I have a 98 forester awd 62k, new fluid(cheap stuff) changed it because it smelled burnt,also filter, so i got 6 qts out.It shifts slow from 2nd to 3rd tac.drops slowly from around 3300? to 22000? maby1.5 secounds also it has started to not shift,or delay to drive, it started when very cold now it does it now & then. Any advice? better fluid for sure! band adjustment?

I'm pretty sure the 2-3 shift is controled by the brake band, so it may need to be adjusted.

The manual instructs how. I'll give it a try .What about not going into drive? it just started acting up I want to catch it early if I can.Thanks for the help.

Could be a solenoid. I had to replace the front pump in my transmission to fix the low pressure/slow shifting into drive problem.

the problem is @ 50+mph going from 3rd into drive. may be I wasn't clear. is that the problem you had. thanx for reply

also it has started to not shift,or delay to drive, it started when very cold now it does it now & then. Any advice? better fluid for sure! band adjustment?

 

Mine was delaying going into drive. Sometimes it would be as long as 30 - 40 seconds before D would kick in after backing out of the garage or pulling out of a parking space..

I have a 98 forester awd 62k, new fluid(cheap stuff) changed it because it smelled burnt,also filter, so i got 6 qts out.It shifts slow from 2nd to 3rd tac.drops slowly from around 3300? to 22000? maby1.5 secounds also it has started to not shift,or delay to drive, it started when very cold now it does it now & then. Any advice? better fluid for sure! band adjustment?

 

Take it to a quality transmission shop, and pay them the $50 for a diagnosis. That's what I did on my 98 legacy when 3rd gear was slipping badly. They were able to test the solenoids, hook up diagnostics equpment to the tranny, etc. The verdict: the internal seals were destroyed. The first shop quoted $3k for a complete rebuld, the second (recommended by me mechanic) $1800-2400 depending on what they found. It ended up being $2400 but it drives nicely now.