fugglybubbler Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 So, i just acquired a 97 outback sport wagon. I figured i could learn a thing or two about cars by buying this fixer upper. Its a fun ride, but it throws up the P0743 code and the AT Transmission Fluid light blinks like a mother when i start the car up. I've been doing some browsing and a bunch of people have mentioned the transmission pan being dented up might have role in my problem. I'd love to be able to check it out, but honestly, i'm not sure what i'm supposed to be looking at. While i'm a newbie when it comes to cars, i'm not a complete illiterate. I was hoping someone could post a pic or two of what i should be looking for so i could compare it to my vehicle. Any help would be much appreciated. I would take it in to a pro, but i don't have the money to blow on a couple a dudes who would just look at my car and scratch their heads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgambino Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Welcome FB You will find a lot of help on this board. The search feature is a good tool also. First, give us the mileage and if it's an automatic or stick. The 16 flashes at start up indicate there was some fault with the transmission on the/a previous running of the car. Look under the hood...left side (passenger side) near the firewall...there should be a small fuse holder (with a plastic cover snapped on top) marked "FWD"...open it..it should be empty. If there is a fuse in it, the last owner was hiding a problem called torque bind. With a fuse in there, the 4WD is disabled. If it is in there...take it out and do the following (if it's empty, continue with this test also): Take the car onto dry pavement and do a s very low circle (with steering wheel turned completely in one direction. If the car shudders, vibrates...feels like it is braking and won't make a smooth turn...you MAY have the dreaded torque bind But you may not....are the tires all the same brand? Are they inflated equally...and most important...is the tread depth equal on each? This "could" be causing the problem You would need to adjust all of these and do the test again to be sure. If all tires were ok per the above...and it shuddered...you would put the fuse in...repeat the test...if no shuddering....you have torque bind If it still shudders....I believe (and I will let my comrades chine in on this)...it may just be the Duty C solenoid (in the rear part of the tranny (we're talking about an automatic only---if a standard, you're toast).....which is something you can do,,,albeit you have to remove a small section of the tranny (pictured below)...hmmm....I am getting upload errors...I'll try to attach on the following post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgambino Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Forget what I said Read this post...you may have a much simplier problem http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=91366&highlight=p0743 I should have looked up the code first...DUH!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugglybubbler Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 (edited) Thanks for making me feel welcome. I took a look at that thread you posted....just one newbie question, whats all involved in dropping the transmission pan? btw, auto, and 98k miles Edited September 27, 2009 by fugglybubbler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgambino Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I've never had to drop a pan...but it should be a snap...about 20 10mm bolts and your in. Just don't try to take down the oil pan..which looks like a deep pan. The tranny pan iv very flat looking I would imagine there is a gasket you will need Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugglybubbler Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 hmmm, sounds simple. Just wish is was that simple. I checked the tranny fluid as well. Looks good. But i also hear that my problem could also be related to my needing a new tranny fluid filter. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugglybubbler Posted September 28, 2009 Author Share Posted September 28, 2009 so when i drop this pan...should be expecting to get wet with transmission fluid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgambino Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 so when i drop this pan...should be expecting to get wet with transmission fluid? not if you drain it first. there is a drain plug (looks like the oil drain plug). about 1 gallon will come out. don't lose the washer see if the pan has been dented if so, a wire may have gotten broken inside...that is common Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugglybubbler Posted September 28, 2009 Author Share Posted September 28, 2009 Thanks man, you're really helping me out here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugglybubbler Posted September 28, 2009 Author Share Posted September 28, 2009 (edited) While i'm at it, any chance at getting a wiring diagram for my car? Edited September 29, 2009 by fugglybubbler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 But i also hear that my problem could also be related to my needing a new tranny fluid filter. Any thoughts? the 97 does not have a filter, just a screen. so don't drop the pab for that. but if you have to go in be carefull not to bend / flex the rim of the pan. there's probably a correct procedure for removal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugglybubbler Posted September 28, 2009 Author Share Posted September 28, 2009 thanx for the tip. I'll be sure to remain careful. Don't wanna mess up the situation any more than already is. My sooby currently gets 18 mpg. I'm assuming its caused by the check engine light. Just gathering info right now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugglybubbler Posted October 1, 2009 Author Share Posted October 1, 2009 so i pulled the tranny pan off...all the wires looked just fine...no pinching. i dont think i can get at the 16 pin plug unless i drop the tranny tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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