Questions tagged [subaru]
Japanese auto-maker well known for its 4-wheel-drive models and boxer engines.
483
questions
27
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6
answers
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Pros/cons of higher capacity car battery?
I'm shopping for a new car battery for a 1998 Subaru Outback (2.5l). For the physical dimensions, the battery has to match. But I see some variance in capacity (Ah) rating, and in price too, of course....
- 503
23
votes
3
answers
156k
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Must I Replace All 4 Tires on an All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle?
I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Wagon.
I just destroyed the passenger-side rear tire.
The tires have approx. 6/32" tread remaining, per an informal measurement with a coin (I used this guideline ...
- 414
19
votes
4
answers
6k
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Why do cars have plastic shrouds over the engine? [duplicate]
My 2005 Subaru Outback (3.0 flat 6) has a plastic cover under the hood which covers the engine.
Or it had -- I had some work done and the mechanic has given the car back to me without the shroud.
...
- 303
19
votes
10
answers
83k
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Does a strut tower bar have any useful effect on chassis stiffness for a car with 100K miles?
Aftermarket strut tower bars are generally considered to be decorative on many brand new cars. However, it seems to be a bit more logical that a chassis with 100K miles would have developed some flex ...
- 24.3k
15
votes
4
answers
9k
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Strange overheating behaviour
My 10 year old Litchfield Forester STi needs a bit of maintenance to sort a minor oil leak but other than that has been behaving well for the past year with regular oil top ups.
This week on the ...
- 18.6k
15
votes
4
answers
67k
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How do I apply dielectric grease to my battery?
I recently had a new battery installed in my 2006 Subaru Forester. The shop did not use any dielectric grease, just connected the leads to the terminal and that's it. What is the preferred method of ...
- 418
14
votes
5
answers
14k
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Why is a 12V outlet that provides 120W protected by a 20A fuse in my 2015 Forester?
In my 2015 Subaru Forester, the 12V power outlet in the center console says that it is designed to supply loads that draw a max of 120W. To me, this would mean that there should be a max of 10 amps ...
- 243
14
votes
4
answers
17k
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Is it absolutely necessary to replace all four tyres on a manual 2008 Subaru Impreza?
I destroyed a back tire on my 2008 Subaru Impreza manual transmission with viscous coupling.
The manual says all four tires must be the same size.
The spare tire must only be mounted onto the rear ...
- 241
13
votes
1
answer
156k
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Why does my Subaru not select my paired Bluetooth phone automatically after restarting the car?
The car is a Subaru WRX 2012 with the base radio.
It did reconnect automatically for the last two years until I changed phones, deleted the old phone profile, then paired the new phone. It does work ...
- 924
13
votes
5
answers
10k
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How to carry a full-sized spare?
I have a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX, but I suspect my question can be generalized to apply to many smaller cars.
Not being a fan of donut spare tires, when I replaced my tires about a year ago I kept ...
- 297
12
votes
6
answers
14k
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Car imitates dead battery but comes back to life ~30 minutes later and lets me start it
The car: 2006 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon 2.0 GT (Japanese model) - recently purchased; warranty does not cover this
The situation: Something happens with the 12v supply and once the car is stopped (...
- 223
12
votes
8
answers
48k
views
How reliable is a second-hand Subaru 2.5 RS 04-05? [closed]
Basically, I've been a Subaru enthusiast for a few years but never been able to purchase one because I'm still a student. However, this summer I will be able to.
The issue is that I need a reliable ...
- 333
11
votes
7
answers
14k
views
The poor man's Start Interrupt Switch -- non-obvious way to disable starting
There's some idiot stealing similar cars to mine -- mid to late 90s Subarus -- in this part of town. The police are pretty confident that he has a jiggle key (the cars have been mostly recovered, ...
- 1,423
11
votes
2
answers
40k
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How exactly does Sport Mode work in an automatic Subaru Outback?
I have 2008 Subaru Outback (160K miles) with an automatic transmission and have been curious about the Sport Mode that can be shifted into. I read in the car's manual that it increases pickup and is ...
- 213
11
votes
3
answers
209k
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Horrific squealing when car is first turned on?
This is a really classic and common old car problem. I see it all the time but this is the first time it's started happening to my own car.
Basically when I first turn the car on, there's instantly a ...
- 1,917
11
votes
1
answer
815
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2005 Subaru 2.5 RS - Engine-wise, how damaging is burning oil?
Assuming that an engine always has enough oil to be lubricated properly but burns quite a bit of oil, can it cause any damage in the long-term because it doesn't belong in the combustion chamber?
I ...
