My 2001 Forester's automatic shift is very very stiff. Tranny is fine. Where is the most likely problem? Under the car at the linkage or up top? Is there some kind of bushing kit for the shifter? Can I get at everything from under the car?

Thanks all.

miles people how many miles?

Describer hard shift. Does it shift easier with car off, the clutch in, and just running it through the gears?

 

 

nipper

I have the same type of problem.

2000 Outback Wagon, auto tranny, 211,500 kms.

Shifter is quite tight up and down the range.

Was told by a dealership tech that it is more than likely cables and bushings in a bad need of lubing.

I was wondering if everything I need to get to might be exposed and what might be my best choice of lubricant.....white grease, maybe???

 

Thanks for any advice.

DCor

All my soobs get the stiff shifter if they sit for more a couple weeks. Solution I use is spray the linkage on the RH/passenger side of the trans with Kroil and that frees it right up. I assume it is something rusting up in there maybe.

I finally got my Outback up on the stands and used penetrating oil on the shifter linkage, them sprayed it all with white grease. I carefully sprayed a ceramic lube into the base of the shift stick inside the cab and it has really become smooth the last week or so. I still think replacing the cable is the ultimate solution.