| issue |
model |
tech tip |
| Bluetooth, hands free Bluetooth
for your cell phone |
all |
if the Bluetooth stops working,
try a battery pull on the phone- remove the battery for 30 seconds or so. |
| Outside temp guage inaccurate or no temp
at all, headlights dimming |
09 Impreza |
Check through connector under fuse box
for corrosion |
Dew formation on the inside of head and
tail lights.
(December 2007) |
all |
Due to the recent head and tail lamp design
change, dew formation may be visible on the inside of the lamps. This is
temporary and will disappear when the temperature rises or when the lights
are turned on for a while.
This is most noticeable in the late fall
and early spring. This condition occurs when there is a difference in the
temperature between the evening and morning or when washing a vehicle with
cold water on a warm day when the lamps are warm. This is the same symptom
as dew formation on the surface of window glass. 1) If a lamp is unevenly
warmed by sunshine, the temperature of the area where the sun shines is
about 50° F higher than the other area. When air circulates inside
the lamp, the warm air reacts to the cold surface and dew appears.
Replacement of the lamps for dew formation is not a matter for warranty. |
PZEV idle fluctuation
partial zero emission vehicle
(October 2007) |
PZEV models sold outside California |
PZEV idle fluctuation (“hunting”) during
cold starts which generally last about 20 to 30 seconds the cause is a
combination of factors including
1. Fuel blends. 2. Percentage of Ethanol
content of the fuel being used. 3. Outside Temperature. 4. Narrow operating
range of the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor.
The main cause of this fluctuation is
fuel related and not the vehicle.
PZEV engines are designed to run on fuel
blended for distribution within certain areas of the U.S. (such as the
state of California). Fuels in other markets that may have adopted California
emission standards, may be a slightly different blend. If you live in any
other state than California, your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting
Federal specifications. However, PZEV vehicles may experience this issue
especially during the summer months when summer blend fuels are distributed.
There is no effect on vehicle emissions, and no short or long term damage
will occur due to this issue.
The condition may be reduced or eliminated
by changing to a fuel that contains a lesser percentage or no Ethanol.
Also, a light throttle application while the vehicle is exhibiting this
condition will stabilize the idle. As we move towards cooler weather many
areas of the country will be changing to a winter blend of fuel which may
also alleviate the condition. |
| Tire pressure monitor warning light
Many models have TPMS but
starting with 2008 models, all are equipped with it. |
all with TPMS |
TPMS tire pressure monitoring: the dashboard
warning light may come on due to change of outside temperature, with cold
weather causing a decrease in tire pressure making the warning light go
on.
This is normal and tire pressure should
be checked and corrected seasonally.
You might want to slightly increase the
tire pressure dxuring cold months.
Driving app 1 mile after increasing tire
prssure should turn off the warning light.
The TMPS is designed to warn of app 20-25%
drop in tire pressure. |
| aftermarket iPod auxilliary stereo input
plug |
all |
Starting in 07 most models have an auxilliary
stereo input plug (iPod). Now you can add one aftermarket and here's what
you need from Jazzy
Engineering.
Note: I'm told it works but haven't seen
one so let me know. Aftermarket means it isn't Subari factory authorized.
And please mention to Jazzy that you saw it on cars101.com. |
| Refilling Cooling System |
all |
If you must open or drain the cooling
system, you want to eliminate trapped air. Try to use ramps or other SAFE
method of raising the front of the car, set the climate system on max
heat, open the radiator and fill with
approved coolant mix AND the Subaru Conditioner - especially on 2.5 liter
engines. (caution - anti-freeze is sweet tasting and EXTREMELY toxic in
even small amounts to mammals - clean any spills). Fill radiator to 'neck'
and start car. Monitor the radiator level and add coolant as required.
Run engine until the cooling fan comes on and continue to fill as necessary.
Fill the overflow bottle to the full or slightly over
mark. Install the radiator cap. At this
point, a more secure path to take is to allow the entire car to cool -
several hours to overnight, and repeat the warm-up with rad. cap removed.
Fill radiator as necessary. Or, install rad. cap and operate car as normal.
DO monitor the temp gauge. DO monitor the fluid level in the overflow bottle
and check the radiator level (carefully - only when cold) after the next
2-3 'drive cycles'. Small amounts of fluid may be drawn into the system
from the overflow bottle, top off as required. If large amounts of coolant
go missing, or large amounts of bubbles are in the radiator, or if there
is any 'scum' or 'latte' looking substance in the coolant - there could
be a problem with the car. If this procedure is not clear, or seems too
daunting - let a qualified mechanic work on your cooling system. |
| Check engine light |
all |
The check engine light can be on
for many reasons, some requiring prompt attention. If you put gas
in the car and didn't tighten the gas cap, the check engine light comes
on. The light will turn itself off but that can take over 20 on-off cycles.
Or try disconnecting the battery for 20-30 minutes. Of course a dealer
or repair shop should read the code to determine the exact reason the light
is on, then re-set and turn it off. So be sure to tighten the gas cap,
and don't just ignore the light |
| Climate control temp fluctuates |
models with climate control |
Climate control temp fluctuates, check
RPM sensor on the AC compressor |
| Forester, manual transmission |
all with manual |
The manual comes with a hill holder clutch.
It's important to let off the clutch completely to release the hill holder.
Many folks will light ride the clutch as they move in and out of parking
sports or in traffic etc, but this may cause the hill holder to stay engaged |
| improve fuel economy |
wagons |
Remove cross bars to improve economy and
reduce drag. Thanks to MZ in New York |
| windshield fogs up when car is off |
all |
The front defrost settings are an open,
fresh air setting and as a result the inside of the windshield might fog
up when the car is turned off especially in cold or wet weather.
When you turn the car off leave the heat
setting on any heat or vent position and not defrost. |
| seatbelt beeping |
05, 06 Legacy, Outback, Baja, Tribeca |
Temporary: buckle and un-buckle the driver
and/or passenger seatbelt 3 times in 6 seconds after turning the car to
either 'accessory' or 'on' (varies by year, model)
Disable the seatbelt beeping: buckle and
un-buckle the driver and/or passenger seatbelt 20 times in 30 seconds after
turning the car to acc.
You should always buckle up! |
disable all wheel drive
when using temporary spare tire |
automatic transmission |
When driving with the space saver temporary
spare tire, insert the fuse in the FWD (front wheel drive) slot. This slot
should normally be empty and the fuse should only be inserted to
-disable- the awd system. The FWD slot is found in a small box labeled
FWD on the passenger side by the firewall or in the main fuse box on the
driver's side. |
| alarm activated, don't have remote to
turn alarm off, and can't start car |
most |
insert key in ignition and turn on-off
3 times, older models -without- an Immobilizer Key |
| intercooler water bottle frozen and cracked |
STI |
keep only partly filled with water (only) |
| ET elaspsed time in trip computer doesn't
work |
2005, 2006 Legacy, Outback |
the trip computer's ET elapsed time setting
works when the ignition key is briefly paused at the 'on' setting and may
not work if the key is turned too quickly.
Note: May 2006, repair bulletin #08-37-06 |