- 333
11
votes
1
answer
154
views
Occasional trouble idling
I have a 2004 Subaru Forester XS (manual transmission). A few times a month, the engine will not start or idle without feathering the accelerator. During normal driving, everything works fine until ...
- 211
11
votes
3
answers
3k
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Why is oil on my throttle body hose?
I've been tracking down a number of low grade oil smells in the car lately (2004 Subaru WRX). So far, that has included replacing the left front axle (was losing all kinds of grease through the boot),...
- 24.3k
10
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What bolt is a replacement for the front sway bar bolts on a 2004 Subaru WRX wagon?
In replacing my worn endlinks recently with lovely Kartboy pieces, I noticed that I had a seized bolt in one of the rear links. I was able to get a short-term replacement until I order a new Kartboy ...
- 24.3k
10
votes
2
answers
8k
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What bolt extractor will remove a broken motor mount bolt on a 2004 Subaru WRX?
Things were going slowly but well on my install last night until I sheared off the passenger side motor mount bolt while putting everything back together (at about midnight - sigh). Here are the key ...
- 24.3k
10
votes
1
answer
1k
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My subaru legacy will not boost
I drive a Subaru Legacy Turbocharged GT 2008 model with an EJ20 engine.
When I press hard on the acceleration to boost the tachometer upon reaching 4-5 thousand RPM's it starts jerking and there is ...
- 101
9
votes
4
answers
1k
views
2004 Subaru Forester black smoke oil not accelerating
I was driving my car on I - 70 and all of a sudden the oil light was flicking on and off the check engine light had been on already but the car started to lose speed and no rpms showed while I tryed ...
- 91
9
votes
3
answers
115k
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Subaru Forester Power Tailgate won't open
When I press the power tailgate button to open the tailgate, it beeps 3 times quickly (and does not open). Same behavior when trying to close the gate using the button on the bottom (3 beeps, doesn't ...
- 281
9
votes
4
answers
57k
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What are the audible symptoms of a failing starter motor?
My 2004 Subaru WRX has 110000 miles on the odometer and I'm worried about the original equipment starter motor. Here are the audible symptoms that have me concerned:
During the winter, I noticed ...
- 24.3k
9
votes
3
answers
67k
views
Do you really need to cool down your turbo after hard driving? [duplicate]
Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Sti
I have been driving turbocharged cars for a while now and I have blatantly accepted that before shutting down you must let your car idle for a few minutes after driving hard ...
- 859
9
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Why does the Check Engine code for emissions failure disable traction control and cruise?
I have a 2010 Forester with nearly 100k miles, and it just started giving the "emissions" check engine code (P0420, Catalytic Converter Efficiency Below Threshold).
When that code is tripped in the ...
- 285
9
votes
1
answer
816
views
How can I secure the power block for my LED headlights?
I purchased an LED low-beam conversion kit and installed it yesterday in my 2010 Forester. The installation was easy enough, other than having to move the battery to get enough space to fit my ...
- 285
9
votes
3
answers
4k
views
1999 Subaru Forester - bad acceleration, rough shifting
I have a 1999 Subaru Forester with an automatic transmission and a 2.5 Liter Motor. It has poor acceleration and rough shifting
I started to notice 'hesitation' on take off. It just slowly appeared....
9
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Why is there a difference in timing belt replacement intervals between two countries
Specifically, the Subaru WRX sold in South Africa and Australia is 100% identical. And I mean that South Africa gets the Australian version of the WRX, there's no homologated version for SA.
Well, ...
- 8,848
8
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Why does my car scream on cold start?
My 1988 Subaru XT6 2.7L engine screams at me on a cold start then it will stop and then do it again when I take it out of park, but then it stops.
Also, my car is losing antifreeze. Any ideas why?
8
votes
2
answers
28k
views
Is 30k mile maintenance really required?
Is 30k mile maintenance really required? I have a subaru wrx '09 and the time has come for the check. I called the dealer after going through the manual. They quoted me 500+ for the check which ...
- 335
8
votes
3
answers
7k
views
1997 Subaru Legacy - Hood won't open
I went to check out the engine on my 97 Subaru Legacy and the hood latch is stuck. Now this one of those cars that has a double latch, I don't know if it's like that on all Subarus or not, but once I ...
- 1,917
8
votes
2
answers
6k
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Oil Change Steps? (check my list) 2014 Impreza
Decided to spend time w/my newly-met dad and do an oil change together on my 2014 Impreza Sport. I told him i want to do the work, myself, with his support. I'm fairly confident and have watched some ...
