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'83 Gl Wagon (1800) Transmission Issues


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First off, I'd like to say that I'm new here & I am really glad to find a site that exists for older Subaru’s :)

 

 

 

Some specs on my Subaru: 1983 GL Turbo Wagon 1800 / Automatic Transmission

 

 

 

Now, for the problem (among many others I will probably post about): My Subaru has issues going in reverse & shifting into third unless the motor is warmed up (usually past the first "block" on the temperature gauge). Is there a fix for this kind of problem... ie: a transmission rebuild kit. Do I need to find a replacement transmission? I've searched & called around junk yards around this area, but no one has a transmission that would fit this year/model.

 

 

 

I Live in the south-eastern part of Washington & if anyone has a transmission that would fit this year/model & is selling for a reasonable price, feel free to respond. If you have any ideas, those would be appreciated as well.

 

 

 

Thanks!

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Sounds like you need to "dress" the governor. It comes out the side of the tranny, and the edges of the sliding mechanism get rought with years of shifting. The parts expand as they warm, and eventually start working, but in the cold state they have trouble moving freely. The procedure isn't terribly difficult if you have some mechnical skills. There was an article in the online repair manual addressing this - perhaps someone can dig it up for you.

 

The other alternative is to replace the tranny. Good news there is that any EA81 or EA82 automatic will bolt up to your engine and work just fine. The 3 speed automatics (like yours) are not very reliable however. You could covert to a manual, but if you want to stay with an automatic, they did make a 4 speed automatic in the later years of the EA82 series that are reputedly the most reliable of the automatics that will bolt up to your car. I have one for sale in fact if you are interested. It would require some wireing to install, as it is computer controlled, but it's a 4 speed AWD from an '88 turbo. $75 if you come and yank it from the car in my driveway, or $100 if I yank it. Otherwise it goes to the crusher pretty soon.....

 

I've got it posted over in the market place, but there hasn't been much intrest :( Too bad I don't have any use for it myself:

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20646

 

GD

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What we commonly refer to as EA81 is actually properly known as "Gen 2", and it encompasses '80-'84. '85 to '89 are all EA82's or "Gen 3", and also '90-'94 Loyale's. All of these cars (with the exception of some '80 and '81 models) share the same bell-houseing, and with a little clutch swapping, and cutting/pasting of the linkages, and cross-members, all the tranny's will swap around.

 

GD

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Welcome to the board!

Just a heads up about your digital dash display, they will tolerate no electrical tom-foolery and are near impossible to find.

Just having the alternator go out can ruin them.

Get your charging system checked right away, and be sure to disconnect the battery 1st before doing any electrical work.

I wouldn't even jump-start dead batteries.

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Hi,

I have a 83 FWD trans that was working when it was removed, 50+ shipping , it is in Tx. though. Food for thought, LOL .

First off, I'd like to say that I'm new here & I am really glad to find a site that exists for older Subaru’s :)

 

 

 

Some specs on my Subaru: 1983 GL Turbo Wagon 1800 / Automatic Transmission

 

 

 

Now, for the problem (among many others I will probably post about): My Subaru has issues going in reverse & shifting into third unless the motor is warmed up (usually past the first "block" on the temperature gauge). Is there a fix for this kind of problem... ie: a transmission rebuild kit. Do I need to find a replacement transmission? I've searched & called around junk yards around this area, but no one has a transmission that would fit this year/model.

 

 

 

I Live in the south-eastern part of Washington & if anyone has a transmission that would fit this year/model & is selling for a reasonable price, feel free to respond. If you have any ideas, those would be appreciated as well.

 

 

 

Thanks!

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Welcome to the board!

Just a heads up about your digital dash display, they will tolerate no electrical tom-foolery and are near impossible to find.

Just having the alternator go out can ruin them.

Get your charging system checked right away, and be sure to disconnect the battery 1st before doing any electrical work.

I wouldn't even jump-start dead batteries.

 

Actually, the dash is analog. I've heard horror stories about the digital ones & I am glad the original owner opt-ed out :)

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  • 1 year later...

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