Thanks to the many knowledgeable people here, I was able to figure out what the blinking POWER light meant and how to decipher the codes. For the EXISTING Code, I have 12 (1 Long, 2 Short) and for the PREVIOUS code, I have 33 (3 Long, 3 Short). These codes relate to Duty Solenoid B and Vehicle Speed Sensor 2. What I'd like to know is how critical it is to do something about those issues? The car has only 133K miles on it, shifts just fine AFAIK, and is only used for in-town driving. Also, the POWER light does not blink all the time.

 

The Subaru mechanic didn't seem overly concerned. The hourly rate is $86...5 hours for dropping the tranny! I would appreciate your expert advice on how to proceed from here.

 

Thanks

try this to diagnois the problem

http://legacycentral.org/library/literature/codes.htm

Oops i sent the wrong one its for a ecu one sec.

here u go

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/trans.html

Pull the EGI/TCU fuse for 30 mins or so to clear the codes. Drive the car around, and then check the codes again. See if any come back.

 

Does your speedo work?

Pull the EGI/TCU fuse for 30 mins or so to clear the codes. Drive the car around, and then check the codes again. See if any come back.

 

I assume disconnecting the battery for the same time would have the same effect? Lot easier than trying to find the specific fuse. Will try that and report back.

 

Does your speedo work?

 

Yes...nothing wrong with the speedometer.

 

I really like the car...I am the original owner and with only 133K miles on the engine, I know it has a long way to go. But, dropping a $1,000+ on the tranny is a bit much. Been thinking about a used 2002 (or thereabouts) Legacy Wagon with 60K miles (or so). What would you consider a fair price from the dealer for such a vehicle? Are the later (2000-2006) models also plagued with the head gasket problems?

 

Thanks for all your help. *Much* appreciated.

 

Sam

i beleive 2000 to 2002 has headgasket issue it was the first gen 2.5l engines but 2004 2006 im sure is alright. By the way u think 1000 is alot to spend? i had spent 3000 to get my tranny fixed like brand new, however im talking canadian funds. But u really need to love your subarus to spend this much.

Pull the EGI/TCU fuse for 30 mins or so to clear the codes. Drive the car around, and then check the codes again. See if any come back.

 

 

Disconnected the battery for about 15 minutes. Checked codes. Still get 12...Solenoid B. Interestingly, several times during the day yesterday, the POWER light did not flash when starting the vehicle. Where to go from here?

Change tranny fluid do a flush. Start from there.

has there been any recent work done or accidents...or your mechanic missed his yatcht payment?

 

i'd start with a fluid change as well(has that ever been done?). check the transmission electrical connections and make sure they are seated firmly, not dirty/corroded and none of the pins inside the connector are done. this is a quick and easy check.

has there been any recent work done or accidents...or your mechanic missed his yatcht payment?

 

i'd start with a fluid change as well(has that ever been done?). check the transmission electrical connections and make sure they are seated firmly, not dirty/corroded and none of the pins inside the connector are done. this is a quick and easy check.

 

Nope...no recent work except for an Oil Change. Don't know about the yacht .

 

The tranny has NEVER been opened unless it had to be when the external filter was added as a recall. I'd be happy to check all the electrical connections...unfortunately, I have no clue where and what those connections/contacts are. Are there photographs on the web somewhere that would give me a clue? I suppose paying $140 for a transmission flush and fill (local Subaru Dealer) along with checking all the contacts/connections might not be so bad. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks.

i beleive 2000 to 2002 has headgasket issue it was the first gen 2.5l engines but 2004 2006 im sure is alright. By the way u think 1000 is alot to spend? i had spent 3000 to get my tranny fixed like brand new, however im talking canadian funds. But u really need to love your subarus to spend this much.

Actually 96-99 and 00-04 both have HG issues, Phase I (96-99) leak internally, Phase II (00-04) leak externally.

 

But it is a crap shoot, some last forever, others blow early.