brus brother

I am as lazy if not as unskilled as the rest but would it be so difficult to incorporate a dash or console mounted switch to achieve the same thing as inserting a fuse. It would seem more user friendly than telling the average Joe or Jane that they have to start playing with fuses with images of sparks flying from 'neath the hood. Hey Commuter, maybe you could add this to your letter to the suggestion box at SOA.

OK don't get too "Sqirrelly" on the lads. As far as posting etiquette, I've never had to cover my ears from the "volume" of typing in all caps. In fact we have many a visitor here from other countries where English is a second language and so the issue should stay on topic... grease and gears if you will. Sorry I can't help you with your current request but lurk around here and you'll find that some of the gents you are sneering at right now will be of great value to your quest Subaru. Good luck with your project.

Hey Commuter, That is a damn good idea about the notice attached to the donut spare. Perhaps an idea that SOA would take under consideration. I didn't know the deal about donut preferably on rear only. Thanks for the heads up.

Grease the bumper/alignment pads where the hatch lays against the body. Make sure the small springs haven't broken. If the noise is within the door itself, loosen the interior panel (remove a few of the lower snap off clips) and feel around for anything you can "rattle" by hand. Take off the entire panel if you are sure it's coming from this area and use bits of foam to quiet the bugger wherever a piece may be jangling your nerves. If all else fails, turn up the radio.

Hey CTgal, Now that you did the Seafoam treatment, what octane are you using without getting ping?

My 2000 Legacy GT AT was replaced at 36K for delayed engagement as you describe. In fact, the tech drove it and gave the wink and nod to the service manager who ordered a reman tran on the spot. Thank you very much for 100K extended warranty, they just replaced the reman trany at 76K when it started making noises. This delayed engagment is a KNOWN ISSUE from what techs have told me. Something about a seal not holding pressure. Check the TSB with NHTSA. There may be a listing.... I think I found it. Make : SUBARU Model : LEGACY Year : 2000 Manufacturer : SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Service Bulletin Num : 166602 Date of Bulletin: MAR 15, 2003 NHTSA Item Number: 10001352 Component: POWER TRAIN Summary: TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT (TCU) CODE 45 AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE HARSH ENGAGEMENT. *TT If this is not the same, identify your problem as "delayed engagement" and ask that they accomodate you. Unfortunately, yours failed out of warranty. See if SOA will share the cost with you the "loyal owner".

Had same problem from day 1 on my 00 Legacy GT. Supposed to run on 87 octane but gradually ran higher and higher grade to reduce ping. In my case, the pinging was under light load or uphill. Change your spark plugs if you haven't done so recently. That helped a little for me but after continued complaint to dealer (extended warranty) they pulled the timing cover at 76K miles and found that the timing was off by one tooth. The pinging is reduced but not completely absent. The dealer now suggests fuel induction cleaning. I have been using gas line cleaners regularly so I don't think this will help much. They could just as well suggest new tires! Let's see if this thread has any life or if it is just you and I who have been so "blessed".

I believe the "rock solid" 2.5 model referred to is now an interference engine which on the off chance that your timing belt or tensioner goes unexpectedly, you can basically use your engine as a lawn ornament. The old 2.2 was bulletproof and the old timing chain was flawless.

"I'm taking the trans to the transmission shop to have them give it a shot." Sometimes it takes a fresh look to see what was there all along, like the guy who complained that "I cut that board three times and it is still too short". Hope you find salvation at the tranny shop. I've been following your dilemna and dogged persistence. Let us know the outcome.

Check local junk yards for cheap solution or check out Crutchfield for upgrade.

As I recall the handle mechanism is about $15 from one of the Sube dealer discount parts houses. Two bolts and a snap on arm and you are done. Brandy new and ready to start rusting again.

Agreed. Grab the boot as close as you can get and give it a wiggle and a twist/pull and "pop" it's out. The money you save on those pliers can be better spent on one of those pine smelling things to hang from the mirror. Good luck Sparky.

Did you buy from a dealer? This model is notorious for head gasket leaks. Apparently there is a hydrocarbon sniff test that can be performed on the coolant which may be more diagnostic than looking for oil in the reservoir. The burping issue is mentioned many times on this site. Use the USMB search function in the bars at the top of the page. I hope it turns out to be as innocuous as trapped air or a blocked radiator.

My 2000GT had the transmission replaced at 35000 miles due to a delayed engagement. Seems like it was a known probelm with an inadequacy in a valve internal to the transmission. Call your local Sube dealer and ask them about delayed engagement. They are well aware of the problem. I guess you're out of the 5 year / 60K drive train warranty?!

And will disconnecting the battery work? Can't hurt, except for your clock and radio presets. Disconnect the negative terminal and wait about 20 minutes. Also, not sure how this might affect your alarm settings but batteries get changed so this shouldn't be the end of the world... that's next week. G'luck.

Are you the original owner of the car? There may be an alarm that would respond to one of the suggestions on the site e.g. turn key on/off three times, do the hokee pokee etc.. It's worth a try. You'll need the Sube again by next winter when the snow flies in G.B.

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/keyless.html#code%20alarm Check this link. I'm not sure if your answer is here or not. Print out the page and try all the different options. I would start with the system towards the bottom of the page with the older models. Get some ear plugs and aspirin while at the pharmacy. G'luck

Is there a button under the dash by the steering column? I seem to remember some disconnect but perhaps someone else will chime in so you can drive around a little more inconspicuously.

Oil is Oil you say??? You're darn right you'll rue the day you gave that opinion... You might yet be burnt at the stake... I'll bring the fire and you bring the steak. I only posted because I saw that SevenSisters is beating me by one post!!

I know it was said before but, check those lug nuts. If all are tight, loosen and let the wheel "center" as you retighten. Alternatively, balance the tires at the same time. Pretty cheap diagnosis.

With a name like "SevenSisters" you would be expert in at least one of your assertions.

... in the snow!

From the picture, things look pretty "dark".

Well is there any rust i.e. is the car now useful only as a planter? So far, she "gave" you a free car that you may need to dispose of. Tell us more about the interior, exterior and the car's general condition. What are your skills or interests in getting down and dirty with this car. You may be able to part out the car on this website if it isn't reasonable for you to repair. You might want to "store" this gift in the woman's yard until you figure out which way to go.

Try warming with hair dryer and peel off gently.