Auto tranny woes

[opus]

Why, why, why did I ever buy an auto transmission? This is my first, it is a '97 Outback Wagon. From what I have seen so far, I am not very impressed. Now to my point:

 

The 'check engine' light comes on when it shifts from direct, to overdrive....if you are meeting any resistance (gradual uphill). I had the code checked and it said 'torque converter'. We reset it and it took about a week to come back on. Took it to a dealer, they found nothing wrong with the tranny, nor can explain why it comes on. I heard from the previous owner that it would chatter or something to that effect if the wheels were turned all the way in one direction. He changed the fluid and it never did it again, and it doesnt do it now. The fluid is the proper color but smells a little burnt. Now remember, this is my first auto so I am not sure what 'burnt' smells like.

 

When at a stop and in drive, it feels like it is wanting to still go and not disengaging totally as well.

 

Any ideas or suggestions??

[Tiny Clark]

Have the fluid changed or DIY. It won't hurt.

 

If it seems to be shifting OK, I don't see a problem with the tranny. I have never had an automatic that "totally disengages" when you come to a stop. It should downshift into first gear, but still want to move.

[THAWA]

There's no overdrive in a subaru 4eat. What you're experiencing is the torque converter locking and unlocking, well in your case unlocking.

As far as that chattering thing, sounds like torque bind.

[opus]

The chattering thing is of years gone by, that is not an issue. I added it just incase its information would be helpful.

When the converter locks and unlocks is when the light will come on. I forgot it wasnt overdrive. Sometimes the shift will feel funny, sometimes it wont.

 

I was thinking I would change the tranny fluid anyways. Just plain ol' Dextron of is there something else I might be able to add...additive or something?

[THAWA]

when was the last time it was changed?

[opus]

Not sure....I have had it for 30,000 miles and it is just getting 155,000 on it now. I bet it was changed 50,000 ago.

[teppichkopf]

It definately needs a changing then.

[Strakes]

Use a good quality Dexron III and you should be fine. I've been using Valvoline Maxlife Dexron III on my wife's automatic transmission services for over 50000 miles and it has helped smooth out the operation of the tranny considerably. That's been my personal experience. (Her car has about 154000 on the odometer now.) Good luck.

[friendly_jacek]

Not sure....I have had it for 30,000 miles and it is just getting 155,000 on it now. I bet it was changed 50,000 ago.

Not bad for AT. If you had MT, you would go by 2 clutches or so by now.

 

My luck was worse, my first 2 AT lasted for 50,000 miles only (Mazda and Nissan). That is why I moved on to "better imports" (Subaru and Toyota).

 

Good luck.

[99obw]

A properly driven clutch can easily last 200k miles.

 

You might try some Auto-Rx. It's supposed to be a gentle cleaner that is very effective. It's a bit spendy for an additive, but you might take a look. I have no idea if it really works.

 

http://www.auto-rx.net/trans/

[Commuter]

When at a stop and in drive, it feels like it is wanting to still go and not disengaging totally as well.

I have the same car. My first auto as well.

 

Overall, I find it ok. As you have noted though, it is "set" such that there is a fair 'pull' on the car when stopped at a light. One has to keep more than expected pressure on the brake pedal. You get use to it. The upside is a quicker response starting off. Not as much lag as other auto's. *shrug* 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

 

Personally, I prefer synthetics. For what it costs and how long it stays in there, I think it's worth it.

 

Commuter