SubyRan3

Thanks fer the info. I've seen the connectors that you refer to but the manuals seem to indicate that the green connectors are for resetting the diagnostic codes and the test connectors are under the dash to the left of the ECM. I've wondered if the manuals could be wrong (wouldn't surprise me). I'll give it a try.

I need to check the timing on my recently aquired 94 Loyale and I need some assistance identifying the 'test' connectors. My Haynes and Chiltons manuals instruct me to connect these prior to checking the timing. The books indicate that the connectors are next to the ECM below the steering column. There are several connectors under there that I can't seem to find a match for. Does anyone know what the connectors look like (shape, how many wires and connector color would be helpful)? Thanks for any assistance. Randy

In case anyone is interested, here's a link to some pics of Sub's new concept at the Detroit Auto Show. http://media.freep.com/autoshow/2006/subaruB5TPH/index.htm

Changed the gear lube yesterday. It was dirtier then I thought and ran out like water when I drained it. Didn't have time yet to check the rear diff or axles. Haven't had an opportunity to retest the 4WD much but it didn't slip as I manuvered it around on the soft ground in the backyard so hopefully it's fixed. I was bummed out to find a hole in the floorboard at the mounting assm where the driveshaft splits. There must've been a crack in the undercoating there and the salt evidentally got to it. Big bummer cause the rest of the car (including the engine compartment) is in great shape. For now, I greased it up real good and will try to fix it in the spring.

Last time I looked (this week) there were a couple of Justy's listed on e-bay. Both were in pretty good shape.

FYI, I've never attempted it on a Loyale but my previous Suby was an 82 GL wagon (NOT 4wd) and I replaced the clutch without pulling the engine. I supported the engine and the trans with jack stands, unbolted and seperated them and was able to finish the job in about 5 hours in my driveway. Didn't have a whole lot of room to work and ended up with a few scrapes on my arms but it wasn't too difficult. With your vehicle being 4WD, I imagine you'd have to disconnect the rear drive shaft prior to attempting this but from what I can see on my 94 Loyale (4WD), it looks like it would work. I drove my 82 for another five years (125,000 miles) after replacing the clutch without any problems. I sold it because I bought a minivan (should have kept the car).

Thanks Tom, for another good tip. This message board is great, I'm glad I stumbled onto it!

Thanks Tom, I probably won't be climbing under the car until this weekend to give it a good look see. I did check the gear lube in the tranmission and it's quite dirty so it looks like a gear lube change is next. I also priced the EGR solenoid from the dealer (unavailable at three different auto stores). Cost is $104.00, wow!

Thanks for the advice. I'll check the axles. I'm not familiar with the phrase "spun a cup". What are you refering to? As far as the ratio goes, I'll check it to make sure but it seems unlikely that it would be mismatched. The original owner had the car serviced at the Subaru dealer for everything and as far as I know, neither the rear end or transmission were ever replaced.

Vacuum tested fine (19-20 Hhg) steady at idle with a slight brief drop (to 18 Hhg) in vac when the 4WD is switched on. EGR solenoid coil showed high resistance and the solenoid is open (guess the ECM was right), gonna try to find a new one today. Tested the 4WD again and found that it takes more torque now (above freezing) to make it 'slip'. When it does release there is a loud 'clunk' from under the car (sounds further back then the trans) just prior to the release. This is occuring as the car begins to move slowly (forward or reverse) through the snow as I engage the clutch. No vibrations or noise on the road so I don't suspect any problems with the U-joints. Gonna check the gear lube, linkage and the rear end lube next.

Thanks a bunch Skip! I'll also check the EGR solenoid coil as you suggested. As far as the 4WD (packed ice and snow), We've been in a thaw here recently (now that winter's officially here) so I'll check the 4WD again.

Thanks for the help. I'm gonna check the vacuum today because I'm also getting an EGR soleniod code (34) from the ECM and I've cleaned the EGR and it appears to be working fine. So I think it may be vacuum related as you said.

The 5 speed has a 4WD On/Off pushbutton at the top of the stick-shift.

Hi folks, I recently purchased an 'experienced' 94 Loyale with only 65K original miles on it (3rd Subaru, 1st w/ 4WD). It's a 5 speed manual w/ pushbutton 4WD w/ lots of extras. The car is in great shape and was meticulously cared for. When I got it home a couple of weeks ago, I backed it into the yard (through about 10" of snow) in 4WD without incident (the wheels didn't spin at all). Since then it's been sitting in the yard in very cold temps and we've accumulated a little more snow. Last weekend I pulled it out of the yard (more snow now and hard packed) and when I applied a little extra torque to get out of the packed stuff, the 4WD slipped and I could hear a 'whirring/clicking' sound from the trans that changed with engine RPM's. I had to dis-engage the 4WD and re-engage it before it would grip at all again and then it did the same thing. Once I got it out of the yard and ran it on the street (hard packed snow/ice), I couldn't make the 4WD slip. Got back home and experienced the 'slipping' in the harder deep stuff in the yard again. Any Ideas? Thanks.