Transmission drive engagement problem - Subaru Outback

mckeand13 · 03-26-2008, 02:38 PM

A friend of mine has an '00 Outback wagon. 2.5L Auto. 111,000 miles on it.

He's having some transmission problems and I'm helping him look for a solution. I haven't experienced it before on my OB so I'm really of no help at this point.

When shifting from reverse to drive, it takes about 10 seconds and some blipping of the throttle to engage drive. Seems like the tranny is in "neutral" until drive engages.

This problem happens whether the car is hot or cold. If you stop for even a couple of minutes, it still happens. If you shut the car off after driving and immediately restart/drive, there is no issue.

Any suggestions on what to look at?

Thanks.

jeremy · 03-26-2008, 02:50 PM

Perhaps the valves may be sticking. When's the last time he changed the fluid in it?

mckeand13 · 03-26-2008, 03:04 PM

Fluid drain and refill was performed about 1yr ago. That represents about 5-6K miles.

**AWDFTW** · 03-26-2008, 03:30 PM

Has he taken it to an auto place and had the computer read for any odd codes?

mckeand13 · 03-26-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeadBird
Has he taken it to an auto place and had the computer read for any odd codes?

No. There is not a CEL on either.

**porcupine73** · 03-26-2008, 07:52 PM

Hi. Unfortunately that issue has plagued a number of early phase II 4eat's. The typical cause is this shrinking seal:

mckeand13 · 03-26-2008, 08:52 PM

Thanks Porcuipine!

So, I don't know much about these transmissions.

Does it have to be removed from the car to replace that seal or how is the fix performed?

Any issue with driving it as is? I'm not sure if it is getting worse, but from his description it is very drivable, just annoying.

03-26-2008, 02:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
mckeand13 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wisconsin Car: 2001 Outback 2.5L Wagon Posts: 255 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Transmission drive engagement problem A friend of mine has an '00 Outback wagon. 2.5L Auto. 111,000 miles on it. He's having some transmission problems and I'm helping him look for a solution. I haven't experienced it before on my OB so I'm really of no help at this point. When shifting from reverse to drive, it takes about 10 seconds and some blipping of the throttle to engage drive. Seems like the tranny is in "neutral" until drive engages. This problem happens whether the car is hot or cold. If you stop for even a couple of minutes, it still happens. If you shut the car off after driving and immediately restart/drive, there is no issue. Any suggestions on what to look at? Thanks. __________________ It's only weird because it's not normal.

03-26-2008, 02:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
jeremy Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: St Pete, FL Car: '99 Dodge Caravan Sport, 3.3 liter pushrod powerhouse Posts: 454 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Perhaps the valves may be sticking. When's the last time he changed the fluid in it? __________________ Please be advised. Post may contain humor.

03-26-2008, 03:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
mckeand13 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wisconsin Car: 2001 Outback 2.5L Wagon Posts: 255 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Fluid drain and refill was performed about 1yr ago. That represents about 5-6K miles. __________________ It's only weird because it's not normal.

03-26-2008, 08:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
mckeand13 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wisconsin Car: 2001 Outback 2.5L Wagon Posts: 255 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks Porcuipine! So, I don't know much about these transmissions. Does it have to be removed from the car to replace that seal or how is the fix performed? Any issue with driving it as is? I'm not sure if it is getting worse, but from his description it is very drivable, just annoying. __________________ It's only weird because it's not normal.

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03-26-2008, 03:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Displaced to Chicago. Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 6,026 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Has he taken it to an auto place and had the computer read for any odd codes?

03-26-2008, 07:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
porcupine73 I :heart: SUBARU Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Buffalo, NY USA Car: '00OBW, '96&'94 Legacy Posts: 4,721 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hi. Unfortunately that issue has plagued a number of early phase II 4eat's. The typical cause is this shrinking seal:

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