I have a 2002 Impreza. Yesterday, when I was stopped at an intersection, I heard a gurgling noise--like water running behind the dashboard. It lasted not even a minute and only happened once. I did have the defogger on when this happened. I drove the car again today for only a short distance but didn't hear anything. I called the Subaru Service Department but he never heard of anything like this and suggested I make an appointment to check it out. No fluids have been leaking. Any suggestions as to what it might be??

my first guess would be a air pocket in the cooling system,the gurgeling you heard was air and coolant going thru the heater core.

I agree, check your coolant level.

 

Do a search on the board for "burp" or "burping" to make sure you remove all air in the system.

 

The dealer didn't want to claim they knew what is was over the phone, I guess you can't blame them, too many "but you told me it was...". Plus you can go in and get charged for a sevice.

VERY important to check the above, but a low refrigerant condition can sound a little like water 'whooshing' and the A/C compressor would likely be engaged for defrosting. Try testing the air conditioner with and without the A/C compressor and give a listen.

 

(I'm actually overdue for taking my '03 OBW in for low refrig. - too many family 'emergencies' right now for my wife to give up her car - grrrr!)