduces that clearance substantially and create transmission problems.

 

third - how old is this thing? replace the filter. new filter comes with new oring and gasket. the transmission is very sensitive to line pressure, a clogged filter or bad oring can cause bad line pressure. same problem a dented pan will cause - poor line pressure.

 

i think Duty solenoid C controls the lock-up of the transfer clutch. i have a wire spliced into the wire for Duty Solenoid C so i can manually control the lock up of the transfer clutch in my 4EAT. doubt you want to do it, but you could try manually controlling this solenoid to see what it does. all you can do basically is have it on or *connected* which operates like stock or off, *unconnected* which locks up the transfer clutch for 4WD operation. i think all this is pointless for you though so i'll end there.

 

here's one more useful piece of information. forget a rebuild, i'd buy a used transmission. i can buy or find half a dozen used transmissions for the price of a rebuild and these 4EAT's are very relialbe for an auto trans. local place here installs YOUR transmission with a new filter for 200 dollars at the most. i've never used them because i do it myself, but that's not bad. find a used trans for a couple hundred, have someone install it in a day for 200 dollars and you're done. don't forget to replace the rear main seal, torque conveter seal and some 4EAT's have a ring seal on the torque converter shaft - replace that as well. if you're installing it yourself, transmissions are actually easy to install. having the torque converter line up and set properly is tricky but a little patience and it takes 5 or 10 minutes and you're done. biggest problem is they are very bulky, heavy and hard to move around. other than that, not really many bolts to replace one. that's why a shop will only charge 200 for it, they can do it quick. i'd start sourcing a used unit just in case.