'96 Transmission trouble codes?

[mtsubaru]

This is my first post so I'm not sure how much info to give, but I have a '96 OB and when I start it the AT oil temp light blinks 16 times. Does anyone know what this means? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[sea#3]

This is my first post so I'm not sure how much info to give, but I have a '96 OB and when I start it the AT oil temp light blinks 16 times. Does anyone know what this means? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Your TCM (Transmission Control Module ) has a stored code in it . The easiest way is to use a Select Monitor Scan Tool to access the codes

SEA#3

[friendly_jacek]

You can get the codes without the tool.

Google for subaru TCU secret handshake.

NASIOC forum has the details.

[rruge]

On-Board Diagnostics for the 4EAT Auto Tranmission

 

There are two varieties of trouble codes from the Transmission Control Module (TCM); Existing and Previous. Here is how to read the code without the Select Monitor tool.

Existing:

1. Move gear selector to D
   
2. Turn the ignition switch to On
   
3. Move the selector to 3, 2, then 1st gear.
   
4. Depress the gas pedal
   

Or Previous:

1. Move the selector to 1st gear
   
2. Turn the ignition switch to On
   
3. Move the selector to 2, 3, then D gear.
   
4. Depress the gas pedal
   

Next, watch the AT Oil Temp light. Here is the output:

1. Light flashes 4 times per second, you have a faulty battery.
   
2. Light flashes 2 times per second, all is normal.
   
3. Light remains on, check the inhibitor switch, diagnosis switch, wiring, TCM, etc.
   
4. Trouble code (see the next section).
   

Reading the trouble code:

1. Long light pulses (~1.2 seconds) indicate "tens."
   
2. Short light pulses (~0.2 seconds) indicate "ones."
   
3. Count the long, then short pulses.
   
4. Interval between codes are ~1.8 seconds.
   
5. Codes will repeat.
   
6. There are about 13 codes ranging between 11 and 33.
   

Trouble Code

11) Duty solenoid A

12) Duty solenoid B

13) Shift solenoid 3

14) Shift solenoid 2

15) Shift solenoid 1

21) ATF temperature sensor

22) Mass air flow signal

23) Engine speed sensor

24) Duty solenoid C

25) Torque control signal

31) Throttle position sensor

32) Vehicle speed sensor 1

33) Vehicle speed sensor 2

 

All solenoid issues, "detect open or shorted drive circuit, as well as valve seizure". All sensor or signal issues, "detect open or shorted input signal circuit".

 

Aside: although Subaru says that the TCM will, "detect... valve seizure", in my case the Duty Solenoid C seizure that I incurred was NOT detected by the TCM.

 

Good luck and may the force be with you.

 

Peace, out....

[rude]

Hello-

16 blinks is your torque control cut off. Been there a few weeks ago. Posted the whole thing.

 

I used a shop manual which lead me to believe it was my TCU, bought a new one, ran fine for 1/2 hour, then came back, returned TCU (minus a large restocking fee)....I'll just let you read my past posts. Be ready to spend about $750, more if you go to a dealer.

 

rude

[yarikoptic]

16 blinks is just that there is a problem registered by TCU - it is nothing specific yet. Guys already described the procedure on how to pull the codes, although in my case (1995 Legacy) I have to connect diagnostic No.5 terminal under the dash to do magical code reading.

 

Updated: attachement with information you need to start troubleshooting via TCU on 1996 Legacy

MSA5TCD96L6421.pdf