loonmobile

Sorry if I gave the impression that the dealer would not have warranted it if I hadn't mentioned my knowlege of the program. I think they would have. They seemed to be moving in that direction. My guess is that he didn't initially mention it in case there was some kind of discrepancy between my perception of the problem and what it might have been if it turned out to another problem not covered by the warranty. Once I mentioned it, he was very forthcoming with the information that we had inserted the coolant conditioner and that we would be covered if that was, in fact the problem. It was, and we're still smiling! hu

Good news! Here's how it played out. We didn't feel comfortable about just buying the goop, putting it in, and making the claim. We wanted THEM to put it in and make the claim with Subaru. When we went to the dealer to make our case, we spoke with the General Manager. To make a long story short, he looked up our service record and saw that in 2004 we responded to a recall where the event was to treat the cooling system with this very coolant conditioner. Since this conditioner had already been inserted, we were good to go with the extended warranty! Funny thing is, though, he didn't mention we had complied until I mentioned that I knew about the existence of this program. But as soon as I mentioned it, he said we had done it in 2004. Needless to say, we were thrilled! We'll be picking up our car tomorrow. I want to thank everybody who responded with their thoughts and suggestions. This may not have ended so happily for us if we hadn't connected with you folks on this forum. Happy trails! hu

> Make enough noise at the dealership and it should be covered. < What do you suggest that I say or do? hu

Ouch! I didn't know about that!

We didn't buy the extended warranty. Have you heard of a dealer that would honor it under these conditions?

Well, we just got the news: the head gasket is leaking. This, on a 2001 Legacy with only 90K that has been maticulously maintained. The Subaru specialist (not dealer) said that he's been seeing more and more Subarus with lower mileage that have blown head gaskets. How does this happen? What causes the head gasket to blow? As you might imagine, we're thoroughly disturbed and disappointed with this outcome, and I think I would rather trade it in than fix it. This repair is happening on top of two others that happened last month. Each time the Check Engine light came on. The first was diagnosed by the dealer as a misfiring of the 3rd cylinder. $800 bucks. Then the second occurance was a "sticky" throttle box. $100 bucks. The Subaru specialist that just diagnosed the leaky head gasket was surprised that the dealer didn't pick up on this problem. It appears it has beenleaking for a while. Anyway, onward. What to do: fix it or trade it in? We loved our Subie but frankly, my confidence is shaken in this vehicle and also Subaru in general. We were not expecting major engine problems in a properly maintained vehicle with this kind of mileage. We're weighing the pros and cons of fixing this one, trading it for another new Legacy, or another make such as Honda or Toyota. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. hu

Update: The overflow reservior was almost dry, so we added antifreeze up to the fill line and filled the radiator. In all, took almost 3 quarts. This morning we took it in to a Subaru specialist (not the dealer). He said that he would be checking the exhaust gases for signs of head gasket trouble. We've got our fingers crossed. Thanks, all, for your responses. We should have a diagnosis by tomorrow. I'll let you know what it is. hu

Burlington, Vermont was in the mid-30's. Bought the car new. Regular maintainence. About 6 weeks ago gauge went into lower red. Mechanic (not Subaru) replaced hose. OK for two days, then went into red again, replaced thermostat and antifreeze, OK for a few days, then red zone, again. He found the radiator cap was defective. Replaced cap. Did not red zone again until today. No leaks, no steam. Does this help? Thanks-- hu

This evening, the temp gauge of our 2001 Legacy wagon went into the bottom part of the red, then went normal (half way between H and C), and repeated that exact scenario twice. The 3rd time the gauge was heading toward the red, we got home. Any ideas what this could be?? Thanks, in advance! hu

Just heard back from the dealer. He said the "throttle box" was a little "gummy" and might need a cleaning. This is why the check engine light went on (then off). He didn't mention anything about the gas cap. To clean the throttle box we're looking at about an hour for labor. My wife gave the go ahead to do the work. Have you ever heard of a dirty or gummy throttle box? Should we get a new gas cap? Thanks again! hu

After dropping $600 at my Subaru dealer two weeks ago when the Check Engine light came on, (the 3rd cyliner misfired, whatever that means), it went on again yesterday after being parked on a steep slope in my driveway with near zero temperatures (wind chill 20 below). On the way to the Subaru dealer this morning to check it out, the check engine light went out. I still proceeded to the dealer for checking. That's where the car is now. Any ideas what this might be? Note: Somebody told me a defective gas cap could cause the check engine light to go on. I seem to remember the gas cap used to "click" after replacing. It doesn't click anymore. model: 2001 legacy wagon Thanks! hu