Recent video on Gen 4 CVT reverse issue

[Novablue]

Okay! I finally got this to fail. It's night time though so my video is kinda crap, if I'm not too lazy I'll try to make a video this weekend (unlikely).

Easily found 5.5" curb and 6.5" curb, no issues car was able to reverse over them no problem. No running start and both tires had even pressure before the attempt.

Then I found a 8.5" curb. That's when she failed. Car would try to climb and revs maxed out at 2800 rpm or so even with the petal to the floor.

Anyone can replicate this if the try to "power brake" the car. Put the car in drive/reverse and keep pressure on the brake petal, then push on the gas. I can only assume that this is not so much a failure of the CVT as it might be some other safety feature or the limit of the torque converter. I suppose if someone had enough weight in the car even a 5.5" curb would not be scalable.

All in all the fact that this limit exists is a non-issue for me.

[1 Lucky Texan]

my gut feeling is, with no wheel movement detected, they are trying to prevent CVT belt slippage .

[vr4Legacy]

I believe it's a combination of factors. All AT cars have a stall point where the engine won't rev any higher without wheel movement. Just hold your brake and give your car gas. It may be lower on the OB than others for various reasons, possibly to save the CVT. Finally the backup gear ratio seems to be just high enough to not be able to climb a curb at the stall speed of the CVT with both wheels stopped on the obstacle. For obvious reasons this isn't a problem with a MT. In another thread I believe someone said they had trouble with a 5EAT, but my gut is telling me they won't. More HP and different gear ratios.

But, again, this is not a real world problem. And for most is a non-issue

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by vr4Legacy

it's just such an odd set of circumstances that 99% of people will never encounter it in day to day driving.

1% means a lot of people will will encounter the problem in day to day driving. If this is the case they should fix it. At least they fixed it on the 2013.

[vr4Legacy]

Of the 1% that may encounter it in a day to day situation, I'd say 100% will simply roll the car forward a few inches and give it another try and never think twice about it. Again, not a real world problem, maybe a small nuisance that will seldom (if ever) occur.

I've been driving mine for 1.5 years, back it up daily into my driveway and have backed a trailer up a few times over some big obstacles, never came across this problem. Only when I tried to replicate it, was I able to succeed.

I too am glad they fixed it in 2013, but I don't see any warrant to them addressing it on 10-12 models.

[japmaxse]

Originally Posted by vr4Legacy

I too am glad they fixed it in 2013, but I don't see any warrant to them addressing it on 10-12 models.

According to djz his 13" has the same issue. Where is the written statement that this was fixed or even claimed to be an issue on Subaru's behalf?

[djz]

Originally Posted by japmaxse

According to djz his 13" has the same issue. Where is the written statement that this was fixed or even claimed to be an issue on Subaru's behalf?

You are correct, it is not "fixed" on the 2013.

I had to stack 2x4s to get it on to my RV pad last night. I am not brave enough to go for a running start or hit the narrow opening at an angle and have to back in so I have room to open my door and get out. I don't anticipate doing this often, but there will be times I want to have my track car in the garage when I am working on it...

[mpnret]

I used a 4x4 piece of wood (actual 3.5x3.5) behind both wheels. My 2010 Legacy had no hope of going over it. You could floor the gas and hold it and it would just sit there at about 2600 rpm. My 2010 OB would make it over but just barely. My 2013 OB goes over effortlessly. The 2013 specs list a different reverse ratio than previous years. I assumed that was why. But after reading djz's post maybe I just have a lucky 2013. Anyway I am a happy camper. 2010 OB is gone and 2010 Legacy is going soon. Just trying to decide if a Mazda CX-5 or a new Forester will be the replacement.
If the new Outbacks still do this is would make a great marketing video for a competitor.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by mpnret

I used a 4x4 piece of wood (actual 3.5x3.5) behind both wheels. My 2010 Legacy had no hope of going over it. You could floor the gas and hold it and it would just sit there at about 2600 rpm. My 2010 OB would make it over but just barely. My 2013 OB goes over effortlessly. The 2013 specs list a different reverse ratio than previous years. I assumed that was why. But after reading djz's post maybe I just have a lucky 2013. Anyway I am a happy camper. 2010 OB is gone and 2010 Legacy is going soon. Just trying to decide if a Mazda CX-5 or a new Forester will be the replacement.
If the new Outbacks still do this is would make a great marketing video for a competitor.

You go through cars like my 3yr old goes through shoes. LOL

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

You go through cars like my 3yr old goes through shoes. LOL

I never did this in the old days. But now with GTP and at least 2% off invoice and it actually makes sense. I don't think I would do it if I was in CA like you. I understand you pay sales tax on the full purchase amount regardless of trade. That would sure take the fun out of it.