Help with auto trans in 97 Subaru outback

NYSpeed Automotive
1

I’m having some problems with my 97 Outback, and was wondering if anyone out there can point me in the right direction-

Symptoms-

A) all of a sudden one day, the trans acted as though I had the accelerator to the floor all the time- i.e. hard 1-2 shift, very late 3-4 shifts, and became very sensitive to throttle input- the slightest touch on the gas and it would downshift. if I really baby the car, it will shift normally, but as soon as I push the accelerator more than 1/2 it goes into this mode, and doesn’t return to normal until the car cools down (usually overnight)

I checked the TPS, and got normal readings, (voltage increasing as the throttle is opened.)

I guess my questions are-
A) what causes kickdown in the auto trans?
B) How do I read the codes for the TCM?

thanks!

2

this sounds like the car i drove last week. ib4 ieatpaint

3

^ LOL

4

Try unhooking the battery for 10 min and see if that fixes it. I read on nasioc that will cause the ecu to relearn the transmission shifting.

5

I’m not sure how the Subaru transmissions work but there is usually either a vacuum modulator or a TV cable to get the load input to the transmission from the engine, this is unless it is electronically controlled and then I have no idea where you would start. If its electronically controlled and detects a problem it should throw a check engine light I think.

If its a vacuum modulator it could be as simple as a leaking vacuum line causing the transmission to think its at full load or the vacuum modulator itself could be bad.

Edit: I think that yours is probably electronically controlled. I found this article that shows how you can get the codes. It says the ATF light should be on if it detects a problem.
http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/4EAatPh2Win04.pdf

Ok so how to read the AT codes…
TO EXTRACT CODES:

  1. Warm up the engine.

  2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

  3. Turn ignition switch ON.

  4. Check if the indicator light comes on.
    . YES: Go to step 5
    . NO: Repair faulty indicator circuit.

  5. Drive vehicle at speeds greater than 20 km/h (12 MPH).

  6. Stop vehicle, turn ignition switch OFF.

  7. Turn ignition switch ON.

  8. Move selector lever to 1 position

  9. Turn ignition switch OFF.

  10. 10 Turn ignition switch ON.

  11. Move select lever to 2 position.

  12. Move selector lever to 1 position

  13. Move select lever to 2 position.

  14. Move select lever to 3 position.

  15. Move select lever to D position.

  16. Ensure that indicator light blinks.
    Indicator light blinks at 4-Hz intervals (every 0.125 <1/8> second until ignition switch is turned OFF.
    . Faulty battery.
    Indicator light blinks at 2-Hz intervals (Blinks every 0.25 <1/4> seconds (until ignition switch is turned OFF).
    . Normal
    Trouble code is outputted.
    . Check problem corresponding with trouble code.
    Indicator light remains illuminated.
    . Check inhibitor switch, wiring, TCM, etc.

http://www.porcupine73.com/pics/at/subaru-4eat-phase-2-codes.gif
subaru-4eat-phase-2-codes.gif775×564

6

Wow… perfect. I’m going to go out and see if I get any codes…I’ll report back.

thanks~!

7

I tried numerous times to get the codes… nothing… I wonder if this method is only for later model OBD cars…

I still looking if there is a different method for earlier cars.

thanks again…