[AWDFTW]

When was the last time the trans fluid was changed?

What fluid was used?

 

[Navig8r]

Fluid was changed before I bought it... It is due. Fluid is very clean, however. No idea what was used... it was a Subie dealer, but they are real slimy [email protected][email protected]$! (Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru, Orangeburg, NY) I will NEVER go back to that dealer again.

I probably should have added that the problem frequently begins with an event such as a hard braking, and sometimes seems to exhibit "torque bind" in full lock turns when it is happening.... Wondering if something in the diff, or torque converter is getting 'confused' or out of sync. The fact that it wouldnt LET me manually upshift in conditions that would be OK any other time, tells me something non-mechanical may be involved (sensor?, solenoid?)

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

transmission problems are expensive enough to warrant trying some more moderate treatments first.

3 fluid drain/changes using Subaru ATF-HP or other high quality fluid would be good to try. (drive a few miles between each drain) Perhaps some Trans-X or other fluid treatment too.

 

[plain OM]

The suggested three drain/fill with Subaru ATF type HP fluid is a good idea.

Also, are all the tires the exact same brand, model, and size, and are their tread depths within 2/32-inch of each other?

Do the AT Oil Temp, Sport and Check Engine warning lights come on when the key is at On but the engine not yet started, and do they go out when the engine is started? Do any come on or flash when the engine is running (other than when the gear lever is switched to Sport, in which case the Sport light should be on)?

My thought: The intermittent hard shifts, high shifting rpm and inability to manually upshift at that same time might mean the transmission is in failsafe mode, which could hold it in 3rd gear. But I would expect that the Sport or AT Oil Temp light, or the CEL to come on, unless, perhaps the fault appears only once, i.e., for a moment and then it's back to normal.

 

[JTrujillo86]

My thought: The intermittent hard shifts, high shifting rpm and inability to manually upshift at that same time might mean the transmission is in failsafe mode, which could hold it in 3rd gear. But I would expect that the Sport or AT Oil Temp light, or the CEL to come on, unless, perhaps the fault appears only once, i.e., for a moment and then it's back to normal.

I would agree. It sounds like the transmission has defaulted to high line pressure. I had this happen in a different vehicle when the MAF sensor was on the fritz. Perhaps the MAF sensor needs to be cleaned or there is damage to the wiring to the MAF.

Just my $.02. Good luck,

- Jeremy.

 

[Navig8r]

Hmmmmmmm.... all good thought.. THank you! No CEL or any other warning lights.. I will check the key-on, engine not running, lights..... All tires of same age/wear/brand/type/size..... properly inflated.

 

[JTrujillo86]

Did you get this figured out?

- Jeremy.

 

[cardoc]

The transmission can set codes without illuminating the MIL. It depends on the category of the code. Most scan tools pick them up. Otherwise you need one that will communicate with the TCM.