- 151
8
votes
1
answer
327
views
Damaged tailgate strut attachment point in WRX
I have a 2003 Subaru WRX (in the USA) and the left tailgate strut attachment point is badly damaged.
I have asked a few body shops and quotes are typically in the $500+ range
to repair the damage by ...
- 183
8
votes
2
answers
4k
views
What to do with damaged alignment dowels in block?
Just took the second head off the 98 Subaru Outback I'm working on and I found one of the alignment dowels was badly crimped over the gasket for about 1/3 of its circumference. I have no idea how it ...
8
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Intermittent ticking noise in 2015 Subaru WRX
I've been hearing an intermittent ticking noise in my 2015 Subaru WRX that I can't seem to pinpoint.
The car is bone stock with ~45k miles on it and is still under warranty, but I'd rather not spend ...
- 308
8
votes
1
answer
4k
views
2014 Subaru Forrester AC Compressor clutch noise, slippage
We have a 2014 Subaru Forrester whose AC Compressor clutch operation is unlike other cars I've ever owned. The video linked is from when the car is cold and AC is engaged. It appears that the clutch ...
- 355
8
votes
4
answers
12k
views
Subaru Impreza 1999 - no power on acceleration
My father called today to tell me that when he steps on the gas in his 99 Subaru Impreza (at normal operating temperature), the car moves dangerously slow. Does anyone else have experience with this ...
- 121
7
votes
6
answers
54k
views
2.5L four-cylinder able to tow 2,700lbs?
My wife and I are looking at purchasing a new Subaru Outback. In the manufacturer's specifications, it states that for the 2.5L (four-cyl), that the towing package allows us to tow up to 2,700lbs.
In ...
- 229
7
votes
3
answers
10k
views
What can cause excessive fog on a windshield?
Recently there has been a lot of fog on all of the windows in the car, particularly on my windshield. It's been bad enough that I've had to stop and wipe the glass off, but the fog can come back ...
- 249
7
votes
2
answers
1k
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2006 wrx overheats going slow but not at speed
my 2006 wrx heats up into the red going slow on back roads but is fine and shows no signs of any issue going fast. what is the deal? blown head gasket?
- 71
7
votes
4
answers
24k
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Clunk noise from my brakes on first application
I have had the brake pads replaced on my Forester STi (4 pot Brembos all round) and have noticed a strange noise on first application of the brakes after moving either forwards or backwards.
By this ...
- 18.6k
7
votes
2
answers
3k
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Bottom of Impreza banged driveway apron
QUESTIONS:
Could there be damage? What should I look for? What's under there that it could have hit?
SHORT STORY:
Bottom of car (like under where the front seats are) banged on a driveway apron ...
- 151
7
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Is Redline Lightweight Shockproof appropriate for an aging 2004 Subaru Impreza manual gearbox?
I have an aging (but wonderful) 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX with a manual gearbox. For some time, I have noticed that the synchros have begun to feel worn with the stock dealer-issue oil. Shifts are ...
- 24.3k
7
votes
3
answers
19k
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Infamous WRX/XT overheating problem
I need some help figuring out what's wrong with my 2007 Forester XT Manual.
Background:
The headgasket popped in November of last year. I had it fixed by an RMI certified workshop. They skimmed the ...
- 8,848
7
votes
4
answers
12k
views
2006 Subaru Forrester overheating and no heat
My 2006 Subaru Forester is overheating with no heat blowing through the vents. I have had a thermostat put in and a new heater core. Radiator has been pressure tested with no leaks. Unfortunately it ...
- 71
7
votes
2
answers
54k
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Transmission damage due to uneven tread wear on AWD vehicle
I have a 2013 Subaru Impreza with a continuously variable transmission with ~40k miles on it. About two months ago I blew out the front right tire and took it to a tire shop. The folks at the tire ...
- 181
7
votes
1
answer
309
views
What's this part? Hanging from left rear of Subaru 99 legacy.
After driving a bit yesterday I came home and noticed that a part seemed to be hanging down from the rear left section of my car. The car is a 99 Subaru Legacy. Can anyone tell me what this is?
- 79
7
votes
2
answers
7k
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Filling gouge on oil sealing surface in aluminum engine block
I bought a 2004 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport (2.5L EJ251 SOHC) a year ago and have found a leaking crankshaft seal. When going in to replace it, I see that the leak is probably caused by a small gouge ...
- 659
7
votes
3
answers
3k
views
How much oil will this fluid extractor extract?
The Griots Garage multi-fluid extractor is an example of a tool that certainly seems amazingly useful and convenient. If you haven't seen it before, the concept is that a semi-rigid tube is inserted ...
- 24.3k