2010 Subaru outback issue

[zmtthw]

How's everyone doing? Just thought I would post an issue I'm having and hope that someone can shed some light on my situation. So I have a 10 outback, basic model with 6sp. It has less then 17k and has been great. Well about two months ago I was sitting at a light at a standstill and about to turn left, when I started to move forward while turning my wheel, I got about 5 feet in my turn when a bunch of lights came up on my dash and it felt like I lost all my power steering. I could still turn but I had to yank on the wheel just to turn it. I can't remember all the lights that came up but I know the traction control came up and a few others. So I turned the car off and restarted and I was good to go. So I'm thinking it was a freak computer problem, reset and I'm back in the game. So I didn't think much of it and several weeks later it happened again while commencing a slow right hand turn. I yanked the wheel over to the side, turned the car off, back on, and good to go. After that incident, I called the dealership and gave them the info. The guy said he hasn't heard anything like that before. He said I could bring it in but I knew that there was no way they could duplicate the problem and probably just send me on my way. So they said, keep your eye on it and call back if it happens again. Well several more weeks pass, and today it happened again, 3 times. I work less then 2 miles from work and don't exceed 30mph. The last time it happened was when I slowed down to allow someone to walk across the street. Right before I came to a stop, all those lights popped up again. So I repeated the before mentioned procedure. After that, I called the dealership and said this car really isn't safe to drive and it needs to be checked out. I explained everything and they seem puzzled. I set up an appointment but I'm sure they won't be able to replicate it, which wont really help the situation. So I apologize for the long story here but I truly have no idea on this one. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help and have a good one.

Matt

[AWDFTW]

Is your CEL on?

[zmtthw]

I believe so. Next time it happens I plan on taking a quick pic. Thanks.

[AWDFTW]

I mean currently, if the CEL on after this behavior happens?

[Bassman]

Next time this problem occurs, aside from taking a picture, note each and every one of the indicator lights which come on and jot down that information. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but sometimes don't turn out just right or relay all the information.

Also, I don't quite understand your dealership's hesitancy in checking things out for you. I'd think they'd want to get to the bottom of your problem. Perhaps you need to consider having someone else (another dealership) look at your issue.

[zmtthw]

Thanks everyone for the help.

My CEL isn't on at the moment. Once this happens, I turn the car off and back on, and it seems like the computer resets itself.

I think the hesitation from the dealership was because it sounded so crazy and we both knew that there wouldn't be much to figure out if they couldn't simulate the problem. But fingers crossed and if it happens again, I will snag a pic.

Thanks again.

Matt

[nipper]

I am taking a different look. I suspect a bad ground or battery cable. All the cables need to be checked, including the ones coming off the alt. Something is moving and causing an open circuit. I had this on Blu, it was occassional, it was a bad battery lug.

[MB77monza]

Matt this is not meant to be a criticism of your driving ability just another possible avenue to look down. With its tall gearing and the slow speeds and short distance you drive could you inadvertently be lugging the motor or short shifting between 1st and second gear? Maybe the motor is just dropping below a RPM it can stay running at?

[zmtthw]

Thanks again to everyone for the help. I will tell the service dept to check the cabling next Friday. Regarding my driving ability, anything is possible but the car never stalls when this happens. I can still drive but steering becomes extremely difficult. It's a complete mystery! Thanks again for all the help.

Matt

[Wagondude]

I believe there was an issue with the gas cap leaking pressure that caused some to light up like a christmas tree.