This is my first post so I'm not sure how much info to give, but I have a '96 OB and when I start it the AT oil temp light blinks 16 times. Does anyone know what this means? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This is my first post so I'm not sure how much info to give, but I have a '96 OB and when I start it the AT oil temp light blinks 16 times. Does anyone know what this means? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Your TCM (Transmission Control Module ) has a stored code in it . The easiest way is to use a Select Monitor Scan Tool to access the codes

SEA#3

You can get the codes without the tool.

Google for subaru TCU secret handshake.

NASIOC forum has the details.

On-Board Diagnostics for the 4EAT Auto Tranmission

 

There are two varieties of trouble codes from the Transmission Control Module (TCM); Existing and Previous. Here is how to read the code without the Select Monitor tool.

Existing:

1. Move gear selector to D
   
2. Turn the ignition switch to On
   
3. Move the selector to 3, 2, then 1st gear.
   
4. Depress the gas pedal
   

Or Previous:

1. Move the selector to 1st gear
   
2. Turn the ignition switch to On
   
3. Move the selector to 2, 3, then D gear.
   
4. Depress the gas pedal
   

Next, watch the AT Oil Temp light. Here is the output:

1. Light flashes 4 times per second, you have a faulty battery.
   
2. Light flashes 2 times per second, all is normal.
   
3. Light remains on, check the inhibitor switch, diagnosis switch, wiring, TCM, etc.
   
4. Trouble code (see the next section).
   

Reading the trouble code:

1. Long light pulses (~1.2 seconds) indicate "tens."
   
2. Short light pulses (~0.2 seconds) indicate "ones."
   
3. Count the long, then short pulses.
   
4. Interval between codes are ~1.8 seconds.
   
5. Codes will repeat.
   
6. There are about 13 codes ranging between 11 and 33.
   

Trouble Code

11) Duty solenoid A

12) Duty solenoid B

13) Shift solenoid 3

14) Shift solenoid 2

15) Shift solenoid 1

21) ATF temperature sensor

22) Mass air flow signal

23) Engine speed sensor

24) Duty solenoid C

25) Torque control signal

31) Throttle position sensor

32) Vehicle speed sensor 1

33) Vehicle speed sensor 2

 

All solenoid issues, "detect open or shorted drive circuit, as well as valve seizure". All sensor or signal issues, "detect open or shorted input signal circuit".

 

Aside: although Subaru says that the TCM will, "detect... valve seizure", in my case the Duty Solenoid C seizure that I incurred was NOT detected by the TCM.

 

Good luck and may the force be with you.

 

Peace, out....

Hello-

16 blinks is your torque control cut off. Been there a few weeks ago. Posted the whole thing.

 

I used a shop manual which lead me to believe it was my TCU, bought a new one, ran fine for 1/2 hour, then came back, returned TCU (minus a large restocking fee)....I'll just let you read my past posts. Be ready to spend about $750, more if you go to a dealer.

 

rude

16 blinks is just that there is a problem registered by TCU - it is nothing specific yet. Guys already described the procedure on how to pull the codes, although in my case (1995 Legacy) I have to connect diagnostic No.5 terminal under the dash to do magical code reading.

 

Updated: attachement with information you need to start troubleshooting via TCU on 1996 Legacy

MSA5TCD96L6421.pdf