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98 outback keeps downshifting


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I just picked up a nice 98 outback for 500 bucks knowing that it has trans problems. The fluid is clean with no burnt smiles but it keeps downshifting

even on the flats. Is it the TCU or ?. No codes are showing :rolleyes:

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I just picked up a nice 98 outback for 500 bucks knowing that it has trans problems. The fluid is clean with no burnt smiles but it keeps downshifting

even on the flats. Is it the TCU or ?. No codes are showing :rolleyes:

 

It downshifts from which gear to which? At what speed does it typically occur?

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are you sure its not torqeconverter to 4th? may be the torqeconverter not staying locked in.

 

No I'm not sure , I thought that also but this is my first Subaru and problem with a locking torque converter ,what would cause that?

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Try driving in D3 and see what happens, i agree i dont think this is a tranny issue, but a bad sensor someplace.

 

 

nipper

 

last night on the way home from work I tried to narrow it down a little,

in 4th it keeps going from 1500 rpm to 3500 back and forth this is at about 40 mph , when it was at the higher rpm I downshifted 3rd and there was no change in rpm . I also tried this at 60 mph low rpm was 2500 and close to 4000 when it kept downshifting. I also downshifted at this speed and there was no change in 3rd at the higher rpm. So for some reason it's going into passing gear or 3rd . I also believe it's a sensor or TCI but finding out which one will be tough. Thanks for all the help you guys

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Ed:

I don't think this car has a green power light or manual mode button, my 97 OB has neither of those. The only button on the shifter is the one you depress to allow you to shift to/from park, R, D, etc. I think you're thinking of the first gen Legacies?

 

To the original poster:

I'm amazed you got a 98 Outback that actually drives for $500, congrats! It would go for much more here.

 

Steve

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Ed:

 

I don't think this car has a green power light or manual mode button, my 97 OB has neither of those. The only button on the shifter is the one you depress to allow you to shift to/from park, R, D, etc. I think you're thinking of the first gen Legacies?

 

I'm amazed you got a 98 Outback that actually drives for $500, congrats! It would go for much more here.

 

Steve

you are right,thats going to make it tough to figure out now.
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you are right,thats going to make it tough to figure out now.
That indication has moved to the "AT Oil Temp" light now. If there is a code, it will flash 16 times, and you need to ground the diagnistics pin under the kickplate to get the code to flash.
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That indication has moved to the "AT Oil Temp" light now. If there is a code, it will flash 16 times, and you need to ground the diagnistics pin under the kickplate to get the code to flash.

 

 

Thanks everybody I think reading the codes will be my next move

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