Juan

Since I put 4 new studded snows on, when I come to stop after bare-pavement highway driving, the smell of melting/burning rubber flows from the heater. I'm hoping it is just the nubbs melting off the fresh treads, but I'm at 500 miles on the new rubber. Any comments? Jess. PS. Surprised at tire drag causing MPG drop of 4 MPG. Noise from tires is a little anoying, but I can live with it.

What should I have looked at for final warranty service? They will try to fix the rattle in the dash for the third time. Are there any Issues and/or fixes that Subie doesn't broadcast that I have to ask for? And, if they can't fix the dash rattle this time, can I come back on them and the warranty? Heard about a jumpy/surging cruise control on steep grades but is there anyting else that should be fixed before the warranty kicks to powertrain only?

What is the latest? What happened? Su...........spence. Sincerely, Juan

I think there will still be a heat issue from within the "covey hole". Test it. Leave your cell phone inthe compartment for an entire week with with the lid up. Pull the phone out every now and then and see if it's hot (I think it will be). You might be thinking, "Someone might steal my cell phone ". Well, now you can conduct two controlled experiments at once. If you come out to your car and your window's busted and the cell phone is gone, doesn't matter if it stayed cool in there, does it? Juan

Infi, do you really feel this is the proper forum for this kind of porn? Really? (Sorry. I couldn't resist) Juan

And that, WA, is the point: I will never know. What a world. Thanks, Juan

I see your point. It has taken me three years to get to 30k. I wasn't concerned with different levels of 30k service because I took the time to request specific services. A transmission fluid replacement was was not among them. Had they called me and told me that the tranny fluid was dark and needed replaced, I would have given the OK. Maybe your right. Maybe the service tech took the initiative to step outside the the service order and perform maintenance work he/she thought was needed. I would sincerely like to know your opinion as to whether the transmission fluid was replaced. As to if I trusted them: I did when I took it in there. I'm not so sure now. Telling me, when I called them, that it's "dark" and then it shows up clear as a dessert topping leaves me wondering. Juan

I took the car in and spent almost ten minutes telling them exactly what I wanted done. A transmission fluid change was not one of the things I wanted done because it is not part of scheduled maintanance at 30k. Juan

Would service dept. invoice a tranny fluid change at no charge if the service had NOT been performed? '05 OBW.30K service. Asked them to CHECK fluids. Called them 7 hours later to see where my car was. He says,"Sorry, but we've still got it tore apart running down that rattle. Do you want the transmission fluid changed?" I say, "I do not." He says, "Oh. Because it's dark." I say, "I don't want it changed." (following your advice here: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=81253 ) He says, "OK". The service invoice contains an itemized tranny fluid change but no charge. Do you think they changed my tranny fluid? When I got it home it was beautifully transparent and clear. I think when I called them they had already changed the fluid hoping I would buy there "dark" story for $71. What do you think? Juan

Thanks for your replies. Looks like I got platinum plugs (FR5AP-11 NGK) at 30k. Dealer should have more clearly posted prices on the boiler-plate price "flyer" I was given. It clearly said "Platinum plugs, 60,000 miles, add $10.00 each." Owner's manual calls for replacement at 30K. Why would ANYONE figure they would replace a 60K plug at 30K? I figured they would put in regular plugs this time and put in 'special' plugs -platunum- at 60K. In any event, just following your discussions here, it would seem that changing the plugs at 30K would offer a great opportunity to "look" inside each cylinder by examining each individual spark plug for signs of abnormal wear (I'm remembering the ugly plug pictures in the front of every Chilton's repair manual.). It would probably be too much to ask them to mark the plug box with the corresponging cylinder each plug came out of (ha?). Thanks again, Juan

When a service tech. saves plugs for customer, would he/she return them in the boxes the replacement plugs came out of? 30k service. I got charged for platinum plugs, +$10 each. I told them I haden't asked for platinum. She took $40 off the bill. Got home and the old plugs they had saved for me were in nice, neat OEM boxes that EXACTLY match what was pulled from my car. Each plug even had a crisp cardboard protector sleeve slipped over the threads. Unless the '05 OBW 2.5i was shipped with platinum, I'm thinking they tried to hose me. Juan

Does your manual call for "always" adding Subaru coolant conditioner to the radiator? Maybe thats just on the 2.5s. Juan

Thanks for the reply, Grossgarry. I'm heading for some injector cleaner ASAP. Any brand preferance? The manual says, "The ATF filter is a maintenance free part. The ATF filter needs replacement only when it has physical damage or if the ATF has leaked." The manual never calls for replacement of ATF/differential fluid or gear oil; only inspection at 30k intervals. I'll have them inspect all and change it all out at 60k. Should I shell out an extra $44 for platinum plugs or just keep replacing them OEM every 30k? Jess

OK. I'm going to get the 30k service done at dealer so that any/all problems are properly documented while still under warranty 36k warranty. Do I need more service than schduled in MY 2005 warranty booklet? Driving in Portland, Oregon area. Not really severe driving conditions. Dealer calling for, but not mentioned in maintenance schedule: Fuel injector cleaning $75. Auto tranny screen replacement $80. (manual says never needs it) Front/rear differntial fluid replacement $68. I just want to do: plugs at $90 (by the way, 2.5 engine adds $52) Brake fluid $35 Coolant $50 Full inspection $23 Brake/exhaust/suspension/steering system just in case there is a problem while it's still under warranty. Just changed the oil and popped a new air filter in it. Do I need anything more? Juan.

Pretty sure there was a recall on that lever because it could slip into reverse without pressing the button. Juan

In all seriousness, I'd go with the tranny cooler. Juan

ccrinc, could there be an emission/cat issue that was overcome using premium fuel? I mean, exhaust blockage requiring more bang? Juan

Too friggin' much. LOL. I am really laughing my rear 1/4 panal off enjoying the spirited and civil posts. Rodney King (rest his soul) would be proud of us all getting along here. Seriously, Juan

A few thoughts on the matter: * Convert the scoop area into a warming oven. * Mount a friggen monster air horn in the scoop (no one can hear that weak OE Subie horn). * Mount amber LEDs on the face of the scoop plate spelling out "!ffo ssiP" -it's a mirror thing- and flash them on and off when your angry at the person in front of you. * Rub off the Sport logo and glue a few WRX, STI badges arond the vehicle. *Plaster the car with 'Elect Kerry/Edwards' stickers and Jesus fish while you live with the fact that you've purchased a car with a worthless, pretentious pie hole on its hood. Sorry, but it is no secret that I can't stand the fake scoops on Subies. Juan

When my foot comes in contact with the pedal in any way. My foot's not made of lead. I shouldn't have to 'cock' it ovet the pedal. Juan

'98 issues: Master break cylinder recall Alternator recall Rear differential seal failure recall, fluid onto exhaust (For A.T.s) Shift lever cog servise recall to avoid inadvertant shift into reverse. Piston sleeves too short and you will ALWAYS hear the engine knocking upon start up. Some say genuine Subi filter and winter grade oil helps. Brakes sucked (early and excissive wear), as did ignition switch (keep your keys cut clean). Keep on top of battery connection/bucket corrosion issues. Don't worry about the HG. Indiana didn't punk the engine until '00 or so. On the plus side: '98s are reletively light and agile, compared to post '00s. You'll also have more wheel well clearance than the Legacy L of same year to put on unrecommended cable chains. Also, learn how to change a tire on it as soon as you get it. Dry run through all four corner. It's a little funky and could leave you wanting a piece of 2x4 to place under the jack. You'll see. Keep the fuel filter clean, watch the alternator and consider a louder horn. . It's not a bad ride. I'd take mine back any day. Now: if there was just something that could be done about that pretentious non-functional hood scoop... Juan

I still can't rest my foot on the gas pedal of my 'fly by wire' '05 OB without excelerating. I have to hover my foot 'on' it; very tiring. A stiffer spring(s) at the pedal joint would do it. Anyone know if they're available now? It's been harshing my Subi buzz for two years! THERE HAS TO BE SOME REMEDY AVAILABLE! Also noticed chatter a while back about a a warrenty fix for cruise control jumpin' and jerkin' on long downgrades. I didn't think much of it then BUT notice it now. Are there any 'magic' words or phrases I should/could use to get my 'puter upgraded under warrenty? Thanks. Juan

There was a recall on all '97s for master brake cylinders that fail in extreme cold. Sounds like they missed yours. Juan

Everyone else went to the hospital not because their cars faired the pole abuse any worse than yours but because they are gonna bank some serious lawsuit coin!. You shouldn't have paid a nickle for the new rims and tires. Everybody else is gonna sue up and down; the pole manufacuturer, the guy who hit the pole, the county where the pole was located and, what is more, since you went across the pole first you're gonna be suspect. You shoulda called a lawyer. Juan

Thumb suckin' hill muffins. Gut the cat (burn it out with a flame wrench) and drive it. Keep a cat handy for later and wrench it in as needed. Homeland Security is not gonna raise the terrorist threat level over your gutted cat. Juan